Edanur Tar BOLACALI, Rabia BAYRAK, Betül IŞITAN
Lokman Hekim Health Sciences - 2026;6(3):489-497
Introduction: This study aims to determine the levels of digital addiction among adolescents living in Kirsehir province and to examine whether these levels differ in terms of various variables. Methods: The population of this descriptive, cross-sectional, and exploratory study conducted in multiple centers consisted of secondary school students attending a school in a province located in the Central Anatolia Region of Turkey. Data were collected using a Personal Information Form and the Digital Addiction Scale. Data analysis involved the use of the Independent Sample t-test, One-way analysis of variance, and multiple linear regression analysis, and ethical principles were adhered to throughout the study. Results: It was determined that 55% of adolescents with an average age of 12.88+/-0.51 were female. It was concluded that the mean total score on the Digital Addiction Scale for adolescents was 61.82+/-26.86, the mean total score on the Interpersonal Relationships subscale was 29.63+/-14.02, and the mean total score on the Introverted Factors subscale was 32.19+/-13.46. It was determined that "gender, family status, mother's employment status, family income status, ownership of a game console, academic achievement, and activity status" had an effect on the Digital Addiction Scale for Children and sub-dimension total mean scores and that the difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). Discussion and Conclusion: It was concluded that adolescents' levels of digital addiction are moderate and are influenced by factors such as "gender, family status, mother's employment status, family income, ownership of a game console, academic achievement, and participation in activities." Special support programs should be developed to improve adolescents' levels of digital addiction.
