RT Journal
A1 Moreno MA, Jelenchick L, Cox E, Young H, Christakis DA
T1 Problematic internet use among us youth: A systematic review
JF Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine
JO Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine
YR 2011
FD September 1
VO 165
IS 9
SP 797
OP 805
DO 10.1001/archpediatrics.2011.58
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/archpediatrics.2011.58
AB Objective 
                  To investigate study quality and reported prevalence among the emergent area of problematic Internet use (PIU) research conducted in populations of US adolescents and college students.Data Sources 
                  We searched PubMed, PsycINFO, and Web of Knowledge from inception to July 2010.Study Selection 
                  Using a keyword search, we evaluated English-language PIU studies with populations of US adolescents and college students.Main Outcome Measures 
                  Using a quality review tool based on the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) statement, 2 reviewers independently extracted data items including study setting, subject population, instrument used, and reported prevalence.Results 
                  Search results yielded 658 articles. We identified 18 research studies that met inclusion criteria. Quality assessment of studies ranged between 14 and 29 total points of a possible 42 points; the average score was 23 (SD 5.1). Among these 18 studies, 8 reported prevalence estimates of US college student PIU; prevalence rates ranged from 0% to 26.3%. An additional 10 studies did not report prevalence.Conclusions 
                  The evaluation of PIU remains incomplete and is hampered by methodological inconsistencies. The wide range of conceptual approaches may have impacted the reported prevalence rates. Despite the newness of this area of study, most studies in our review were published more than 3 years ago. Opportunities exist to pursue future studies adhering to recognized quality guidelines, as well as applying consistency in theoretical approach and validated instruments.