Prevalence of Internet Gaming Disorder Among Saudi Arabian University Students: Relationship with Psychological Distress

Overview

Journal Heliyon

Specialty Social Sciences

Date 2023 Jan 2

PMID 36590512

Authors

Hussain Khrad

AbdulAziz Marhoomi

Aqeel Alkhiri

AbdulAziz Al-Shamrani

Doaa Bajabir

Mahmoud Mosli

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background And Aim: Given the exponential growth of the gaming industry, Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) merits further research. This study investigated the prevalence of IGD among Saudi Arabian university students and its relationship with the level of functioning, psychological distress, and potential for comorbid depression, as well as the effect of the COVID-19 lockdown on gaming behavior.

Materials And Methods: 306 participants were randomly selected from various Saudi Arabian universities and surveyed using the 20-item Internet Gaming Disorder Test (IGD-20 Test), the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and the 6-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (Kessler-6).

Results: The estimated prevalence of IGD was 10.1%, and significantly higher risk was observed among IGD and respective at risk groups with psychological distress. Moreover, 67.4% of the participants reported an increase in playtime during the COVID-19 lockdown. Based on the Kesseler-6, psychological distress was observed in 19.9% of the participants.

Conclusions: This study suggests that IGD is a growing mental health risk associated with a dysfunctional impact and psychological distress.

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