Abstract

This study measured the prevalence and potential risk factors of Internet gaming disorder (IGD) among female secondary school students in Al-Ahsa, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This cross-sectional study was conducted between January and February 2023. A total of 400 female secondary school students in Al-Ahsa were recruited through multistage stratified cluster sampling. Data were collected by distributing a self-administered questionnaire among students. A chi-squared test was performed to compare categorical variables. The associations between IGD, depression, and anxiety scores were determined using the Pearson correlation coefficient. Among the total sample, 282 were classified as "gamers" and included in our analysis. The prevalence of IGD was found to be 19%. We also found a statistically significant and moderately positive correlation between IGD and anxiety and depression scores. Spending more than four hours daily playing video games, starting to play video games at less than seven years of age, having depression, having anxiety, and playing an online game were found to be potential risk factors for IGD. IGD among female adolescent students in Al-Ahsa is a public health concern that requires attention from the concerned parties. Health education projects on IGD, its risk factors, and its consequences should be designed for adolescents and their families.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.