Abstract Background: Studying at university is a transitional and dynamic period, which provides an optimal opportunity for fostering healthy behaviors. But the high prevalence of problematic internet use (PIU) among students may hinder the development and establishment of healthy behaviors and a health-promoting lifestyle (HPL). PIU is important due to its impact on academic performance, social relationships, and policymaking on this issue. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between PIU and health literacy (HL) with HPL among students. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study was performed on 525 students of the University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences in 2024, who were selected by convenience sampling. An electronic questionnaire was sent to students, which consisted of demographic, Walker’s HPL, Caplan’s PIU, and Tavousi’s HL questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS Statistics version 25 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Results: The mean score of PIU was 55.55 ± 15.63. The mood regulation dimension had the highest score, and negative outcomes had the lowest score. HPL score was at a moderate level, and the severity of PIU was at a mild level. There was a significant negative correlation between HPL and PIU. Also a positive correlation was observed between HL and HPL. Conclusions: PIU and HL are significantly related to HPL. Managers and policymakers are encouraged to develop special programs to reduce the negative effects of PIU by enriching students’ free time, teaching media literacy, as well as increasing HL and health-promoting behaviors to improve students’ quality of life, which affects their academic performance and careers.
Javanbakht et al. (Fri,) studied this question.