ASSESSMENT OF THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN INTERNET ADDICTION, E-HEALTHY DIET LITERACY, AND BODY MASS INDEX AMONG ADULTS AGED 18–65 YEARS ATTENDING A UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL FAMILY MEDICINE OUTPATIENT CLINIC


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Yazar S., Güner P. D.

Ankara Medical Journal, cilt.26, sa.1, ss.42-59, 2026 (Scopus, TRDizin) identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 26 Sayı: 1
  • Basım Tarihi: 2026
  • Doi Numarası: 10.5505/amj.2026.01979
  • Dergi Adı: Ankara Medical Journal
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Scopus, TR DİZİN (ULAKBİM)
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.42-59
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: body mass index, healthy nutrition, Internet, internet addiction, nutrition literacy
  • Açık Arşiv Koleksiyonu: AVESİS Açık Erişim Koleksiyonu
  • Hatay Mustafa Kemal Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Objectives: This study aimed to examine the association between internet addiction, e-healthy diet literacy (e-HDL), and body mass index (BMI) in adults aged 18–65 years. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 378 patients attending a university hospital Family Medicine Outpatient Clinic. Data were collected using a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Internet Addiction Scale (IAS), and the e-Healthy Diet Literacy Questionnaire (e-HDLQ). Statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS 22.0. Results: Participants were 52.9% female and 47.1% male, with a mean age of 35.4 ± 12.2 years. BMI was positively correlated with age (r=0.410; p<0.001). No significant association was found between IAS scores and BMI (p=0.180). e-HDLQ scores were significantly higher in overweight individuals than in obese individuals (p=0.004). Participants who consumed snacks and main meals while using technological devices had significantly higher IAS scores (p<0.001). Snack consumption during device use was most frequent in the overweight group (p=0.001). Conclusion: Internet addiction was not directly associated with BMI; however, digital behaviours were linked to eating patterns and screen-based meal consumption. Enhancing e-healthy diet literacy and promoting balanced digital habits may support healthier weight management.