Association Between Problematic Internet Use and Overweight and Obesity among in School Adolescents in Addis Ababa,Ethiopia
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2025-06
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Introduction: Overweight and obesity among adolescents is one of the most serious public
health concerns worldwide in the 21st century. Several epidemiological studies have explored the
association between problematic internet use and overweight/obesity and reported inconsistent
findings. The majority of the studies in this regard were from developed nations and there are
limited studies from developing countries including Ethiopia.
Objectives: The study is aimed to assess the association between problematic internet use and
overweight and obesity among secondary school adolescents in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Methods: A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted among adolescents 13-19 years
old. Three-stage random sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Self
administered questionnaire were used to collect data .The height and weight of adolescents was
measured by trained data collectors.Body Mass Index (BMI) for age Z-score was compared to
WHO 2007 growth reference standards using WHO Anthro plus version 3.2.2 software. Data
were entered and cleaned using epi data version 3.1 and all statistical tests were done using SPSS
20 software. Descriptive statistical tests, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis
was done to identify factors associated with overweight and obesity.
Results: Based on internet addiction test score respondents who have internet addiction test >50
was 31.5%.Adolescents who had Internet addiction test score 31-49,50-79 and 80-100 were
8.835,8.65 and 3.3968 times higher odds of overweight or obesity as compared to those who had
internet addiction test of 0-31 score .(AOR=8.835,95% CI(2.99-26.103)), (AOR=8.65,95% CI
(2.811-26.616)), (AOR=3.968,95%CI(1.36-11.574)) respectively
Conclusion and recommendation: Finding of this study revealed that strong association
between problematic internet use and overweight and obesity among inschool adolescents in
Addis Ababa. Parents should encourage their children for managing their children’s internet use
and promoting healthier lifestyles at home
Description
Keywords
Overweight, obesity, adolescents, internet, internet use, problematic internet use