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

Background: 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.Methods: This cross-sectional study involved a group of ۱۵۰ college students. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire containing the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale-Short Form (IGDS۹-SF). Statistical analysis was done using Jamovi software.Findings: A total of ۱۵۰ college student gamers were involved with a mean age of ۱۸.۶۹±۰.۱۰ years. The mean IGD score was ۱۸.۷۴ with a standard deviation of ۰.۵۳, while the median score was ۱۸. The prevalence of IGD was ۵.۳% 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 than۲ hours a day on games had significantly higher IGD scores (P<۰.۰۵). A significant association was also found between tingling/numbness in the hand while playing and physical pain with IGD (P<۰.۰۵).Conclusion: 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

Keywords:

IGD , Prevalence , gamer , online game