PREVALENCE AND DETERMINANTS OF INTERNET GAME ADDICTION AND PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS AMONG MALE STUDENTS IN HEALTH SCIENCE PROGRAMS AT JAZAN UNIVERSITY, SAUDI ARABIA

Abstract

The internet has become a common means of communication, education, research, business, entertainment, and games.  An excessive use of the latter has led to a disorder termed Internet Gaming Addiction (IGA).  A cross-sectional study assessed the prevalence of IGA based on the Internet Gaming Disorder-20 test among male health science students (n = 486), 18-35 years of age, enrolled at Jazan University, Saudi Arabia, in 2023.  Data were collected via a Google Form of a validated Arabic version of a close-ended self-answered questionnaire on the students’ sociodemographic background, academic discipline and performance, mental health, lifestyle, and recreational activity.  Using univariate statistics followed by multiple logistic regression modeling, two independent risk factors were identified associated with IGA, namely, prior psychological diagnosis and internet gaming as a recreational activity.  The study findings should prompt educators, health providers and administrators at colleges and universities in Saudi Arabia to implement educational programs promoting responsible gaming behavior.