The Effect of Health Education on Digital Game Addiction and Health Promotion Behavior in Adolescents
The Effect of Health Education on Digital Game Addiction and Health Promotion Behavior in Adolescents
This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a school nurse-led health education program in reducing digital game addiction and improving health-promoting behaviors among adolescents. Using a Solomon four-group randomized controlled trial design, the study examined whether the health education intervention affected digital game addiction and health-promoting behaviors and whether pretest measurement influenced the intervention outcomes.
This study was conducted using a Solomon four-group randomized controlled trial design in a public secondary school in Ankara, Türkiye. Participants were allocated to four study groups (Intervention I, Control I, Intervention II, and Control II) using stratified block randomization by grade level.
The intervention consisted of a four-week school nurse-led health education program delivered in four weekly 40-minute sessions. The educational program addressed digital game addiction and health-promoting behaviors, including healthy digital technology use, physical activity, balanced nutrition, sleep hygiene, stress management, interpersonal relationships, and health responsibility. The intervention was supported by standardized educational presentations and printed materials.
In accordance with the Solomon four-group design, Intervention I and Control I completed baseline assessments before the intervention, whereas Intervention II and Control II did not receive a pretest. Participants in both intervention groups received the same health education program, while the control groups continued their usual school curriculum. Post-intervention assessments were conducted at the three-month follow-up.
Inclusion Criteria:
Enrolled as a student at the study school
Played digital games
Had access to at least one digital device (smartphone, tablet, computer, or game console)
Written informed consent provided by a parent or legal guardian
Verbal assent provided by the participant
Signed parental consent form returned within two weeks
Exclusion Criteria:
Diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Language or speech difficulties
Psychiatric or educational problems that could interfere with participation
Difficulty understanding written or spoken Turkish