Association between Internet Addiction and Dietary Habits among Omani Junior College Students

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate the association between internet addiction and dietary habits among Omani junior college students. Methods: In this cross-sectional study at Sultan Qaboos University, 377 junior college students were surveyed in November 2020 using demographic data, the Compulsive Internet Use Scale, and a dietary habits questionnaire. Chi-square cross-tabulation analyses explored the relationship between internet addiction and dietary habits. Results: Overall, 59.9% of junior college students were identified as having an internet addiction. Within this group, 62.8% reported reduced meal sizes and 54.4% reported a decrease in appetite. There was a statistically significant difference in both meal size (X²=30.528, p<0.001) and appetite changes (X²=28.731, p<0.001) among student with different levels of internet addiction. These results suggest a possible link between internet addiction and altered dietary habits among this population. Conclusion: This study highlights the need for strategies that encourage healthy living behaviors and raise awareness about the adverse effects of internet addiction.

Keywords: Internet addiction disorder; diet; Students; appetite; Oman