The Role of Health Promotion Awareness Against Health Risks Caused by Digital Addiction

Abstract

Background: The concept of digital addiction has gained popularity in recent years. Calls for methods to tackle it are increasing, particularly among teens. While the validity of this phenomenon as a mental health diagnosable issue is still being debated, there is a requirement for preventative and intervention measures that urge people to have better control over their internet use. Aim of Study: The main aim of this study was to assess the impact of health promotion activities onthe health risks caused by digital addiction atthe King Saud University cam-pusin Saudi Arabia. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was performed at King Saud University. A total of 516 persons participated. Results: 516 persons completed the questionnaire; 64.9% were male, 35.1% were female, 42.4% were aged between 20-29 years old, and 40.5% had at least a diploma. The results showed that 84% stated that the University implements health programs about digital addiction, and 81% stated that they hadbenefited from attending this program. Moreover, 82% stated that the University conducted previous studies on digital addiction, 82% believed that the current tools used to measure digital addiction are reliable, and 85% believed that COVID-19 increased the prevalence of digital addiction. Also, 82% knewdigital addiction is harmful, and 86% knew that increasing hours spent using smartphones or tablets harms body health. In addition, 83% stated that the University conducts health promotion activities to increase awareness of health risks caused by digital addiction. The results also showed that implemented health programs, conducted studies, tools to measure digital addiction, and health promotion activities all had a moderately positive effect on the impact of health promotion activities on awareness. Conclusion: Prolonged usage of the internet and cellphones has resulted in rising digital addiction, which has severely influenced performanceand health. The recommended health promotion initiatives helped raise awareness and decrease addictive digital usage. As a result, this study emphasizes difficulties that should be dealt with in future research.