The Effect of Health Education on Digital Game Addiction and Health Promotion Behavior in Adolescents

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a school nurse-led health education program in reducing digital game addiction and improving health-promoting behaviors among adolescents. Using a Solomon four-group randomized controlled trial design, the study examined whether the health education intervention affected digital game addiction and health-promoting behaviors and whether pretest measurement influenced the intervention outcomes.

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Key information

Conditions

Internet Addiction Disorder Adherence Interventions Adolescent Behavior Behavior, Addictive Compulsive Behavior Digital Game Addiction Health Behavior Health Education Health Promotion Impulsive Behavior Medication Adherence Patient Acceptance of Health Care Patient Compliance Technology Addiction Treatment Adherence and Compliance

Age range

10 year–14 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Saglik Bilimleri Universitesi Gulhane Hemsirelik Fakultesi

Ankara, Etlik, 06010, Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

This study was conducted using a Solomon four-group randomized controlled trial design in a public secondary school in Ankara, Türkiye. Participants were allocated to four study groups (Intervention I, Control I, Intervention II, and Control II) using stratified block randomization by grade level.

The intervention consisted of a four-week school nurse-led health education program delivered in four weekly 40-minute sessions. The educational program addressed digital game addiction and health-promoting behaviors, including healthy digital technology use, physical activity, balanced nutrition, sleep hygiene, stress management, interpersonal relationships, and health responsibility. The intervention was supported by standardized educational presentations and printed materials.

In accordance with the Solomon four-group design, Intervention I and Control I completed baseline assessments before the intervention, whereas Intervention II and Control II did not receive a pretest. Participants in both intervention groups received the same health education program, while the control groups continued their usual school curriculum. Post-intervention assessments were conducted at the three-month follow-up.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

Enrolled as a student at the study school

Played digital games

Had access to at least one digital device (smartphone, tablet, computer, or game console)

Written informed consent provided by a parent or legal guardian

Verbal assent provided by the participant

Signed parental consent form returned within two weeks

Exclusion criteria

Diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Language or speech difficulties

Psychiatric or educational problems that could interfere with participation

Difficulty understanding written or spoken Turkish

Treatment and study plan

Health Education Program

Behavioral

The intervention consisted of a four-week health education program delivered through four weekly 40-minute sessions. The program addressed digital game addiction and health-promoting behaviors, including healthy digital technology use, physical activity, balanced nutrition, sleep hygiene, stress management, interpersonal relationships, and health responsibility. The sessions were delivered using standardized PowerPoint presentations and supported by printed educational brochures.

Primary outcomes

Digital Game Addiction Scale for Children (DGAS-C)

Time frame: 3 months after the intervention

The Children's Digital Game Addiction Scale is a 24-item, 5-point Likert-type scale used to assess digital game addiction. The scale consists of four subscales: Excessive Focus and Conflict Related to Digital Gaming; Tolerance Development in Game Time and Value Assigned to the Game; Postponement of Individual and Social Tasks/Homework; and Psychological-Physiological Reflection of Withdrawal and Immersion in the Game. Total scores range from 24 to 120, with higher scores indicating higher levels of digital game addiction.
Adolescent Health Promotion Scale (AHPS)

Time frame: 3 months after the intervention

The Adolescent Health Promotion Scale (AHPS) is a 40-item, 5-point Likert-type scale used to assess health-promoting behaviors among adolescents. The scale includes six subscales: nutrition, interpersonal support, health responsibility, self-actualization, exercise, and stress management. The total score ranges from 40 to 200, with higher scores indicating a higher level of health-promoting behaviors.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Saglik Bilimleri Universitesi Gulhane Tip Fakultesi

Other

Registry information

Important dates

Study start: 2025
Primary completion: 2025
Study completion: 2025
First posted: Jun 3, 2025
Registry last updated: Aug 25, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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Completed