Prevalence of Pathological Internet Use among Adolescents in Secondary Schools: A Case of Ruthimitu Mixed and Dagoretti Mixed Sub-County Secondary Schools in Nairobi County, Kenya

Kimaru Nyaga, Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology Candidate; Alice Munene, Psy.D; & Michael Bowen, Ph.D., Daystar University

Abstract

Internet use is an integral part of our daily undertakings; but, Internet use may become pathological and harmful in some cases. Pathological Internet use (PIU) lures adolescents away from school tasks that require resilient mental effort so they can spend their lives on social networks or virtual betting/gaming. PIU, also referred to as Internet addiction, insistently triggers adolescents to use internet-enabled gadgets at the expense of engaging with family, and other vital real-life activities. In Kenya epidemiological studies on secondary school adolescent samples with Internet use disorder or pathological use of Internet are lacking. Yet, understanding the prevalence of PIU is paramount in devising appropriate treatment. The objective of this study was to establish the prevalence of PIU among students in selected secondary schools in Dagoretti Sub-county, Nairobi County. Two self-administered measures were used; a socio-demographic questionnaire and Problematic and Risky Internet Use Screening Scale (PRIUSS). Data was collected from 360 adolescents who were screened for PIU symptoms using PRIUSS. Data were analyzed using SPSS software. This study found that the prevalence of PIU among respondents was 74.4%. The proportion was higher among males at 42.9% compared to females at 31.5%. The frequency was more among respondents aged 17-19 at 54.6% than those aged 14-16 at 43.5% and 20-22 at 1.9%. This meant that the male students used Internet in a more pathological manner than their female peers. However, both genders are at risk of becoming pathological Internet users. Therefore, appropriate prevention programs and treatment for those affected are vital, especially in secondary schools. Enhancements in family relations and stricter parental supervision, especially when mothers have active job employment, are also recommended.

Keywords: pathological Internet use, Internet addiction, efficacy, motivational enhancement therapy