Relationships between Mental Health, Depression Level, and Internet Addiction among High School Students in Rural Communities

Oh, Hyun Ei; Sim, Mi Jung; Oh, Hyo Sook

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
This study is to offer basic data to understand the relationships between mental health, level of depression, and internet addiction of high school students in farming communities for developing a mental health management program for adolescents.
METHODS
The survey was carried out on a convenience sample of 299 high school students in farming communities during May of 2008. Data analysis procedure included chi-square -test, t-test, Pearson correlation among Adolescent Mental Health & Problem-behavior Screening Questionnaire (AMPQ), Children's Depression Inventory (CDI), and Scales of Internet addiction (K-scales). RESULT: First, the level of mental health according to the AMPQ for subjects from this study showed problematic behavior was lower when compared to other researches. There were statistically significant differences according to the school type for externalization problems and overall problematic behavior. Based on gender, it was even more problematic for male students in regards to externalization problems. Secondly, the level of depression was relatively low : 5.1% for potential risk and 0.3% for high risk. Thirdly, a total of 96.9% were considered normal for Internet addition levels. 1.7% for potential risk, 1.4% for high risk; however, there was no statistically significant difference between each variable. Fourthly, there was a strong relationship between subjects AMPQ, level of depression and Internet addiction. As depression worsens, Internet addiction also becomes stronger.
CONCLUSION
There is a need for awareness of the mental health of adolescents and precautionary measures, the development of a program for early treatment, adequate management, and decisions on the direction of treatment.