Internet Addiction Effect on Quality of Life: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

PURPOSE

Due to the use of different methodologies, tools, and measurements, the positive or negative impact of Internet use on human life quality is accompanied by a series of ambiguities and uncertainties. Therefore, in this study, a systematic review and meta-analysis are conducted regarding the effect of Internet addiction on the quality of life.

METHODS

A systematic search of resources was conducted to investigate the effect of Internet addiction on the quality of life. The databases of PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and Science Direct were searched from January 1980 to July 2020. The articles were screened by two researchers in multiple levels in terms of the title, abstract, and full-text; then, final studies that met the inclusion criteria were retrieved and included in the study.

RESULTS

After searching the previously mentioned international databases, 3863 papers were found, 18 of which we included in the final analysis. Surveys indicated that people who had a high Internet addiction received lower scores of quality of life than those who were normal Internet users (OR = 2.45, 95% CI; 2.31-2.61, p < 0.001; I 2 = 85.23%, p < 0.001). Furthermore, There was a negative significant relationship between Internet addiction and quality of life in the psychological (OR = 0.56, 95% CI: 0.32-0.99, p=0.04, I 2 = 97.47%, p < 0.001), physical (OR = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.39-0.86, p=0.007, I 2 = 95.29%, p=0.001), and overall quality of life score (OR = 0.39, 95% CI: 0.27-0.55, p < 0.001, I 2 = 0.0%, p=0.746).

CONCLUSION

These findings illustrate that Internet addiction should be regarded as a major health concern and incorporated into health education and intervention initiatives.

The Effectiveness of Nutritional Interventions Based on Health Education and Promotion Theories and Models: A Systematic Review

Background: The content of nutrition education and the process of behavioral change should be designed based on the principles of educational for achieving behavioral goals. This systematic study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of nutrition interventions designed mainly by health educational and promotional theory and models. Methods: The PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, and Cochrane databases were searched using the following keywords “nutrition behavior” or “food behavior” or “dietary behavior” and “model” or “theory” and “intervention” or “predict” from 2013 up to April 2018 in English Language. Results: Regarding the inclusion criteria, 25 interventional studies were assessed of 3090 primary screened investigations. Social Cognitive Theory, Empowerment model, Theory of Planned Behavior, and Health Belief Model were mostly used in the investigated studies. Most target groups in these studies were school students and women. In the field of constructs, self-efficacy and attitude mainly applied in studies seem to be the most important for researchers. In the field of educational methods, group educational methods in the forms of lectures, group discussions, and brainstorming were mainly applied by researchers. Conclusion: To change eating behaviors, the study framework, duration of training, and correct training method should be designed according to the target group as well as appropriate theory and models.