Health Responsibility as Mediators between Digital Addiction and Health Behaviors-related Nutrition among Secondary School Female Students in Karbala, Iraq

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Community Health Technologies/ College of Health and Medical Techniques-Kufa, Al-Furat Al-Awsat Technical University, Iraq

2 Community Health Nursing, College of Health and Medical Techniques-Kufa, Al-Furat Al-Awsat Technical University, Iraq

10.30476/ijns.2026.106199.1430

Abstract

Background: Digital addiction, characterized by excessive interaction with digital devices, poses risks to adolescents’ health behaviors, especially nutrition-related habits. This study aimed to investigate the mediating role of health responsibility in relation to digital addiction and nutrition-related health behaviors among secondary school female
students in Karbala, Iraq.
Methods: A descriptive correlational study was conducted in Karbala, Iraq, including 368 female students from 13 schools who were selected through simple and systematic random sampling methods. Data collection used a structured questionnaire consisted of sections on demographic characteristics, digital addiction, health behaviors related to nutrition, and health responsibility. Reliability and analysis were confirmed by a pilot study (Cronbach’s alpha=0.85).
Results: Moderate level of digital addiction (53.5%), health responsibility (55.2%), and healthy behaviors related to nutrition (73.6%) were observed. Regression analysis revealed that health responsibility could negatively predict digital addictive behaviors (β=-0.143, p=0.006) and positively influenced nutrition-related health behaviors (β=0.585, p=0.000).
Conclusion: This study provided empirical evidences to support the promotion of health responsibility as a preventive measure for digital addiction and the promotion of healthy eating behaviors. There is a need
to promote health responsibility through targeted educational programs, parent engagement, and awareness campaigns that address digital addiction and nutrition.

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