Assessment of Video Game Addiction among Medical Students at Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute - A Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Background The World Health Organisation states that excessive gaming can result in gaming disorder. Over-gaming by medical students can impair their academic performance. The ease with which the internet can be accessed and the availability of inexpensive smartphones have made gaming popular among young people.Objectives To assess the gaming addiction and its effects among medical students of Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute BMCRI.Methodology A cross-sectional study was conducted among medical students of BMCRI. DSM-5 seven-item Gaming Addiction Scale GAS was used to determine the proportion of addicted medical undergraduates. Results The prevalence of gaming is more among male participants 60.7 compared to female participants 39.3. Mobiles were found to be the most commonly used devices for gaming and majority of the games played were online games 65.4. The most commonly played games include puzzle games followed by arcade games and First-person shooter games. Most of the study participants who chose ldquofor funrdquo or ldquoto minimize lonelinessrdquo as reasons for gaming opted Arcade games and those who chose ldquoto relieve stress anxietyrdquo opted puzzle games or First-person shooter games. Time spent on gaming monthly p 0.038 and device used of gaming p0.030 were significantly associated with category of the gamers.Conclusion The growing incidence of youth game addiction especially among medical students is a problem that must be addressed quickly. Integrating health education on mobile phone usage and prevention measures aligned with informed decision-making autonomy and self-directed actions for responsible smartphone use will minimize negative effects on daily life.nbsp