The relationship between internet addiction and eating attitudes and obesity related problems among university students

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this research is to examine the prevalance of internet addiction and relationship between internet addiction (IA) and eating attitudes and quality of life in Erzurum Atatürk University faculty students. METHODS: A total of 466 faculty students from various faculties were included in the study. Sociodemographic data form created by researchers, Young Internet Addiction Scale (IAT), Obesity-Related Problems Scale (OR) and Eating Attitude Test-40 (EAT-40) were applied to the participants. Body Mass Index of the participants was calculated manually by the researchers. RESULTS: 78.5 of the students were found to have IA. IA was found at a mild level in 52.6% of the students, moderate level in 24.2% and severe level in 1.7%. There was a positive correlation between the total score of IAT and the alcohol use and psychiatric history. There was only a statistically significant relationship between the severity of IA and OR. There was no statistically significant relationship between Body Mass Index (BMI) and EAT-40. When the IAT and BMI, EAT-40 and OR correlation were examined, only a statistically significant but weak relationship was found in OR. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Although there are some cross-sectional studies, revealing the significant relationship between IA and abnormal eating attitudes, there are also studies revealing no significant relationship. But it is clear that there is no definitive result with the limitations of the current studies.

Keywords

• internet addiction
• eating attitudes
• obesity related problems
• university students