Determinant Factors of Physical and Mental Health Problems of Adolescent Internet Users in High Schools in Makassar, Indonesia

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study is to identify the factors influencing teenage internet users' physical and mental well-being in Makassar, Indonesian high schools.   Method: This study used an analytical observational approach and a cross-sectional study strategy at SMAN 5 Makassar, Rajawali Catholic High School Makassar, SMPN 12 Makassar, and SMP Islam Athirah Bukit Baruga Makassar in February 2023. 616 research samples were collected using proportional random sampling. The data was gathered using a questionnaire distributed to respondents. The acquired data was measured using three models: univariate analysis, bivariate analysis, and multivariate analysis.   Results: The physical and emotional health of adolescents is linked to their participation in extracurricular activities, educational attainment, and internet use. School status is the factor most strongly influencing teenage physical health as the dependent variable with the greatest odds ratio of 1.09. Education level is the most important factor influencing mental health, with an odds ratio of 0.90.   Conclusions: Adolescent physical and mental health is highly connected to gender, school status, parent education level, parent occupation, internet usage activity, and internet use intensity. In adolescents, grade level is not strongly associated with mental health. Furthermore, the variable of internet usage intensity has the greatest influence on adolescent mental health.   Implications of the research:  The findings of the study can be used by stakeholders and researchers to develop intervention to reduce physical and mental health problems among the sub-group of students due to internet exposures.   Originality/value: Research related to the safety and health problems of internet users, especially adolescents in high school and their determinants, is still lacking. There has been no research that examines the potential for differentiation of safety and health problems of internet users of high school students. Likewise, there is no concept or model of internet health and safety promotion that is in accordance with the bio-social-cultural conditions (settings) of the community of high school students in Makassar, Indonesia.