The Impact of Online Games on the Nutritional Status of Adolescents

Abstract

In times of drastic change, teenagers require higher levels of nutrition, as well as lifestyle. Now many teenagers are fond of online games, which may have an impact on their lifestyle, forgetting about the need to eat. The aim of this research was to determine the effect of online games on the nutritional status of adolescents at SMP Negeri 2 Maros. This study implemented a cross-sectional design. This research involved 157 students who were chosen randomly. Online game playing habits were measured through filling out a questionnaire; while nutritional status was measured based on the Body Mass Index for Age (BMI for age), so that weight and height were measured directly. Next, the data was analyzed descriptively and continued with hypothesis testing using statistical tests using Chi-square. The analysis results showed the p value was 0.026 (there was a significant effect). Thus, it was concluded that the habit of playing online games had an impact on the nutritional status of teenagers at SMP Negeri 2 Maros.

Keywords: adolescent; nutritional status; online games