Investigation of the Relationship Between Digital Addiction and Physical Activity Levels in Children and Adolescents

The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between digital addiction (DA) and physical activity (PA) levels in children and adolescents. The sample of this cross-sectional and descriptive study consists of 400 students, 267 girls, aged 8-17, in Izmir. The participants were administered the handgrip strength test, the PA Level Scale (QPAC-C), and the DA Level Scale, which have been validated and reliable in Turkish for children and adolescents. DA (55.7±15.8, M:3.52±0.62; F:3.40±0.56, p=0.200) and PA (3.44±0.58) and handgrip strength (23.9±9.82kg, M:25.3±13.2kg, F:23.2±7.58kg, p=0.525) were compared according to gender, and the results for men were higher than for women. The difference in PA level (M:3.52±0.62, F:3.40±0.56, p=0.020) between the genders was significant (Mann-Whitney U). DA and PA levels (p=0.325) and handgrip strength results were compared between ages (Kruskal Wallis), and it was found that handgrip strength and DA levels were significantly different between ages (One-Way ANOVA). There was a significant difference in hand grip strength between all ages except 9-10, 11-12, 14-15, 14-16, and 16-17 years old (Mann-Whitney U), and in DA between 8 and 11, 13, 15 and 16 years old (Bonferroni post hoc). A positive correlation was found between age and DA (r=0.252, p<0.001) and handgrip strength (r=0.822, p<0.001) (Spearman's Rank Coefficient). Society needs to be made aware of the need to reduce the DA level that increases with age and to create conditions that will increase the PA level. In future studies, it is recommended that biological, psychological, and socio-cultural factors be evaluated to determine age and gender differences.