Orthorexia tendency and social media addiction among candidate doctors and nurses

Abstract

Purpose To determine orthorexia tendency and social media addiction among candidate doctors and nurses. Design and Methods This was a cross-sectional study conducted in 2019 with 969 candidate doctors and nurses training in a peripheral public university. Data were collected via ORTO-15 and Social Media addiction scales and analyzed by using percentage, mean, chi(2) test, and binary logistic regression. Findings Of the study population, 78.8% were social media addicts and 62.2% had orthorexic tendencies. The ratio of orthorexic tendency was 31.0% among high/very high addicts (p < 0.05). Practice Implications In preclinical years, both groups should be screened for early detection of orthorexia tendency and social media addiction. A combination of therapy and nutrition education should be used and social media literacy should be promoted to raise awareness of orthorexia.