Digital Addiction and Its Association with Nutrition-Related Health Behaviors Among Female Secondary School Students

Background: Digital addiction is an emerging global concern, particularly among adolescents, due to its detrimental impact on physical, psychological, and nutritional health behaviors. This study aims to examine the relationship between digital addiction and healthy behaviors related to nutrition among female high school students. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in Karbala, Iraq, including 368 female students randomly selected from 13 secondary schools. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire to assess digital addiction, diet patterns, and sociodemographic factors. Statistical analyzes included descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and regression analysis. Results: The results revealed that 53.5% of students showed moderate levels of digital addiction (average score: 29.04±5.857), while 73.6% showed moderate nutrition-related health behaviors (average score: 38.44±5.470). A significant negative association was observed between digital addiction and healthy eating behaviors (r = -0.118, p = 0.023). Regression analysis indicated that increased digital addictive behaviors predicted decreased healthy behaviors-related nutrition. Owning digital devices and the time spend on devices were significantly associated with higher levels of digital addiction and poor nutritional practices. Conclusions: The study highlights the harmful impact of digital addiction on adolescents' dietary behaviors, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions. Schools and communities must implement educational programs that address digital overuse and promote balanced nutrition.