Dietary patterns and smartphone use in adolescents: A large-sample, cross-sectional study

Abstract Background: This study aimed to examine whether the frequency of consuming specific foods was associated with smartphone usage time and the problems caused by smartphone overuse in adolescents. Methods: Both routines (food consumption and smartphone use) were investigated in a large sample of Korean adolescents using a nationwide self-report survey. Food intake was assessed using a seven-point scale (“never” to “1, 2, and 3 or more times per day”) for nine items: fruits, vegetables, milk, soda, energy drinks, sweetened beverages, fast food, instant noodles, and snacks. Smartphone usage time and problematic usage were determined using self-report items. The study took place in Korea. In total, 62,276 students aged 12–18 years participated. Results: Most respondents (66.5%) used smartphones for over two hours per day. Higher rates of consuming fruits, vegetables, and milk were associated with significantly lower smartphone usage; in contrast, higher consumption of soda, energy drinks, sweetened beverages, fast food, instant noodles, and snacks was associated with higher smartphone use. Conclusions: Our findings provide useful clinical information regarding adolescents’ mental health. Future studies should investigate underlying mechanisms and examine the efficacy of adopting dietary interventions for adolescents with excessive smartphone use.