Prevalence of Problematic Internet Use (PIU) After the COVID-19 Pandemic in Iranian Adolescent: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Introduction: The widespread use of the internet has resulted in both beneficial and detrimental effects on adolescents and young adults globally. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to examine the prevalence of problematic internet use (PIU) among Iranian adolescents following the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: We conducted a systematic search using electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, covering the period from January 1, 2020, to January 1, 2025. The search focused on studies examining the prevalence of internet addiction among students aged 13 - 18 years in Iran following the coronavirus epidemic. Data from these studies were analyzed using meta-analysis methods, employing the meta-prop command in STATA-17, and results were reported with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The I-squared test was used to identify heterogeneity between studies. Results: The meta-analysis results indicate that the prevalence of PIU among Iranian adolescents post-COVID-19 pandemic is 31% (95% CI: 17% to 45%). This finding represents a significant increase compared to pre-pandemic studies. High heterogeneity (I2 = 99.43%) was observed among the studies, potentially due to variations in study populations, measurement tools, and temporal changes throughout the post-pandemic period. Conclusions: The findings underscore the urgent need for culturally tailored interventions to address PIU among Iranian adolescents. Recommendations include developing effective prevention strategies, enhancing parental guidance, and implementing educational programs to promote healthy internet use. Future research should focus on understanding the long-term impacts of increased internet use and developing targeted interventions to mitigate associated risks.