Prevalence Of Internet Gaming Disorder Research Articles

From classrooms to controllers: how school closures shaped children's video gaming habits.

This study aimed to assess the impact of COVID-19-related school closures on screen time and video gaming habits among governmental school students in Qatar and explore the prevalence of Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) within this context. A cross-sectional approach was employed, spanning two months from June to August 2022. A random sample of students aged 8-15 years was drawn from the national electronic health record system of Qatar. Telephone interviews with parents were conducted to collect data. The Parental Internet Gaming Disorder Scale (PIGDS) was used for IGD assessment. Of 428 parents, 257 (60%) confirmed their child's engagement in video gaming during school closures. Participants averaged 11 years in age with 92 (35.8%) females and 165 (64.2%) males. Nationality included 62.6% expatriates and 37.4% Qatari locals. Average weekly screen time increased significantly from 19.7 ± 10.1 h to 31.9 ± 12.6 h during closure (p < 0.001). Video gaming time rose from 8.6 ± 8.6 h to 13.0 ± 12.4 h per week (p < 0.001). The prevalence of IGD was 8.6% (95% CI 5.4-12.7). Male students, expatriates, and those reporting increased video gaming time were more likely to develop IGD than their female and local counterparts. The observed associations between video gaming increase and IGD highlight the need for focused interventions to address potential risks and promote healthier digital habits among this population.

A Cross-sectional Study on Internet Gaming Disorder and Its Association with Personality Traits in Engineering Students

Background: In the field of psychiatry and mental health, Internet gaming disorder (IGD) is a relatively new concept. In the past few decades, as online gaming and internet usage became increasingly prevalent, this became a topic of concern and research. Therefore, this study aims to estimate the prevalence of IGD and its association with personality traits among students. Methods and material: The present cross-sectional study was conducted at an Engineering college in Nunna, Andhra Pradesh. The planned duration of the study was 12 months, from March 2020 to March 2021. However, it was extended until August 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, as colleges were closed indefinitely until further instructions. In the current study, a total of 170 students (first year to final year) from an engineering college, aged between 19 and 25 years, were included. Students who provided informed consent or expressed willingness to participate in the study through a self-structured questionnaire and those who had internet access or experience with online gaming in the past 12 months were included. The demographic profile, including age, sex, academic year, accommodation status, and departmental course was studied. Also, the device used for gaming was examined. Results: The gender distribution in the given population indicates that approximately 65.88% are males and 34.12% are females, for a total of 170 individuals studied. In that 18 participants (10.58%) were found to have IGD. Among 18 participants with IGD, 14 were males and 4 were females. The gender prevalence for male and female participants was calculated separately and found to be 12.5% for males, and 6.9% for females which is almost a ratio of 2:1. The summary explores the relation between the Big Five personality traits and IGD. The current study subjects were categorized as low, medium, or high for each trait based on their IGD status (positive or negative). Significant correlations were determined between extraversion and IGD ( p = .02), conscientiousness and IGD ( p = .02), and neuroticism and IGD ( p = .02). Conclusion: The current study findings suggest that the overall prevalence of IGD among college students is 10.58% with a higher prevalence among males, IGD is positively connected with neuroticism and negatively correlated with extraversion and conscientiousness. This implies that certain characteristics, either alone or in combination, may raise the likelihood of individuals developing an IGD.

Internet Gaming Disorder in Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have been related to an increased risk for behavioral addictions including online gaming. However, the relationship between these two conditions and Internet gaming disorder (IGD) is still debated. The aim of this study is to address this topic by exploring the prevalence of IGD in a consecutive sample of ASD youth and ADHD youth, compared with a normal control group, and by assessing selected psychopathological and neuropsychological features in ASD and ADHD patients with and without IGD. This study included 77 ASD patients (67 males, mean age 13.58 ± 2.75 years), 94 ADHD patients (79 males, mean age 11.46 ± 2.47 years), and 147 normal controls (NC) (mean age 13.9 ± 3.0 years, 114 males) that received structured measures for IGD (IAT, IGDS9-SF, and UADI). In the ADHD group, 72.34% of the sample were above the IGD cut-off, compared with 45.45% in the ASD group and 9.5% in the NC group. ASD patients with IGD presented with greater severity and more severe attention problems, with no difference in the ASD core symptoms between patients with and without IGD. In the comparison between the ASD and ADHD groups according to the presence of IGD, ASD patients with IGD were the most severe group according to the CGI (Clinical Global Impression) scale. The follow-up, conducted on 45 patients affected by ASD, showed an improvement in CGI and CGAS (Children's Global Assessment Scale) scores, but not in the IGD symptoms. These findings could place the diagnosis of ASD as a negative prognostic factor in the follow-up of aspects of video game addiction compared with ADHD.

Prevalence and Assessment of Internet Gaming Disorder in Psychiatric Outpatient Treatment

Abstract: Aim: While Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) in the general population has a prevalence of 0.6-3.5 %, its frequency and relevance among clinical samples remains unclear. The present investigation aims at assessing the prevalence of IGD in an adult sample in a German psychiatric outpatient clinic and to identify potential predictors that could be helpful for screening for IGD. Methods: We performed a naturalistic retrospective study on data collected via a self-report survey including the Ten Item Internet Gaming Disorder Test (IGDT10). Problematic gaming was defined as either reaching the proposed IGDT10 cut-off for IGD or “gamer at risk” or having self-reported problems and negative consequences related to gaming. Age, gender, comorbid diagnoses and response patterns in the IGDT10 were analyzed. Results: 299 outpatients participated in the survey, with 54 % confirming engagement in gaming. 2.0 % (n=6) of the participants fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for IGD and almost all of these (n=5) gave a self-report of problems related to gaming. 5.0 % of the participants met our wider definition of problematic gaming (n=15; 13 male; mean age= 25.3 years). Conclusion: The prevalence of IGD-affected patients resembled results found in epidemiological studies in the general population. Analyses suggest that for an effective screening assessment, particularly questions regarding subjective impairment related to gaming patterns could be helpful.

The Prevalence of Internet Gaming Disorder and its Associated Factors Among College Students in Saurashtra Region, Gujarat, India.

Internet gaming has become popular in the last few decades; however, very few studies have been conducted on internet gaming in India. This study aimed to investigate internet gaming disorder (IGD), its prevalence, gaming behavior, and effects as well as multiple factors associated with its emergence among college students. This cross-sectional study involved a group of 150 college students. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire containing the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale-Short Form (IGDS9-SF). Statistical analysis was done using Jamovi software. A total of 150 college student gamers were involved with a mean age of 18.69±0.10 years. The mean IGD score was 18.74 with a standard deviation of 0.53, while the median score was 18. The prevalence of IGD was 5.3% among the participants. The IGD prevalence was higher in male students and those whose mothers had a high school diploma or higher. Gamers who spent more than2 hours a day on games had significantly higher IGD scores (P<0.05). A significant association was also found between tingling/numbness in the hand while playing and physical pain with IGD (P<0.05). Spending more time playing online games was significantly associated with a higher risk of IGD. One negative consequence of IGD is the development of physical health issues. It is important to raise awareness about the physical health consequences of excessive gaming among students, parents, institutions, and concerned authorities.

The association between internet addiction and sleep quality among medical students in Saudi Arabia

Background Sleep is one of the fundamental human needs, essential for maintaining a high quality of life and mental and physical well-being across all age groups. Poor sleep quality often stems from negative lifestyle habits, including excessive internet usage. Therefore, it is important to determine the prevalence of internet gaming disorder among youth in Saudi Arabia and to examine the relationship between internet addiction levels and sleep quality. Methods Data were collected from 338 medical students in the southern region of Saudi Arabia (mean age = 21.2 years, standard deviation = 3.29 years). Participants completed an online questionnaire comprising the Internet Addiction Test (IAT) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Data analysis employed iterations, chi-square tests, Pearson correlation coefficients, and ANOVA. Results The results revealed that 21% of the participants exhibited severe internet addiction, while 31% displayed moderate internet addiction. Furthermore, the findings indicated a positive correlation between sleep quality and the severity of internet addiction. Sleep quality symptoms explained 75% of the variance in Internet addiction scores, even after controlling for demographic variables. Additional bivariate analyses revealed that individuals who spent six or more hours online daily were more likely to experience symptoms of poor sleep quality and exhibit a higher severity of internet addiction. Additionally, Men were more susceptible to developing internet addiction compared to women. Moreover, students with internet addiction tended to have lower academic achievements. Conclusion These findings, while exploratory, offer valuable insights into potential interventions, strategies, and programs for mitigating internet addiction and enhancing sleep quality among medical college students.

EEG components of inhibitory control ability in internet gaming disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Inhibitory control ability is a crucial cognitive function that enables individuals to regulate their impulses and behaviors in a goal-directed manner. However, with the increasing prevalence of internet gaming disorder (IGD), there has been growing concern about the impact of excessive gaming on inhibitory control ability. Despite the accumulating evidence on this topic, the research conclusion on whether people with IGD have worse inhibition control ability than healthy controls remains inconsistent, and the lack of effective electroencephalography prediction indicators further complicates this issue. To address this research gap, the present study aimed to investigate whether N2 event-related potential (ERP) and P3 ERP components could serve as reliable indicators of inhibitory control ability in individuals with IGD. To achieve this goal, a systematic literature search was conducted in several databases, including Web of Science, ScienceDirect (EBSCO), SpringerLink, PubMed, and Wiley Online Library. The inclusion criteria were strictly implemented to ensure the quality of the studies included in the meta-analysis. In the end, a total of 5 studies, with 139 participants diagnosed with IGD and 139 healthy controls, were included in the analysis. Meta-analysis revealed large effect sizes of N2 and P3 amplitudes in individuals with IGD, indicating that these two ERP components could be potential indicators of inhibitory control ability. Specifically, the N2 and P3 amplitude was significantly larger in individuals with IGD than in the healthy control group, suggesting deficits in inhibitory control function and increased impulsivity in the IGD group. In the inhibition control task, the IGD group required more cognitive resources to suppress impulsive responses. Overall, the findings of this meta-analysis shed light on the potential use of N2 and P3 amplitudes as reliable indicators of inhibitory control ability in individuals with IGD. The results provide crucial insights into the neural mechanisms underlying inhibitory control impairment in IGD, which could inform the development of effective interventions for this condition. Further research is needed to explore the functional significance of these ERP components and their potential clinical applications in the diagnosis and treatment of IGD.

Unveiling the Connection Between Video Games and Mental Health Among College Students in South India

Introduction: Playing Video Games without control can lead to Gaming Disorder (GD) which is also called a problematic gaming pattern or video game addiction. This study is to determine the prevalence of video game disorders and the various associated factors leading to them. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was done among 930 medical students studying MBBS in a private medical college in Chengalpattu district, Tamil Nadu. Data was collected by pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire. Gaming disorder was assessed by Internet Gaming Disorder Short Form – 9 (IGD-SF 9), depression by Patient Health Questionnaire – 9, and anxiety by Generalized Anxiety Disorder - 7 Questionnaire. Data were analysed using SPSS version 26. Results: Among the study participants, 37% were males, and 63% were females. The prevalence of Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) was 9.7%. Greater than 2 hours of gaming per day, online game genre, having academic impact due to gaming, sleep problems, and neck pain/back pain due to gaming were found to be important predictors of gaming disorder. Conclusion: Awareness has to be created among students and stakeholders regarding gaming disorders among medical college students. Further research should be done to understand the relationship between GD and psychological problems like depression and anxiety.

Internet gaming disorder and its varied impacts on adolescent age group

This comprehensive review article examines the multifaceted impacts of Internet gaming disorder (IGD) or gaming addiction on individuals, with a particular focus on adolescents and young adults. It begins by defining IGD based on criteria from the American Psychiatric Association and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). The review highlights the global prevalence of IGD among adolescents, emphasizing the need for further research and intervention strategies to address this growing concern. It delves into the psychological impacts, including depression, anxiety, cognitive impairments, social isolation, and poor impulse control. The behavioral impacts encompass irritability, academic problems, social withdrawal, financial issues, poor time management, and neglect of responsibilities. Additionally, the review discusses the familial and parental impacts, such as strained family relationships, insecure attachments, family environment disruption, conflicts, and weakened family bonds. The physical health impacts are explored, including sedentary behaviors, sleep disturbances, musculoskeletal problems, dietary issues, and eye strain. Overall, this review underscores the complex and far-reaching consequences of IGD, highlighting the urgency of addressing this issue to promote the well-being of affected individuals.

Assessment of the Prevalence, Risk factors of Internet Gaming Disorder and Psychological correlates in general population of North India

Background: In 2013 American psychiatric association decided to incorporate internet gaming disorder as non-substance addiction. This study aimed to find the prevalence and risk factors. Methodology: It was a cross-section observational study conducted on a general population. The sample size was time limited. A valid standard questionnaire (PHQ-9, IGDS, GAD-7 Scales) was used to collect data. Result: There was 82 male and 43 female involved in this study. The prevalence of internet gaming disorder was 16.8%. Out of 125 subjects, a total of 21 had internet gaming disorder. There was a significant association between internet gaming disorder and age, gender, economics, profession, living alone, spending more than 3 hours on games, and non-functional family. Anxiety and depression were significantly associated with internet gaming disorder at a value of 0.015.

Internet gaming disorder in medical students: Is it a risk factor for poor educational outcomes?

Background: Today, computer games have taken a prominent place in the lives of children and teenagers, and statistics indicate that online gaming constitutes the majority of computer usage. Numerous studies have explored the detrimental effects of internet gaming on individuals. However, to date, no comprehensive research has been conducted specifically investigating the effect of online gaming on academic performance within a medical education context. To address this gap, we have conducted this study, focusing on the impact of online gaming on the academic performance of Iranian medical students. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, 185 medical students from four disciplines ((basic sciences, Physiopathology, extern, intern) were selected through a multi-stage sampling method at Mashhad University of Medical Sciences. Internet gaming disorder (IGD) test as well as the grade point average (GPA) of the last academic semester, the average study hours on normal days and near the exam, the efficiency of study hours, the number of failed semesters, and academic satisfaction were assessed. Results: In this study, a total of 185 medical students participated, of which 62.2% (115 students) were females. The prevalence of IGD was found to be 3.8%. Interestingly, the prevalence of IGD was approximately four times higher in males than in females (7.1% vs. 1.7%, P=0.106). Furthermore, both the overall daily study time (P&lt;0.001) and the daily study time on days near exams (P=0.031) were found to be significantly higher in students without IGD compared to those with IGD. However, factors such as age, gender, being native to Mashhad, discipline level, last GPA, number of failed semesters, and satisfaction with education showed no correlation with IGD. Conclusion: These findings may serve as a cautionary signal for educational authorities within the Iranian medical education system. However, to obtain more robust results, further investigations are recommended, particularly in other academic majors.

Exploring Internet Use, Problematic Behavior, and Their Impact on Mental Health: A Comprehensive Review

This literature review examines the relationship between internet usage, problematic online behaviors, and their impact on the mental health of young adults and adolescents. As the internet and digital technologies become integral to daily life, concerns have grown regarding the consequences of excessive internet use, particularly problematic internet use (PIU). The review starts by systematically assessing the increasing prevalence of internet use among young individuals, emphasizing the need to differentiate regular usage from PIU. It also explores problematic smartphone use and its connection to psychopathology, especially anxiety and depression, which share characteristics with behavioral addiction. Furthermore, the review investigates longitudinal trends in internet use and trust levels among American adults and late adolescents from 1972 to 2012. It reveals a significant decline in trust and confidence, potentially associated with increased internet use. The review also examines the prevalence of Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) and its co-occurrence with depression, offering insights into the diagnostic criteria for IGD. In summary, this comprehensive literature review underscores the need for further research to understand the evolving dynamics and develop effective interventions related to internet use. It emphasizes the bidirectional relationship between internet use and mental health and highlights the relevance of diminishing trust and confidence. These considerations are vital for shaping strategies to promote mental well-being in the digital age.

Internet gaming disorder and psychological well-being among university students in Egypt

BackgroundInternet gaming disorder (IGD) is a serious rising problem affecting people of all ages. Many researchers reported that students’ addictive gaming behavior resulted in the loss of function and the development of psychological problems. In this study, we aimed mainly to measure the prevalence of internet gaming disorder among Mansoura University students and find its relationship with psychological well-being.MethodsA cross-sectional observational study was carried out during the academic year (2021–2022) at the University of Mansoura. Students from four different faculties were included. Participants ages ranged from 18 to 25 years old. An online Google Form questionnaire gathering the tools (questionnaire of demographic and clinical data, Internet Gaming Disorder Short Form scale, Ryff’s scale of psychological well-being) was distributed among them.ResultsIn this study, 870 students were included. The age range was 18–25 years. They were divided into three groups: 315 normal gamers (36%), 500 risky gamers (58%), and 55 disordered gamers (6%), with no significant gender difference in each group (p-value = 0.138). A negative correlation was found between IGD and psychological well-being (r = -0.303).ConclusionsThe prevalence of IGD was 6% among Mansoura University students. Participants in the theoretical faculties who started playing internet gaming at a younger age and spent more than 2 h per week playing and more than 3 h per week thinking about playing internet games were more likely to develop IGD. Whenever IGD scores increased, psychological well-being scores were found to decrease (r = -0.303).

Effectiveness of narrative health message on attitude towards gaming disorder among adolescents at selected school of Patna

Background: Games are generally seen to be beneficial activities but recently it gave rise concern towards people who play digital/video games for prolong hours as it interferes with personal, professional and academics, which is defined as symptoms of internet gaming disorder, that has been recently added in ICD-11 and DSM-5 for further study. Knowledge regarding IGD will help to prevent further prevalence of IGD and manage its harmful physical and mental issue. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of Internet gaming disorder among adolescent students at selected school of Patna, to evaluate the effectiveness of narrative health message on attitude towards gaming disorder among adolescents at selected school of Patna and to determine the association between demographical variables and pre-test attitude score. Methods: A quantitative research approach and pre-experiment (one group pre-test post-test) research design was used. About 76 participants were selected for the study using convenient sampling technique from class 8, 9 and 10 from selected school of Patna. Data was analysed by using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: In pre-test 88.2% participants had positive attitude and 11.8% had negative attitude regarding internet gaming disorder. After implementation of narrative health message there were 92.1% participants had positive attitude and 7.9% had negative attitude The mean post-test attitude score of 76.91±11.717 was higher than the mean pre-test attitude score of 71.62±9.874. The calculated ‘t’ valve 4.421 was significant at p value 0.001. Conclusions: The study concludes that narrative health message regarding internet gaming disorder was effective.

INTERNET GAMING DISORDER AMONG INDONESIAN MUSLIM UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS

Internet Gaming Disorder Scale was originally developed to measure Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) based on the nine criteria proposed by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th ed. (DSM-5). Until recently, there is no result of prevalence of internet gaming disorder among Indonesian Muslim undergraduate students. The objective of this study is to investigate the prevalence of Internet Gaming Disorder among Indonesian Muslim undergraduate students and to explore what are the factors that cause and have effects of IGD in Indonesian Muslim undergraduate students. A case study approach was utilized to gain insight into the experience of six Muslim undergraduate students in Batusangkar city.  Data was collected through semi-structured interviews, and analyzed through coding, categorization, and identification of key data concepts. The findings indicate that the intensity of several game use can influence the prevalence of internet gaming disorder among Muslim undergraduate students. Disrupted conduct, social withdrawal, aggression and poor academic performance are among the many problems that results from excessive gaming use. This research contributes to ongoing discussions about internet gaming disorder and its impact on students’ both psychological and physical wellbeing or health  in the field of Islamic education.

Unravelling the intricacies between gaming motivations and internet gaming disorder symptoms in adolescents: a network analysis of 2-year healthy and deteriorating transition profiles

BackgroundThe increasing prevalence of internet gaming disorder (IGD) among adolescents has become a global concern, while gaming plays a large role in many adolescents’ lives. While prior research emphasised the significance of investigating IGD through an etiological lens, the interconnections between diverse gaming motivations and IGD symptoms in adolescents remain inadequately understood. This study explored the associations between distinct gaming motivations and IGD symptoms by conducting network analysis in adolescents.MethodsData from a two-year longitudinal school-based survey (N = 2148) was utilized. LPA was used to offer a straightforward and interpretable solution for identifying adolescents with two-year healthy and deteriorating transitions of IGD profiles. Subsequently, we conducted a network analysis to explore and compare the associations between gaming motivations and IGD symptoms in adolescents with two-year healthy transition profiles and deteriorating transition profiles.ResultsThree profiles were delineated: ‘low IGD’ (T1: n = 808, 37.62%; T2: n = 731; 34.03%), ‘middle IGD’ (T1: n = 1063, 49.49%; T2: n = 1103, 51.35%), and ‘severe IGD’ (T1: n = 277, 12.89%; T2: n = 314, 14.62%), classifying adolescents with healthy transitions and those with deteriorating transitions. Three gaming motivations (i.e., ‘Daily entertainment’, ‘I am good at it’, and ‘Improvement of ability and mindset’) were identified as protective motivations. Two others, ‘Enjoy being in the gaming world’ and ‘Preoccupation’, were identified as bridge nodes in adolescents with deteriorating transitions. Three core nodes (i.e., ‘Sense of victory’, ‘Enjoy being in the gaming world’, and ‘Sense of achievement’) were identified in both adolescents with healthy profile transitions and deteriorating transitions.ConclusionFindings suggest that not all gaming motivations contribute to the development of IGD in adolescents. Adolescents with deteriorating transitions showed specific gaming motivation and IGD symptom that is closely connected. Future interventions should consider corresponding gaming motivation when addressing IGD among adolescents.

The independent impacts of perceived immediate and future benefits of internet gaming on internet gaming disorder among adolescent internet gamers in China: Mediation via internet gaming time

Perceived benefit of internet gaming was positively associated with gaming time and internet gaming disorder (IGD). Yet, most studies looked at the impact of perceived immediate but not future benefits. The key objectives of this study included the investigation of the independent associations between the overall scales/subscales (mental health, social relationship, and personal achievement) of perceived immediate/future benefits and IGD, and the mediations of such associations via gaming time. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among adolescent internet gamers in Guangzhou and Chengdu, China from October 2019 to January 2020 (n = 1707). The prevalence of IGD was 16.9%. Only 18%–25% and 13%–20% perceived no and strong immediate/future benefits in the three aforementioned domains, respectively. Within individuals, the paired differences in the levels of perceived immediate versus future benefits were of small effect size. The overall scales and all six types of perceived immediate and future benefits were significantly associated with IGD. All (except two) such associations were partially/fully mediated by gaming time. Hence, the participants commonly perceived comparable immediate and future benefits, which may increase gaming time and then increase IGD. Future longitudinal studies are needed to confirm these findings. Innovative interventions modifying perceived immediate/future benefits may reduce gaming time/IGD.

Social support as the mediator for the relationship between internet gaming disorder and psychological problems among university students

BackgroundThere has been increasing recognition of internet gaming disorder as a psychiatric problem that is linked with serious impairment and distress and correlated with psychological reactions and social consequences. Thus, this study proposed that psychological problems (stress, anxiety, and depression) and social support could be associated with IGD and social support had a mediating role between these psychological problems and IGD among university students in Jordan. MethodsA cross-sectional, descriptive correlational design was adopted. The university students (N = 1020) were selected randomly from four universities (two public and two private) in Jordan. A self-structured questionnaire was used to collect data using the Internet Gaming Disorder Test (IGD-20 Test), Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21 (DASS-21), Multidimensional Social Support Scale (MSPSS), and sociodemographic data. FindingsFindings of this study found that the mean age of the participants was 21.38 (S.D ± 2.12) and 55.9% of them were males The prevalence of internet gaming disorder was 12.16% among the participants, where the cut-off point for internet gaming disorder was 71 out of 100. Internet gaming disorder was significantly correlated with stress, anxiety, social support, and depression. However, stress, anxiety, and social support had a direct effect on internet gaming disorder, while social support had the strongest effect on internet gaming disorder. It was found that social support had a mediating role between anxiety and stress (β = −0.172, T-Statistics = 3.92, p < 0.001; β = −0.268, T-Statistics = 5.45, p < 0.001, respectively) and internet gaming disorder (p < 0.001). ConclusionThis study can help policymakers and instructors develop health education programs and/or health training programs that focus on using social support as a coping method when experiencing psychological problems including stress and anxiety and adopt social support in management programs for excessive use of internet gaming.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Internet Gaming Disorder Among Female Secondary School Students in Al-Ahsa, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

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.

Prevalência do transtorno do jogo pela internet e seus correlatos psicológicos

ABSTRACT Objective To investigate the prevalence of internet gaming disorder (IGD) symptoms in a sample of Brazilian adults, and its association with personality, psychiatric symptoms and psychosocial measures. Methods We evaluated 219 adults online recruited using questionnaires and psychometric scales. We evaluated the behavior and pattern of internet games using the Game Addiction Scale (GAS). We tested the association of the previous measures with the GAS scores by spearman correlations and multiple regression analysis. Results Of our sample, 74% played games online. We found correlations between IGD symptoms and most symptoms of mental disorders, with small or moderate effect sizes, as well as correlations with the personality traits of agreeableness (r = -0.272; p &lt; 0.001), conscientiousness (r = - 0.314; p &lt; 0.001), and neuroticism (r = 0.299; p &lt; 0.001). Additionally, we found a negative association with psychosocial outcomes such as quality of life (r = -0.339; p &lt; 0.001) and life satisfaction (r = - 0.202; p &lt; 0.003). The multivariate model included the personality traits of conscientiousness and agreeableness and symptoms of dissociation and somatization as predictors. The prevalence of IGD was 9% in those who played online games. Conclusion IGD is correlated with different areas of the individual’s life, such as personality, quality of life, and several common symptoms of mental disorders. The prevalence can be considered high among players (9%). Conscientiousness, agreeability, somatic symptoms, and dissociative symptoms were associated with the symptoms of IGD.