The Comparison of Internet Addiction and the Components of Public Health in the Children of Veterans and Non-Veterans

This study aimed to compare Internet addiction and the components of public health in the children of veterans and non-veterans during the academic year of 2013-2014.


Method and Materials: This research is a descriptive-comparative study. The population included all the children of veterans and non-veterans of high school in the city of Ghods, children of veterans with census method and the children of non-veterans which were selected by simple random method. Finally, after matching in the social and economic variables, 188 students were investigated as the statistical sample. The tools in this study were public health (G.H.Q-28) and Young's Internet Addiction Test [IAT]. Data were analyzed using methods of descriptive statistics (frequency, mean, standard deviation) and inferential statistics (T-test and MANOVA) using SPSS software.

Results: The findings showed that two groups were ordinary Internet users and there was no significant difference in the use of Internet. The scores of the two groups in the social dysfunction and somatic symptoms didn't differ. This is while the difference in anxiety and insomnia and depression are significant and the children of veterans did not have ideal conditions.

Conclusion: It can be concluded that mental and physical problems of veterans has negatively impacted on their children. Anxiety and depression in children of veterans show educational programs. This means specialized mental health programs for is necessary for veterans and their children.