Health Promotion Education on Adolescent Digital Addiction and Lifestyle

The Impact of Health Promotion Model-Based Education on Digital Addiction and Nutrition-Exercise Behaviors Among Adolescents

Adolescence is defined as a unique period between the ages of 10 and 19, essential for the construction of development and health. During this stage, adolescents exhibit rapid physical, cognitive, and psychosocial growth. However, significant health problems may arise during this period that can adversely affect their development.

In the contemporary era, the frequency of digital device use among adolescents is increasing, leading to a heightened risk of digital addiction. Digital addiction has negative impacts on nutritional and exercise behaviors, many of which are preventable and treatable. To improve and promote their health, adolescents require essential education regarding healthy lifestyle behaviors, accessibility to health services, and a safe, supportive environment. Therefore, opportunities must be provided to adolescents to protect and enhance their health. In this context, public health nurses have critical responsibilities within the scope of preventive services. Furthermore, beyond identifying risky health behaviors, public health nurses play a vital role in protecting and promoting adolescent health through their clinical approaches to existing risky behaviors.

Public health nurses can raise awareness among youth regarding healthy nutrition, participation in physical and social activities, the harms of substance abuse (tobacco, alcohol, drugs), violence, and accident prevention. Preventive interventions by nurses targeting the risky health behaviors observed during this period and the potential health problems in adulthood will contribute significantly to the formation of healthy societies.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Being a student in the 5th, 6th, or 7th grade.
• Having signed the informed consent form specifically prepared for the students.
• Having the informed consent form signed by the parents/legal guardians.
• Maintaining active student status throughout the duration of the research.
• Scoring 48 or higher on the Digital Addiction Scale.
• Having no hearing or visual impairments.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Failure of the student to provide signed informed consent.
• Failure of the parent or legal guardian to provide signed informed consent.