scholarly journals Predictors of parental mediation in teenagers’ internet use: A cross-sectional study of female caregivers in Lahore, Pakistan

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarosh Iqbal ◽  
Rubeena Zakar ◽  
Florian Fischer
Keyword(s):  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Internet Use ◽  
Parental Mediation ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Multivariate Logistic Regression ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Internet Safety ◽  
Use Of The Internet ◽  
Internet Mediation

Abstract Background The internet has become the most widely used medium among teenagers, who spend much of their time online, which raises parental concerns. Notwithstanding teens’ increased internet use and exposure to online risks, little is yet known about parental internet mediation in local settings. The present research aimed to assess the various dimensions of parental mediation to regulate teens’ use of the internet, and their predictors.Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted in the district of Lahore, Pakistan, among mothers/female caregivers of teens (aged 13–19 years). Only women were interviewed because they are more frequently engaged as primary caregivers than fathers or male caregivers. Furthermore, only qualified and working mothers from the top two professions among women, i.e. academia and medicine, were interviewed. A stratified random sampling technique was adopted, and 347 mothers were interviewed using face-to-face interviews at 11 universities and 11 hospitals/medical colleges. Data was entered and analysed using descriptive, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses.Results The findings highlighted that more than 65% of respondents applied high active mediation of internet safety, around 60% used high active co-use mediation and more than 56% applied restrictive mediation. In addition, 36% of respondents monitored and 15.3% technically mediated to regulate their teens’ use of the internet. The results of the multivariate logistic regression revealed that the majority of respondents were more inclined to adopt active internet safety mediation if they had teens aged 16–19 years, with medium internet addiction, possessed good digital skills, felt confident about their teens’ coping appraisal to perform online protection, and considered their teens to have high self-esteem and resilience.Conclusions This research found that parental internet mediation is a multi-faceted concept used to regulate teens’ online activity and enhance a resilient approach to reduce the risks associated with use of the internet. The researchers recommend developing parental guidelines, e-safety resource material, local support networks and community programmes to educate parents, teachers and teens in order to raise awareness and promote resilient pathways amongst teens.

scholarly journals Predictors of parental mediation in teenagers’ internet use: A cross-sectional study of female caregivers in Lahore, Pakistan

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarosh Iqbal ◽  
Rubeena Zakar ◽  
Florian Fischer
Keyword(s):  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Internet Use ◽  
Parental Mediation ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Multivariate Logistic Regression ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Internet Safety ◽  
Use Of The Internet ◽  
Internet Mediation

Abstract Background: The internet has become the most widely used medium among teenagers, who spend much of their time online, which raises parental concerns. Notwithstanding teens’ increased internet use and exposure to online risks, little is yet known about parental internet mediation in local settings. The present research aimed to assess the various dimensions of parental mediation to regulate teens’ use of the internet, and their predictors. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in the district of Lahore, Pakistan, among mothers/female caregivers of teens (aged 13–19 years). Only women were interviewed because they are more frequently engaged as primary caregivers than fathers or male caregivers. Furthermore, only qualified and working mothers from the top two professions among women, i.e. academia and medicine, were interviewed. A stratified random sampling technique was adopted, and 347 mothers were interviewed using face-to-face interviews at 11 universities and 11 hospitals/medical colleges. Data was entered and analysed using descriptive, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses.Results: The findings highlighted that more than 65% of respondents applied high active mediation of internet safety, around 60% used high active co-use mediation and more than 56% applied restrictive mediation. In addition, 36% of respondents monitored and 15.3% technically mediated to regulate their teens’ use of the internet. The results of the multivariate logistic regression revealed that the majority of respondents were more inclined to adopt active internet safety mediation if they had teens aged 16–19 years, with medium internet addiction, possessed good digital skills, felt confident about their teens’ coping appraisal to perform online protection, and considered their teens to have high self-esteem and resilience. Conclusions: This research found that parental internet mediation is a multi-faceted concept used to regulate teens’ online activity and enhance a resilient approach to reduce the risks associated with use of the internet. The researchers recommend developing parental guidelines, e-safety resource material, local support networks and community programmes to educate parents, teachers and teens in order to raise awareness and promote resilient pathways amongst teens.

scholarly journals Predictors of parental mediation in teenagers’ internet use: a cross-sectional study of female caregivers in Lahore, Pakistan

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarosh Iqbal ◽  
Rubeena Zakar ◽  
Florian Fischer
Keyword(s):  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Internet Use ◽  
Parental Mediation ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Multivariate Logistic Regression ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Internet Safety ◽  
Highly Active ◽  
Use Of The Internet ◽  
Internet Mediation

Abstract Background The internet has become the most widely used medium among teenagers, who spend much of their time online, which raises parental concerns. Notwithstanding teens’ increased internet use and exposure to online risks, little is yet known about parental internet mediation in local settings. The present research aimed to assess the various dimensions of parental mediation to regulate teens’ use of the internet and their predictors. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted in the district of Lahore, Pakistan, among mothers/female caregivers of teens (aged 13–19 years). Only women were interviewed because they are more frequently engaged as primary caregivers than fathers or male caregivers. Furthermore, only qualified and working mothers from the top two professions among women, i.e. academia and medicine, were interviewed. A stratified random sampling technique was adopted, and 347 mothers were interviewed using face-to-face interviews at 11 universities and 11 hospitals/medical colleges. Data were entered and analysed using descriptive, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Results The findings highlighted that more than 65% of respondents applied highly active mediation of internet safety, around 60% used highly active co-use mediation and more than 56% applied restrictive mediation. In addition, 36% of respondents monitored and 15.3% technically mediated to regulate their teens’ use of the internet. The results of the multivariate logistic regression revealed that the majority of respondents were more inclined to adopt active internet safety mediation if they had teens aged 16–19 years, with medium internet addiction, possessed good digital skills, felt confident about their teens’ coping appraisal to perform online protection, and considered their teens to have high self-esteem and resilience. Conclusions This research found that parental internet mediation is a multifaceted concept used to regulate teens’ online activity and enhance a resilient approach to reduce the risks associated with use of the internet. The researchers recommend developing parental guidelines, e-safety resource material, local support networks and community programmes to educate parents, teachers and teens in order to raise awareness and promote resilient pathways amongst teens.

scholarly journals Internet use and need for digital health technology among the elderly: a cross-sectional survey in China

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xinran Sun ◽  
Wenxin Yan ◽  
Hao Zhou ◽  
Zhaoqing Wang ◽  
Xueying Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Internet Use ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Elderly Care ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Influential Factors ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health Technologies ◽  
Use Of The Internet

Abstract Background China is becoming an aging society at the fastest pace in history, and there are a large number of empty nesters in the country. With economic and social development, internal support systems among families are gradually weakening. Supporting the elderly is thus emerging as a significant issue, and promoting digital health technologies is an effective way to help address it. Encouraging the application of Internet to elderly care and Internet use among the elderly are important means of promoting digital health technologies. This paper examines the current state of the use of the Internet by the elderly and factors influencing it (including physical, psychological, and social) as well as demand among the elderly for smart services. Methods A total of 669 subjects over the age of 60 years were randomly selected from 13 cities in Heilongjiang province and surveyed using questionnaires from May 1 to July 31, 2018. The questionnaires were collected for descriptive statistics, the chi-square test, and the analysis of influential factors. Results Of the people surveyed, 38.6% used the Internet. Their favorite online activity was online dating (74.2%), and the health information they obtained through the Internet was mainly related to diet (63.1%) and exercise (47.1%). The subjects demanded smart bracelets (MD = 2.80) and emergency callers (MD = 2.77). Gender, age, education, monthly income, quality of life, number of friends, and social participation were found to have an impact on Internet use. Conclusions More measures are needed to reduce barriers to the use of the Internet and promote digital health technologies. The society, equipment manufacturers, and family members of the elderly should work together to enable them to reap the benefits of online technologies.

A cross-sectional survey among physicians on Internet use for epilepsy-related information (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesco Brigo ◽  
Simona Lattanzi ◽  
Giorgia Giussani ◽  
Laura Tassi ◽  
Nicola Pietrafusa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Internet Use ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Online Information ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Related Information ◽  
Internet Users ◽  
Therapeutic Decisions ◽  
The Individual ◽  
The Web

BACKGROUND The Internet has become one of the most important sources of health information, accessed daily by an ever-growing number of both patients and physicians, seeking medical advice and clinical guidance. A deeper insight into the current use of the Web as source of information on epilepsy would help in clarifying the individual attitude towards this medium by Internet users. OBJECTIVE We investigated views towards the Internet in a sample of Italian healthcare specialists involved in epilepsy field, to explore factors which explained the influence of information found on the internet. METHODS This study was a self-administered survey conducted in a group of members of the Italian Chapter of the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) in January 2018. RESULTS 184 questionnaires were analyzed. 97.8% of responders reported to seek online information on epilepsy. The Internet was most frequently searched to obtain new information (69.9%) or to confirm a diagnostic or therapeutic decision (37.3%). The influence of consulting the Internet on clinical practice was associated with registration to social network(s) (OR: 2.94; 95%CI: 1.28-6.76; p=0.011), higher frequency of Internet use (OR: 3.66; 95%CI: 1.56-9.21; p=0.006) and higher confidence in reliability of online information (OR: 2.61; 95%CI: 1.09-6.26; p=0.031). No association was found with age, sex, years in epilepsy practice or easiness to find online information. CONCLUSIONS Internet is frequently used among healthcare professionals involved in the epilepsy to obtain information about this disease. The attitude of being influenced by the Internet for diagnostic and/or therapeutic decisions in epilepsy is independent on age and years of experience in epilepsy, and probably reflects an individual approach towards the Web.

scholarly journals A cross sectional survey of internet use among a highly socially disadvantaged population of tobacco smokers

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sam McCrabb ◽  
Laura Twyman ◽  
Kerrin Palazzi ◽  
Ashleigh Guillaumier ◽  
Christine Paul ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Smoking Cessation ◽  
Internet Use ◽  
Internet Access ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Disadvantaged Population ◽  
Socially Disadvantaged ◽  
Frequent Use ◽  
Device Use

Abstract Background Tobacco smoking is highest among population groups which are the most socially disadvantaged. Internet-based smoking cessation programs have been found to be effective, though rates of internet access are not well known in these groups. This study describes the rates of internet use and types of technology used to access the internet by a population of socially disadvantaged smokers. The study also examined relationships between sociodemographic and smoking behaviours with amount of internet use and type of device used. Methods A cross-sectional survey of 369 clients (response rate 77%) from two non-government community service organisations in metropolitan New South Wales, Australia was conducted using touchscreen computers. Descriptive statistics and logistic regressions were used to examine results. Results Eligible participants ranged from 19 to 88 years old current tobacco users. Over half (58%) of the participants reported weekly or more frequent use of the internet with less than a third (28%) not having any access. The odds of using the internet at least weekly decreased with age and as heaviness of smoking increased (OR = 0.94, p < 0.001; OR = 0.81, p = 0.022, respectively). Odds of internet use were higher as income increased (OR = 2.74, p < 0.001 for individuals earning $201–$400 per week; OR = 2.83, p = 0.006 for individuals earning > $400 per week). Device use differed for age and income. Conclusions Internet-based interventions appear to reach the majority of socially disadvantaged populations. It is expected that this reach will continue to grow, making internet-based interventions a potential platform for providing care to low socioeconomic individuals who smoke, however inequalities may be exacerbated for those individual without internet access. Implications Internet use among socially disadvantaged tobacco users is moderate (58%). An internet-based smoking cessation intervention for socially disadvantaged tobacco users may be an effective intervention however, older, heavier tobacco users may not benefit as easily due to limited internet access and therefore acknowledging these limitations when developing an intervention can help to acknowledge limitation of intervention reach.

scholarly journals Does Ageism Widen the Digital Divide? And Does It Vary by Gender?

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 315-315
Author(s):  
Eun Young Choi ◽  
Youngsun Kim ◽  
Edson Chipalo ◽  
Hee Yun Lee
Keyword(s):  
Digital Divide ◽  
Internet Use ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Interaction Effects ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Older Individuals ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Use Of The Internet ◽  
Retirement Study

Abstract Existing literature informed that ageism might affect Internet use among older adults, further widening the digital divide among age groups. However, little empirical studies have been conducted on this topic. Our study aims to investigate (1) the current use of the Internet by gender, (2) the association between ageism and Internet use, and (3) potential gender differences. A cross-sectional data drawn from the 2016 Health and Retirement Study (HRS) was analyzed. Separate multiple regression analyses were conducted by gender to determine the varying impact of ageism on Internet use. We used two types of ageism (1) internal ageism (ingroup discrimination) and (2) external ageism (discrimination from external entities) to observe each type’s contribution to Internet use. About half of the sample (52% male and 54% female) reported using the Internet “daily,” while a quarter (26% male and 25% female) responded, “never/not relevant.” No significant differences between gender were found in levels of Internet use, the rates of external ageism, or the degree of internal ageism. A higher level of ageism was associated with a lower level of Internet use. Interaction effects between age groups and ageism varied across gender: external ageism had interaction effects on men’s Internet use whereas internal ageism showed significant results for women. Our findings suggest that ageism may influence Internet use and its impact differs by gender. Gender-tailored intervention strategies should be developed to help older individuals to diminish the adverse effects of ageism on Internet use.

scholarly journals A high triglyceride glucose index is more closely associated with hypertension than lipid or glycemic parameters in elderly individuals: a cross-sectional survey from the Reaction Study.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Binruo Zhu ◽  
Jie Wang ◽  
Kang Chen ◽  
Wenhua Yan ◽  
Anping Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Multivariate Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Multivariate Logistic Regression ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Discriminative Ability ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Elderly Individuals ◽  
Reaction Study ◽  
Tyg Index ◽  
Risk Of Cancer

Abstract Background: Both lipid and glucose abnormalities are associated with hypertension (HTN). However, it is unclear whether the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index is associated with HTN. Therefore the aim of this study is to investigate the association of the TyG index and HTN and to compare the discriminative power of the TyG index, lipid, glycemic parameters for the risk of HTN in elderly individuals.Methods: The present study was nested in a longitudinal (REACTION) study from May 2011 to December 2011, which was designed to demonstrate the association of abnormal glucose metabolism with the risk of cancer in the Chinese population. In total, 47808 participants were recruited in this cross-sectional study. The TyG index was divided into five groups: the <20% group, the 20-39% group, the 40-59% group, the 60-79% group and the ≥80% group, according to quintile division of the subjects. Three multivariate logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association between the TyG vs. lipid parameters, glycemic parameters and HTN.Results: Multivariate logistic regression analysis shows that compared with lipid and glycemic parameters, the TyG index remains significantly associated with HTN in either total subjects or subjects separated into men and women (odds ratio (OR) 1.33, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.18-1.51, p <0.0001 in total subjects; OR 1.39, 95% CI 1.11-1.74, p=0.0042 in men; OR 1.28, 95% CI 1.11-1.49, p=0.0010 in women). In a stratified analysis, an elevated TyG index is significantly associated with HTN in the subgroup of the oldest age (≥65) (OR 1.67, 95% CI 1.30-2.14, p <0.0001), as well as with obesity (Body mass index (BMI) ≥28 kg/m2) (OR 1.85, 95% CI 1.29-2.66, p=0.0009) or lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (<90 mL/ (min·1.73 m2)) (OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.33-2.21, p <0.0001).Conclusion: The TyG index is significantly associated with HTN and shows the superior discriminative ability for HTN compared with lipid and glycemic parameters in the Chinese elderly population.

scholarly journals Perceptions and Acceptance of mHealth in Patients With Cardiovascular Diseases: A Cross-Sectional Study (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jie Jiang ◽  
Qin Zhu ◽  
Yimei Zheng ◽  
Yajing Zhu ◽  
Yuxi Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Cardiovascular Diseases ◽  
Disease Management ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Self Management ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Multivariate Logistic Regression ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Willingness To Use

BACKGROUND Mobile health (mHealth)—a method of assisting long-term care in patients with chronic cardiovascular diseases (CVDs)—is gaining popularity in China, mainly owing to the large number of patients and limited clinical resources. Patients of different ages have varying needs for CVD management. However, evidence regarding how age influences Chinese CVD patients’ use and perceptions of mHealth is limited. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to explore age-related differences among Chinese patients with CVD regarding their use and perceptions of mHealth and to determine the factors that influence this population’s willingness to use mHealth technologies. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study of patients with chronic CVDs in a tertiary hospital in Beijing using a new questionnaire designed by the investigators. Participants were sourced using nonproportional quota-sampling methods, being recruited consecutively in each sampling category (age 18-49, 50-64, 65-74, and ≥75 years, with at least 25 men and 25 women in each age group). The survey consisted of 5 parts, including sociodemographic profile and medical history; current disease management situation; self-evaluation of disease management; current usage of mobile and internet technology (IT); and willingness to use an mHealth solution to perform disease self-management. Responses were compared among the 4 age groups as well as between patients who were willing to use mHealth solutions and those who were not. Multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify predictors of willingness to use mHealth for self-management. RESULTS Overall, 231 patients (124 men) completed the questionnaire; of these, 53 were aged 18-49 years, 66 were aged 50-64 years, 54 were aged 65-74 years, and 58 were aged ≥75 years. Patients in the older cohorts visited hospitals more often than did those in the younger cohorts (P<.001), and they also showed lower technology skills regarding the use of mobile or internet devices (P<.001) and searched for health-related information on the internet less often (P<.001). In addition, 68.0% (157/231) of the patients showed interest in using mHealth solution to manage their disease; of these, 40.8% (64/157) were aged 65 years. Patients who were more willing to use mHealth solution to manage their diseases were younger (P<.001), more educated (P<.001), still working (P=.001), possessed higher skill regarding mobile or internet device use (P<.001), and more frequently searched for health information on the internet (P<.001). Finally, multivariate logistic regression showed that IT skill was the single indicator (P=.003) of willingness to use mHealth, not age. CONCLUSIONS Although age is associated with the use of mobile or internet devices, the sole indicator of mHealth use for self-management was participants’ IT skills. Education regarding the use of mobile devices and development of easy-to-use software might improve the acceptance of mHealth solutions among older patient populations.

scholarly journals High triglyceride glucose index is more closely associated with hypertension than lipid or glycemic parameters in elderly individuals: a cross-sectional survey from the Reaction Study.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Binruo Zhu ◽  
Jie Wang ◽  
Kang Chen ◽  
Wenhua Yan ◽  
Anping Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Multivariate Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Multivariate Logistic Regression ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Discriminative Ability ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Elderly Individuals ◽  
Reaction Study ◽  
Tyg Index ◽  
Risk Of Cancer

Abstract Background: Both lipid and glucose abnormalities are associated with hypertension (HTN). However, it is unclear whether triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index is associated with HTN. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the association of TyG index and HTN and compare the discriminative power of TyG index, lipid, glycemic parameters for the risk of HTN in the elderly individuals.Methods: The present study was nested in a longitudinal (REACTION) study from May 2011 to December 2011, which was designed to demonstrate the association of abnormal glucose metabolism with the risk of cancer in the Chinese population. 43591 participants were recruited in this cross-sectional study. TyG index were divided into 5 groups: <20% group, the 20-39% group, the 40-59% group, the 60-79% group and the ≥80% group according quartile division of the subjects. Three multivariate logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association between TyG v.s lipid parameters, glycemic parameters and HTN.Results: Multivariate logistic regression analysis shows that compared with lipid and glycemic parameters, TyG index remains significantly associated with HTN in either total subjects or subjects separated into men and women (odds ratio (OR) 1.33, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.18-1.51, p <0.0001 in total subjects; OR 1.39, 95% CI 1.11-1.74, p=0.0042 in men; OR 1.28, 95% CI 1.11-1.49, p=0.0010 in women). In stratified analysis, elevated TyG index is significantly associated with HTN in the subgroup of oldest age (≥65) (OR 1.67, 95% CI 1.30-2.14, p <0.0001), obesity (Body mass index (BMI) ≥28 kg/m2) (OR 1.85, 95% CI 1.29-2.66, p 0.0009) or lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (<90 mL/ (min·1.73 m2)) (OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.33-2.21, p <0.0001).Conclusion: TyG index is significantly associated with HTN and shows the superior discriminative ability for HTN compared with lipid and glycemic parameters in the Chinese elderly population.

scholarly journals Habits and Attitudes of Video Gaming and Information Technology Use in People with Schizophrenia: Cross-Sectional Survey (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
William TH Choi ◽  
Dan KS Yu ◽  
Terry Wong ◽  
Tella Lantta ◽  
Min Yang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Information Technology ◽  
Hong Kong ◽  
Video Games ◽  
Internet Use ◽  
Skills Training ◽  
Video Gaming ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Web Based

BACKGROUND Information technology and video gaming have potential advantages in the treatment of schizophrenia. However, information regarding the habits and attitudes related to internet use and video gaming in people with schizophrenia is limited. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to explore the habits and attitudes regarding video gaming and information technology usage and their associated factors in people with schizophrenia in Hong Kong. METHODS In this cross-sectional survey, service users with schizophrenia were recruited from 6 halfway hostels and 7 integrated centers for mental wellness in Hong Kong. A 79-item self-report questionnaire was utilized to explore the habits of internet use and video gaming in these people with schizophrenia. The attitude toward video gaming was assessed using the Gaming Attitudes, Motivations, and Experiences Scales. Of the 148 individuals in a convenience sample who were invited to participate in this study, 110 willingly participated (a response rate of 74.3%). The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, a two-tailed independent t test, Pearson correlation, and principal analysis with 3 methods of rotation (varimax, equimax, and promax). RESULTS Most participants (100/110, 90.9%) had access to the internet and half of them (54/110, 49.1%) used the internet daily mostly to watch videos (66/110, 60.0%) or read news or books, etc (42/110, 38.2%). One-third of the participants (36/110, 32.7%) used the internet to play web-based games, and most of them (88/110, 80.0%) had played a video game in the past year. The most favorable gaming platforms were cellular phones (43/88, 49%) followed by computers (19/88, 22%) and arcade cabinets (6/88, 7%). The most favorable game genre was action games (34/145, 23.4%). Those who had a bachelor’s degree or higher scored lower in social interaction than those with a lower education level (<i>P</i>=.03). Those who played video games daily scored higher in the category of story than those who did not play daily (t<sub>86</sub>=2.03, <i>P</i>=.05). The most popular gaming category was autonomy and the least popular categories were violent catharsis and violent reward. Two motives, “social playing” and “evasive playing,” were formed to describe the characteristics of playing video games. CONCLUSIONS Our data showed a high internet utilization rate among people with schizophrenia in Hong Kong. Only a few of them used the internet to search for health-related information. Our study also exemplified the unique habits of gaming among the participants. Health care professionals could utilize video games to engage people with schizophrenia and promote coping with stress and provide social skills training to such people with schizophrenia. Identification of the gaming attitudes can contribute to the development of serious games for the schizophrenic population. Further investigation is vital for the promotion of mental health through web-based platforms.

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