The Relationship Between Electronic Gaming and Health, Social Relationships, and Physical Activity Among Males in Saudi Arabia

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.

Prevalence and Prediction of Video Gaming Addiction Among Saudi Adolescents, Using the Game Addiction Scale for Adolescents (GASA)

Background

Understanding the prevalence and predictors of video game (VG) addiction is crucial in the Saudi context for improving the quality of life for adolescents and youths. We aim to determine the prevalence, types, and predictors of VG addiction disorders among Saudi adolescents using the validated Arabic-translated Game Addiction Scale for Adolescents (GASA).

Methods

A cross-sectional study of 787 adolescents was conducted via SurveyMonkey with the validated Arabic-translated GASA. The tool has seven domains, each containing three items, scored on a 5-point Likert scale. Data were collected on adolescent demographic characteristics (gender, age, education level, school performance, interaction, socialization, exercising, prayer, the parent's marital status, and education) and VG-related characteristics (age when child started playing VG, duration of playing VG per day, number of children in the family playing VG, parent's permission to play, parent's perception about the positive influence of VG). Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the predictors of VG addiction. Significance was considered at p < 0.05.

Results

Of the 787 adolescents, 8.3% were addicted gamers, 33.4% were problem gamers, and 2.2% were highly engaged. Being an addicted gamer was significantly associated with male gender (OR = 1.36, p = 0.038), higher fathers' education (OR = 1.62, p = 0.001), and favorable perception of parents to VG (OR = 1.51, p = 0.007). When the ROC curve was applied, a cut-off score of 85 was the optimum GASA score above which the adolescent was likely to be an addicted gamer, with 76.9% sensitivity, 84.2% specificity, and an area under the curve of 88.5%.

Conclusion

Our study could be a pilot study for similar studies in other Arab countries. Potential community-based educational programs, parental involvement strategies, or activities to promote alternative hobbies of adolescents are recommended. Additional studies are necessary on how cultural differences might influence gaming addiction and the applicability of Western-based tools like GASA to Saudi contexts.

Do dietary patterns differ with video game usage in college men?

Objective: To assess differences in dietary quality among college men reporting high, moderate, and non-video game usage. Participants: College men aged 18-24. Methods: Cross-sectional data were collected between 2012 and 2020. Participants (n = 1259) were categorized according to self-reported video game usage: non-users (NVG), <1 h/day (MVG), and ≥1 h/day (HVG). ANCOVA identified group differences in nutrient intake from 3-day food records. Results: College men reported 30% NVG, 39% MVG, and 31% HVG. Higher saturated fat (30.2 ± 0.4 g and 30.1 ± 0.3 g, vs. 28.5 ± 0.4 g, p < .01, p < .01) and lower fruit/vegetable intake (3.00 ± 0.1 cups and 2.91 ± 0.1 cups, vs. 3.45 ± 0.1 cups, p < .00, p < .00) was observed in HVG and MVG vs. NVG. Higher discretionary calories (750 ± 13 kcals, vs. 686 ± 13 kcals, p < .00) in HVG and sodium (3922 ± 44 mg, vs. 3860 ± 50 mg, p < .02) in MVG were reported vs. NVG. Conclusion: Video game usage was associated with higher saturated fat, sodium, discretionary calories, and lower F/V intake in college men.

Mobile game addiction and its association with musculoskeletal pain among students: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to ascertain whether there is a difference in musculoskeletal pain between those who are addicted to mobile games and those who are not, to ascertain the association between mobile game addiction and socio-demographic variables, and to ascertain the pain predictor for mobile game addiction on different musculoskeletal regions.

METHODS

There were 840 students in all, both males and females, in this cross-sectional survey from three distinct Bangladeshi institutions. The Nordic Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire, the Gaming Addiction Scale, and the demographic data form were distributed to the participants. The data were analyzed using the Chi-square test and descriptive statistics. Binary logistic regression was used to find the predicted risk factor for mobile gaming addiction.

RESULTS

Musculoskeletal pain affects 52.1% of participants in some part of the body. Males have a 2.01-fold higher likelihood of developing gaming addiction compared to females. Those who are addicted to mobile games experience a higher occurrence of pain in the neck, upper back, elbows, and wrist and hands with a odds ratio of (OR 2.84, 95% CI: 1.49-5.36; p = 0.016), (OR 3.75, 95% CI 1.97-7.12; p = <0.001), (OR 3.38, 95% CI 1.34-8.50; p = 0.010), and (OR 2.14, 95% CI 1.00-4.57; p = 0.049) respectively.

CONCLUSION

These results demonstrate that mobile gaming addiction raises students' risk of musculoskeletal discomfort. Two-three times higher risk of developing pain in the neck, upper back, elbows, and wrist and hands among mobile game addicts.

The mediating effect of subject well-being between physical activity and the internet addiction of college students in China during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study

Background

Internet addiction poses a significant threat to the health of college students worldwide, but physical activity, as a highly safe and effective rehabilitative measure, has shown promise for alleviating this issue nowadays. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the mediating processes in this association remained unclear. This study aims to explore the impact of physical activity on internet addiction among college students and the mediating role of subjective well-being.

Methods

A survey was conducted on 216 eligible college students using the physical activity level scale, the internet addiction test, and the subjective well-being scale. For data analysis, independent sample t-tests, correlation analysis, hierarchical regression analysis, and mediating effect tests were in turn carried out in this work.

Results

The study revealed noteworthy gender disparities in physical activity and internet addiction among college students (β = -0.356, p < 0.01; β = 0.140, p < 0.05). Compared to females, male students manifest elevated levels of physical activity and lower scores in internet addiction. Physical activity and subjective well-being exerted a significantly negative predictive influence on internet addiction (β = -0.162, p < 0.05; β = -0.508, p < 0.001). What's more, subjective well-being assumed a crucial mediating role in the relationship between physical activity and internet addiction, with the mediating effect accounting for 72.81% of the total effect.

Conclusion

This study deepens the understanding of how physical activity reduces internet addiction risk while emphasizing that enhancing subjective well-being is an effective strategy for college students to cope with Internet addiction.

The relationship between game genre, monetization strategy and symptoms of gaming disorder in a clinical sample of adolescents

Background

Gaming disorder (GD) has been introduced as a new diagnosis in the International Classification of Disease 11 (ICD-11). Currently, there's limited understanding of how various video games may differentially contribute to the risk of developing GD. The main aim of this study was to examine the relationship between individuals' game genre preferences, their preferred games' monetization strategies, and GD Symptoms.

Methods

A total of 85 patients undergoing treatment for GD at a child and youth psychiatric clinic were included in the study. Their preferred games were classified into five novel genres based on gameplay similarities and objectives, and further categorized based on their monetization strategy.

Results

Symptom burden of GD, measured with Game Addiction Scale for Adolescents (GASA), was highest for those playing Free-to-Play (F2P) games and lowest for Pay-to-Play (P2P) players. Players of Competitive Games endorsed higher GD symptom burden, whereas players of Story-driven games reported lower GD symptom burden. Symptoms of GD were associated with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnosis in males.

Conclusions

This study reveals that game genre preference is influenced by sex, age, and certain psychiatric diagnoses. The categorizing of games into genres is increasingly complex and our research introduces a novel categorization in a developing research field. The result of this study suggests that the monetization model is important to consider while trying to understand the relationship between game characteristics and GD symptoms.

The association between the use of video games, social media and online dating sites, and the symptoms of anxiety and/or depression in adults aged 25 and over

People tend to spend more time in front of their screens, which can have repercussions on their social life, physical and mental health. This topic has mainly been studied in adolescents. Therefore, our study tested associations between the use of video games, social media and online dating leading to sexual relations (ODLSR), and symptoms of anxiety and/or depression among adults aged 25 and over. Data from the 2018 TEMPO cohort study were analyzed (n = 853, 65.0% women, aged 25-44, with an average of 37.4 ± 3.7 years). The exposure variables were as follows: (a) the frequency of video game use, (b) time spent on social media and (c) ODLSR. Data were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression models, adjusted for participants' sociodemographic characteristics as well as history of mental health problems. Among the participants, 8.6% presented symptoms of anxiety and/or depression. An association between ODLSR and symptoms of anxiety and/or depression was found, especially among women. The results of this study will facilitate the improvement of support and care for adults, especially those with symptoms of anxiety and/or depression using dating applications. Future studies should investigate the determinants of using online meeting websites and their relationship with the occurrence of psychological difficulties in longitudinal studies to establish causality.

Relapse prevention therapy for internet gaming disorder in Swedish child and adolescent psychiatric clinics: a randomized controlled trial

Objectives

To evaluate the effectiveness of relapse prevention (RP) as a treatment for internet gaming disorder (IGD).

Design

Randomized controlled trial.

Setting

Three child and adolescent psychiatry (CAP) units in Region Skåne, Sweden.

Participants

Children aged 13-18 years, coming for their first visit to CAP during 2022, were screened for gaming behavior. Those who met the proposed DSM-5 criteria for IGD were offered participation in the trial, if they had the capacity to provide written informed consent and if they spoke Swedish. A total of 111 CAP patients agreed to participate. Out of those, 11 patients were excluded due to incorrect inclusion such as young age (n = 1), or due to the absence of responses to follow-up measures (n = 9). After exclusion, 102 participants remained (intervention = 47, control = 55).

Interventions

The intervention, RP, is based on cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) and was provided individually, comprising of five to seven 45-min sessions over a period of 5 to 7 weeks versus treatment as usual.

Outcome measures

Participants were assessed with Game Addiction Scale for Adolescents pre-treatment (GASA) (baseline), post-treatment (treatment group only), and 3 months after baseline (follow-up).

Results

The repeated measures ANOVA showed a significant interaction effect between treatment and time. Both the control group and treatment group lowered their mean GASA score from baseline to follow-up significantly, but the improvement was greater in the treatment group (mean difference in control group -5.1, p < 0.001, 95% CI = - 3.390 to -6.755, mean difference in treatment group -9.9, p < 0.001, 95% CI = -11.746 to -8.105).

Conclusion

RP was found to be superior to treatment as usual in terms of reduction of IGD symptoms. Future research should address which aspects within a given treatment are effective, who benefits from treatment, in what aspects, and why.

Trial registration number

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05506384 https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05506384.

Secular trends in motor performance in Swiss children and adolescents from 1983 to 2018

Introduction

Environmental changes, including globalization, urbanization, social and cultural changes in society, and exposure to modern digital technology undoubtedly have an impact on children’s activity and lifestyle behavior. In fact, marked reductions in children’s physical activity levels have been reported over the years and sedentary behavior has increased around the world. The question arises whether these environmental changes had an impact on general motor performance in children and adolescents. The study aimed to investigate secular trends of motor performance in Swiss children and adolescents, aged between 7 and 18 years, over a period of 35 years from 1983 to 2018.

Methods

Longitudinal data on the five motor components of the Zurich Neuromotor Assessment (ZNA) – pure motor (PM), fine motor (FM), dynamic balance (DB), static balance (SB), and contralateral associated movements (CAM) – were pooled with cross-sectional data on PM and FM from eight ZNA studies between 1983 and 2018. Regression models were used to estimate the effect of the year of birth on motor performance and body mass index (BMI) measurements. Models were adjusted for age, sex, and socioeconomic status.

Results

The secular trend estimates in standard deviation scores (SDS) per 10 years were − 0.06 [−0.33; 0.22, 95% Confidence Interval] for PM, −0.11 [−0.41; 0.20] for FM, −0.38 [−0.66; −0.09] for DB (−0.42 when controlled for BMI), −0.21 [−0.47; 0.06] for SB, and − 0.01 [−0.32; 0.31] for CAM. The mean change in BMI data was positive with 0.30 SDS [0.07; 0.53] over 10 years.

Discussion

Despite substantial societal changes since the 1980s, motor performance has remained relatively stable across generations. No secular trend was found in FM, PM, SB, and CAM over a period of 35 years. A secular trend in DB was present independent of the secular trend in body mass index.

Relationship between Medical Students' Perceived Stress and Gaming Behavior at King Saud University

Gaming addiction has gradually developed among medical students and has been a contentious topic for nearly a decade. This study is aimed at estimating the prevalence of gaming addiction among medical students at King Saud University and examining the relationship between perceived stress levels and gaming addiction. We conducted a cross-sectional study among 370 students from 2019 to 2020 using a self-reporting questionnaire consisting of two validated test scales: the Gaming Disorder Test and the Perceived Stress Scale. The questionnaire was sent to all students through an email. Descriptive analyses and t-test statistical tests were used in this study. The prevalence rate of gaming addiction was found to be 4.6%, while the prevalence of perceived stress was confirmed at 95.9%. Students with excellent GPAs and high family income were associated (p < 0.001). Younger groups, females, and students with high family incomes showed higher levels of perceived stress than others. According to Pearson's correlation, gaming addiction was not significantly correlated with stress among medical students (p > 0.05). According to chi-square test also, no significant association was found between gaming disorder and perceived stress (χ ² = 4.412; p = 0.353). In conclusion, gaming addiction among medical students has scored low prevalence, indicating gaming is not a factor contributing to stress among this group. The high level of perceived stress among medical students should draw attention to the provision of regular psychological care.

Risk factors and outcomes of internet gaming disorder identified in Korean prospective adolescent cohort study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Internet gaming disorder (IGD) is known to cause various psychological and physical complications. Through data collected from an adolescent prospective longitudinal cohort, we examined how IGD is related to lifestyle and physical symptoms, as well as the temporal relationship between them.

METHODS

This study was conducted as part of iCURE (Internet user Cohort for Unbiased Recognition of gaming disorder in Early Adolescence) in Korea between 2015 and 2019. Sleep and physical activity time, dry eye symptoms, musculoskeletal pain, and near-miss accidents were measured at baseline and followed-up after one year. IGD risk was evaluated using the Internet Game Use - Elicited Symptom Screen (IGUESS). The association between IGD risk and measured variables was analyzed, both at baseline and at follow-up after one year.

RESULTS

At baseline, the IGD risk group had significantly less physical activity time and sleep time and had more dry eye symptoms, musculoskeletal pain, and near-miss accidents than the IGD non-risk group. Additionally, in the IGD risk group at baseline, dry eye symptoms, musculoskeletal pain, and near-miss accidents occurred significantly more after one year of follow-up.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

The results of this study show that IGD is a significant risk factor that increases the probability of physical disease and trauma in adolescents. Therefore, interventions aimed at reducing IGD risk and protecting the physical and mental health of adolescents are imperative.

Association of Smartphone Use With Body Image Distortion and Weight Loss Behaviors in Korean Adolescents

IMPORTANCE

Despite high use of smartphones among adolescents, little is known about the association of smartphone use with body image and related behaviors.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the associations of duration of smartphone use and types of content most frequently accessed via smartphone with body image distortion and weight loss behaviors in adolescents.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This cross-sectional study used data from the population-based Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-Based Survey 2017. Participants comprised a nationally representative sample of 53 133 Korean adolescents aged 12 to 18 years. Data were collected from June 1 to July 18, 2017. The analysis was performed from February 7, 2020, to March 30, 2022.

EXPOSURES

Self-reported duration of smartphone use (min/d) and types of content (educational or informational searches; chatting, messaging, or email; social networking services or forums; games; videos, movies, or music; webtoons or web novels; and shopping or other activities) most frequently accessed during smartphone use.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Body image distortion (overperception of body weight), weight loss attempt, use of inappropriate weight loss strategies (skipping meals, eating only 1 food at a time, vomiting, or using laxatives), and healthy weight loss behaviors (muscle-strengthening and aerobic physical activity). Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs, accounting for survey sampling and adjusting for potential confounders.

RESULTS

Among 53 133 participants, the mean (SD) age was 15.0 (1.8) years; 50.7% of participants were female, and 49.3% were male. After adjusting for types of content accessed, prolonged smartphone use (≥301 min/d) was positively associated with body image distortion (boys: OR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.07-1.28; girls: OR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.10-1.30) and inappropriate weight loss strategies (boys: OR, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.25-1.90; girls: OR, 2.45; 95% CI, 2.14-2.79) in both sexes compared with minimal smartphone use (1-120 min/d). After adjusting for duration of smartphone use, the use of smartphones mainly for videos, movies, or music (OR, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.02-1.29), webtoons or web novels (OR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.10-1.48), and games (OR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.03-1.32) was positively associated with body image distortion in boys compared with the use of smartphones mainly for educational or informational content. Among boys, the use of smartphones mainly for chatting, messaging, or email was positively associated with muscle-strengthening activity (OR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.18-1.44) and aerobic physical activity (OR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.29-1.55), as was the use of smartphones mainly for social networking services or forums (muscle-strengthening activity: OR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.13-1.42; aerobic physical activity: OR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.15-1.43). Among girls, the use of smartphones mainly for chatting, messaging, or email was positively associated with weight loss attempts (OR, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.19-1.51) and the use of inappropriate weight loss strategies (OR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.25-1.99), as was the use of smartphones mainly for social networking services or forums (weight loss attempts: OR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.07-1.36; use of inappropriate weight loss strategies: OR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.08-1.73).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

In this cross-sectional study, both the duration of smartphone use and the types of content most frequently accessed via smartphone were associated with body image distortion and weight loss behaviors in adolescents. These findings suggest a need for the identification of strategies to help adolescents develop healthy smartphone use behaviors.

Physical Activity Levels of a Multi-Ethnic Population of Young Men Living in Saudi Arabia and Factors Associated With Physical Inactivity

Objective

Regular physical activity is essential for lifelong optimal health. Contrarily, physical inactivity is linked with risk for many chronic diseases. This study was conducted to evaluate the physical activity levels and factors associated with physical inactivity among a multi-ethnic population of young men living in Saudi Arabia.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study involving 3,600 young men (20–35 years) living in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Sociodemographic and physical activity data were collected from subjects by face-to-face interviews. Physical activity characteristics were evaluated by using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. Weight and height were measured following standardized methods, then body mass index was calculated.

Results

Physical inactivity was reported among 24.9% of study subjects. The lowest and highest rates of physical inactivity were reported among subjects from the Philippines (14.0%) and Saudi Arabia (41.5%), respectively. There is a high variation in daily minutes spent on physical activities related to work, transport, recreation, vigorous and moderate-intensity physical activities and sedentary behaviors among study participants based on their nationalities. Nationality, increasing age, longer residency period in Saudi Arabia, living within a family household, having a high education level, earning a high monthly income, and increasing body mass index were significantly associated with a higher risk of physical inactivity among the study participants.

Conclusion

Physical inactivity prevalence is relatively high among a multi-ethnic population of young men living in Saudi Arabia. The findings confirmed notable disparities in the physical activity characteristics among participants from different countries living in Saudi Arabia.

The Impact of Online Game Addiction on Adolescent Mental Health: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Abstract: Introduction: The World Health Organization (WHO) in 2019 determined that Internet Gaming Disorders (IGD) were included as mental health disorders. Among adolescents, excessive online gaming has become a lifestyle and is associated with psychological symptoms (psychopathological symptoms and life satisfaction), social health (social interactions) and physical health (general health and body mass index). The IGD has now become a problem all over the world.   AIM: This study aims to analyze the impact of online game addiction on adolescents using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA) approach.   MATERIALS AND METHODS: Subjects were searched extensively from the Pubmed, Sage, Science Direct, and Scopus databases. The search used the keywords "online game addiction", "mental health", and "youth". The inclusive criteria for the included  literature in this study  were as follow; the literature had to be sourced from journal article, written in English, available in full text, the published between  2011-2021, and the age of the adolescent subject should be 13-18 years. We identified 81 articles of which 20 were deemed relevant for this systematic review.   RESULTS: This review study shows that problematic online gaming behavior has a strong negative correlation with various subjective health outcomes.   CONCLUSION: Early relevant prevention for  adolescents from the IGD is the appropriate use of  internet/ gadgets as the only option to avoid or to reduce the symptoms of internet addiction and online games.   Keywords : Online game addiction; Mental health; Adolescents; Good Health and Wellbeing

Metabolic and Endocrine Changes Determined in Saliva of Adolescents Engaged in Computer Gaming

Passion for computer games negatively affects the health level of schoolchildren. Among the approaches to monitoring the functional state of such schoolchildren, the most informative and painless is the study of the saliva. The study involved 45 children, aged 14.00 ± 0.21 years, and divided according to the contact's intensity with computer games. The following indicators of lipid peroxidation (LPO) were determined in the saliva: indicators of the antioxidant (AO) system, concentration of immunoglobulin A, and hormonal indicators. The significant increases in the catecholamine (adrenaline) level for 2.3 times and biogenic amine-serotonin for 35.5% and increase in the LPO-DC product concentration in gamers for 75.8% were revealed. The study of the schoolchildren's homeostasis peculiarities confirmed the adequacy of the use of biochemical techniques to assess the condition of children gamers. They have a prenosological condition. This is reflected in the increase in LPO intensity, failure of the protective AO system, imbalance of hormonal state, and immunity deterioration. Information on the evaluation of the LPO activity processes and the AO system condition and the degree of the balance's shift between prooxidants and antioxidants in biological substrates can be considered objective and very sensitive indicators of the general condition, activity, and improvement of the regulation and maintenance of homeostasis.