The association between sedentary behavior, internet addiction, and body composition among Chinese college students: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND

Previous research has suggested that high levels of internet use are associated with lower levels of physical activity. However, recent studies have yielded mixed findings.

AIMS: First, we aim to explore the prevalence of internet addiction and sedentary behavior among college students. Second, we examine the relationship between sedentary behavior and body composition. Additionally, we employ latent profile analysis (LPA) to identify subgroups of internet addiction profiles and to explore the associations between these latent profiles and sedentary behavior.

METHOD: This cross-sectional study examined the relationship between sedentary behavior, internet addiction, and body composition among 369 Chinese college students. Sedentary behavior was assessed via self-reported sitting time, internet addiction was measured using a standardized questionnaire, and body composition was evaluated with the InBody 120 device. LPA, an individual-centered method, was used to identify homogeneous subgroups of internet addiction.

RESULTS

42.3 % of students exhibited internet addiction and 72.6 % reported ≥6 h of daily sitting. LPA revealed two distinct profiles of internet addiction-"Regular" (57.2 %) and "Internet addiction" (42.8 %)-highlighting its heterogeneous nature. The findings suggest that age (p = 0.296), gender (p = 0.304), and sedentary time (p = 0.954) may not be the primary factors contributing to these profiles.

CONCLUSIONS

Policymakers and campus health programs should tailor interventions to distinct internet addiction subgroups. Further research is needed to examine psychological, behavioral, and social contributors, as well as long-term effects.