Investigation of the correlation between internet addiction, obesity risk and sleep disorder in children

This study was performed with the aim of investigating the correlation and the effective factors between internet addiction, obesity risk and sleep disorders in children.

The sample for this descriptive and relational search type study comprised the parents of 458 children aged 7-10 years attending a primary school in Turkey. Data were collected the Parent and Child Descriptive Information Form, Family Child Internet Addiction Scale (FCIAS), Family Nutrition and Physical Activity Tool (FNPAT) and Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (SDSC).

There was a statistically significant, positive and weak correlation between the Body Mass Index (BMI) and FCIAS scores of children (p < 0.001). There was a statistically significant, negative and very weak correlation between FNPAT total score with FCIAS total score (p = 0.007). There was a statistically significant, positive and moderate correlation between SDSC total score and FCIAS total score (p < 0.001). According to regression analysis, FCIAS was a determinant at significant levels for FNPAT and SDSC (p < 0.05).

There was a relationship between internet addiction and obesity and sleep quality. As a result of the study, the increase in internet use was determined to negatively impact physical activity and health nutrition behavior, and to increase sleep disturbance.

Pediatric nurses are recommended to give counseling to children and families about preventing obesity and the risk of sleep disorders by identifying children at risk in terms of internet addiction in the early period.