The relationship between with the time spent on the internet of adolescents' of blood pressure values and loneliness levels

Aim: The aim of this research is to examine the relationship between with the time spent on the internet of adolescents' of blood pressure values and loneliness levels. Material and Method: The study is planned with an analytical cross-sectional approach. It was made with the participation of high school students from public schools in the centre of Manisa, Yunusemre and Şehzadeler District (N=16 517). The minimum sample size was calculated in the Epi Info Programme and made, on a voluntary basis, with 686 adolescents who spent time on the Internet (n=686). "Sociodemographical Information Form for Adolescents", "Height, Weight and Blood Pressure Measuring Form", "UCLA Loneliness Scale" were used during the research. The data was analyzed in the SPSS 22.0 for Windows program. Descriptive statistics and univariate analysis (Kruskal Wallis test, Chi-square test and One-way ANOVA) were used in the analysis of the data. Results: 34,4% of participants spent their time excessively on Internet. The prevalence of hypertension and prehypertension in adolescents was found to be 10,3% and 5,4%, respectively. The average point on the UCLA Loneliness Scale is found as 39,10±6,98. There was not relationship between with the time spent on the Internet of adolescents' and their blood pressure rate (p>0,05). However, adolescents who were excessively and moderate Internet users were found to have higher loneliness scores than mild Internet users (p <0,05). Conclusion: It is clear that there is a relationship between with the time spent on the Internet of adolescents' and their loneliness degree. Hypertension and prehypertension prevalence rates observed in the high rate (15,7%) in the adolescent population are striking. Particularly, integrating these dimensions of adolescent health into school guidance and psychological counseling units (if applicable, school nursing practices) and primary health care services is considered to be important. Key Words : Adolescents, Hypertension, Internet use, Loneliness