Results
Title

Prevalence and Correlates of Internet Gaming Disorder among Undergraduate Medical Students.

Authors

El-Shabrawy, Amany; Youssef, Amira; Al Nasr Soliman, Eman Seif; fouad, Eman

Abstract

Background: Internet gaming disorder (IGD) is a worldwide psychological illness that can cause substantial suffering and impairment of gamers' mental and physical health. It refers to a form of addiction that the excessive use of video games that involves a lack of control over the habit and that leads to physical, social and emotional problems. In this study, we evaluated the IGD prevalence among undergraduate students aiming at improving the effectiveness of the prevention programs against this great problem as well as early intervention for this major public health problem. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 627 medical students who were selected randomly from lectures or rounds and interviewed for assessment. All participants were subjected to semi-structured psychiatric interviews and internet gaming disorder 9-Item Short Scale. Results: Gaming addiction is significantly associated with uncontrollable internet use, affection of study hours, presence and higher frequency of distraction in attention, decrease in academic grades and poorer grades. Conclusion: The findings reveal alarming rates of excessive internet use and gaming addiction; this behavioral addiction is intricately linked to disruptions in study habits, attention-related challenges, adverse academic outcomes and elevated levels of depression, anxiety, and stress.

Subjects

GAMING disorder; COMPULSIVE behavior; MEDICAL students; INTERNET addiction; MENTAL health; ADDICTIONS

Publication

Zagazig University Medical Journal, 2024, Vol 30, p5095

ISSN

1110-1431

Publication type

Academic Journal

DOI

10.21608/zumj.2024.277732.3262