title: Validation of the Persian Version of the Problematic Internet Use Questionnaire (PIUQ).
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The most commonly used instrument for the research and treatment of excessive internet use is Young's Internet Addiction Test (IAT). While the IAT has been translated to several languages (including Persian) and has demonstrated good psychometric properties across several independent studies, there is still a room for alternative assessment instruments. This study reports a validation of the Persian version of the Problematic Internet Use Questionnaire (PIUQ).
  
  
  METHODS
  A sample (n = 296) from Kerman, Iran was administered the translated Persian version of the PIUQ as well as the Persian version of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Loneliness scale, Satisfaction With Life scale, and questions related to use of technology and the internet.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Analyses using confirmatory and exploratory factor analyses demonstrated that the Persian version of the PIUQ had good internal reliability and concurrent validity (with loneliness and satisfaction with life), but they also had an alternative factor structure that did not support the original factor structure.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The Persian version of the PIUQ produced adequate psychometric properties (internal reliability and concurrent validity), but care should be taken in the interpretation of the factor structure.
authors: Critical Care Nursing Department, Nursing and Midwifery School, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
authors: Hadi
authors: H
authors: Ranjbar
authors: Psychology Department, University of the Witwatersrand, WITS, 2050, South Africa.
authors: Andrew
authors: A
authors: Thatcher
authors: Psychology Department, University of the Witwatersrand, WITS, 2050, South Africa.
authors: Michael
authors: M
authors: Greyling
authors: School of Nursing, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
authors: Mansour
authors: M
authors: Arab
authors: School of Nursing, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
authors: Nahid
authors: N
authors: Nasri
keywords: Internet Addiction Test (IAT); Problematic Internet Use Questionnaire (PIUQ); Problematic Internet use