Factors associated with mass media use among adolescents in forming eating habits
Information for nursing staff, 2025, 57(3), 3-6.
V. Nedkova-Milanova1, Ts. Vitkova2, Ts. Petkova3, M. Karcheva4
1Department of General Medicine, Forensic Medicine and Deontology, Faculty of Public Health
2Department of Hygiene, Medical Ecology, Occupational Diseases and Disaster Medicine, Faculty of Public Health
3Department of Therapeutic Care, Faculty of Health Care
4Department of Infectious Diseases, Epidemiology, Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Public Health Medical University – Pleven
Abstract. Nutritional intake has a direct impact on children’s health, influencing their physical growth and cognitive development. The aim of the study was to assess health education among students and the influence of the social media they use on their eating habits. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-report questionnaire among 102 students aged 13-19 years between March and April 2023. The adolescents provided information on the time spent watching television, using applications, and computer usage, as well as other health-related behaviors and attitudes. Results: A total of 102 students were surveyed, of whom 59 were boys and 43 were girls. The average age of the adolescents was 15.2 ± 1.7 years. The majority of respondents were in the age groups 13-15 years (n = 64) and 16-17 years (n = 31). Around 50% of the students reported watching television for ≥ 2 hours per day on weekdays. Boys were significantly more likely than girls to engage in electronic communication for ≥ 2 hours per day (14.6% vs. 1.5%, p < 0,05). More than 60% of both boys and girls used a computer for ≥ 2 hours per day. The majority of students had breakfast, but 21.6% had breakfast only occasionally, while 13.7% never had breakfast. About 33% consumed sugary fruit drinks daily, whereas 17% avoided them due to their high sugar content, which may contribute to obesity and metabolic disorders. Conclusion: Interventions to reduce screen time among adolescents may be necessary to lower the risk of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases such as diabetes, overweight, and obesity at a later age.
Key words: adolescents, eating habits, mass media
Address for correspondence: Vanya Nedkova-Milanova, MD. PhD, e-mail: vania_milanova@yahoo.com