How does Internet Addiction Affect Adolescent Lifestyles? Results from a School-Based Study in the Mediterranean Region of Turkey

Purpose: The habits acquired during adolescence may continue into adulthood. Therefore, the identification and prevention of Internet addiction is an important goal. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Inter-net addiction on the lifestyles of adolescents in a sample in the Mediterranean region of Turkey. Design and methods: The sample consisted of 367 adolescents. Data were collected using a personal information form, the Internet Addiction Scale, and the Healthy Lifestyle Behaviours Scale-II between January and June 2018. This manuscript has been prepared according to Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epide-miology (STROBE) guidelines. Results: The mean Internet addiction score among the included adolescents was found to be moderate. Males aged 17 years with divorced parents and adolescents who have poor relationships with family members and friends had higher average Internet addiction scores. A negative and moderate relationship between Internet ad-diction and healthy lifestyle behaviours was identified among adolescents. Conclusions: Internet addiction is negatively and moderately predictive of an adolescent's lifestyle. Practice implications: Strengthening relationships with family and friends can prevent adolescents from develop-ing Internet addictions and increase healthy lifestyle behaviours. Courses should be added to the curriculum that aim to improve the understanding of the risks and benefits (e.g. e-mail, Internet tools) associated with the Inter-net for both school staff and students. The results of the present study can be used to guide the development of a healthy Internet use program targeted at adolescents for use by school nurses. (c) 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.