Association Between Internet Addiction and Dietary Habits Among Omani Junior College Students

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the association between internet addiction and dietary habits among Omani junior college students.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman, among junior college students surveyed in November 2020. The Compulsive Internet Use Scale and a dietary habits questionnaire were used. Chi-square cross-tabulation analyses were used to explore the relationship between internet addiction and dietary habits.

Results: A total of 377 students were included in this study. Overall, 59.9% of the junior college students were identified as having an internet addiction. Within this group, 62.8% reported reduced meal sizes and 54.4% reported a decrease in appetite. There was a statistically significant difference in both meal size (X² = 30.528; P <0.001) and appetite changes (X² = 28.731; P <0.001) among students with different levels of internet addiction.

Conclusion: The results of this study suggest a possible link between internet addiction and altered dietary habits among this population. This study highlights the need for strategies that encourage healthy living behaviours and raise awareness about the adverse effects of internet addiction.

Keywords: Appetite; Diet; Internet Addiction Disorder; Oman; Students.