Interaction of Socioeconomic Status with Risky Internet Use, Gambling and Substance Use in Adolescents from a Structurally Disadvantaged Region in Central Europe

Benjamin Petruzelka, Jaroslav Vacek, Beata Gavurova, Matus Kubak, Roman Gabrhelik, Vladimir Rogalewicz and Miroslav Bartak
Additional contact information
Benjamin Petruzelka: Department of Addictology, General University Hospital in Prague, Apolinářská 447/4, 128 00 Prague, Czech Republic
Jaroslav Vacek: Department of Addictology, General University Hospital in Prague, Apolinářská 447/4, 128 00 Prague, Czech Republic
Beata Gavurova: Department of Addictology, General University Hospital in Prague, Apolinářská 447/4, 128 00 Prague, Czech Republic
Matus Kubak: Faculty of Economics, Technical University of Košice, 04001 Košice, Slovak Republic
Roman Gabrhelik: Department of Addictology, General University Hospital in Prague, Apolinářská 447/4, 128 00 Prague, Czech Republic
Vladimir Rogalewicz: Department of Addictology, General University Hospital in Prague, Apolinářská 447/4, 128 00 Prague, Czech Republic
Miroslav Bartak: Department of Addictology, General University Hospital in Prague, Apolinářská 447/4, 128 00 Prague, Czech Republic

IJERPH, 2020, vol. 17, issue 13, 1-18

Abstract: Background and aims: The current level of knowledge concerning the effect of socioeconomic status (SES) on internet use, gambling, and substance use in structurally disadvantaged regions is scarce. The objective of this study was an investigation of the relationship between SES and risky internet use, gambling and substance use in a structurally disadvantaged region in Central Europe. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among high school students ( n = 1063) in a Czech structurally disadvantaged region in autumn 2017. Binary Logistic Regression models were applied to data from the modified Excessive Internet Use scale (mEIUS), a standard tool for measuring the risk of addictive behavior on the internet and the risk of excessive gaming. Other data were collected using the Lie/Bet (problematic gambling), CAGE (acronym of the key words: cut, angry, guilty and eye-opener), and the Cannabis Abuse Screening Test (CAST) (problematic alcohol/cannabis use) tools. Results: There were statistically significant differences between at-risk and not-at-risk groups in addictive behavior on the internet and gaming, while none were found in problematic gambling. Individual dimensions of SES showed significant effects on substance use. Regarding parenting styles, significant differences were found only in the risk of addictive behavior on the internet or gaming between the authoritarian and authoritative styles. Being engaged in behavioral addictions with one´s parents increased the odds of the behavioral addiction risk and decreased the odds of the substance addiction risk. Engagement with one´s parents in substance addictions decreased the odds of the behavioral addiction risk and increased the odds of the substance addiction risk. Discussion and Conclusions: The results point at specific relations between SES and the risk of addictive behaviors on the internet and gaming within structurally disadvantaged regions. The results of SES and/or structurally disadvantaged region measures obtained in research, policy-making, and care-provision may improve the focus of actions taken.

Keywords: substance use; gambling; internet use; students; adolescents; socioeconomic status; disadvantaged region (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (4)

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