Investigation of the Relationship Between Internet Addiction, Fatigue and Obesity in University Students

Aim: This study was planned to investigate the relationship between internet addiction, fatigue, and obesity among university students. Method: The study was conducted with the participation of 335 students studying at Gumushane University School of Health Services. Demographic information forms Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), Young Internet Addiction Test-Short Form (YIAT-SF) were used to collect data. Obesity was assessed by body mass index (BMI). Results: 75.2% of the participants were female. The mean age of the students was 20.85±1.48 year; mean BMI was 22.32±3.57 kg/m2; mean FSS score was 40.19±12.83; and mean YIAT-SF score was 29.10±8.08. There was a statistically significant difference in fatigue severity between women and men, and between obese individuals and normal weight individuals (p<0.05). Again, there was a significant difference in fatigue severity between 1st and 2nd graders and between those who exercised regularly and those who did not (p<0.05). It was found that there was a significant difference in internet addiction between those who exercise regularly and those who do not (p<0.05). A positive significant correlation was found between internet addiction and fatigue (p<0.05). Conclusion: Internet addiction negatively affects exercise habits and increases fatigue. For this reason, reducing the time spent on the internet and managing internet addiction in young people and children are recommended.