AUTHOR=Helvacı Gizem , Tayhan Fatma 

TITLE=Determinants and relationships of digital addiction, diet quality, and physical activity in adolescents

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Public Health

VOLUME=Volume 13 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2025.1654322

DOI=10.3389/fpubh.2025.1654322

ISSN=2296-2565

ABSTRACT=ObjectiveDigital addiction, defined as spending excessive time on digital devices and online platforms, is a global problem that particularly affects young people. This form of addiction can lead individuals to a sedentary lifestyle while also increasing the risk of them turning to unhealthy and ready-made foods. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of digital addiction among Turkish adolescents. We also aimed to determine the relationships between digital addiction, adherence to the Mediterranean diet, and physical activity, and to determine the extent to which these variables mutually predict each other.MethodThe data of this cross-sectional study were collected from 400 high school students through a survey. The survey included general information, dietary habits, the Digital Addiction Scale (DAS), the Mediterranean Diet Quality Index (KIDMED), the Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire (LTEQ), and the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES). IBM SPSS 25.0 software was used for data analysis.ResultsOf the students, 23.8% had a digital addiction. Eating during social media use (Beta = 0.158) and night eating habits (Beta = 0.337) positively affected the DAS scores (p < 0.05). The KIDMED score (Beta = −0.233) and being physically active (Beta = −0.136) negatively affected the DAS scores (p < 0.05). Compliance with the Mediterranean diet was low in 26%, moderate in 46%, and high in 28% of the students. The number of main meals (Beta = 0.254) and father’s education level (Beta = 0.200) positively affected the KIDMED scores (p < 0.05). Of the students, 51.5% were active, 32% were moderately active, and 16.5% were sedentary. The PACES scores positively affected the LTEQ scores (Beta = 0.189, p < 0.001).ConclusionApproximately a quarter of students had digital addiction symptoms. Digital addiction levels tended to decrease as Mediterranean diet adherence and physical activity levels increased. A holistic healthy lifestyle curriculum can be designed to promote healthy eating habits and physical activity among young people, reduce screen time, and increase media literacy. This curriculum, designed for implementation in schools, can support students in engaging in mindful behaviors.