Prevalence of Rate of Internet Gaming Disorder and its Association with Substance Abuse and Psychosocial Behavior among Undergraduate Students

The rise of digital gaming has transformed entertainment, and social interaction. However, excessive gaming behaviors have raised concerns about Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD), a condition characterized by loss of control over gaming, prioritization of gaming over daily activities, and resulted negative consequences. The current study is aimed to estimate the prevalence of IGD among under graduate students and to determine the association of IGD with substance abuse and common psychosocial behavior. In this cross-sectional study with a sample size of 68 undergraduate students currently studying in a college were chosen through a random sampling and the participants are from various streams of under graduate courses. The IGD was determine through IGDS9-SF and psychological problems like depression, anxiety, and stress were measured using the DASS-12 scale. The prevalence of IGD was found to be 28% among the total population. 49% of the male respondents exhibit the prevalence of IGD. In this study a significant association between substance abuse and IGD score was reported. The substance abuse includes alcohol consumption (p= 0.00098) and smoking (p= 0.00003) shows positive relation with IGD scores. A statistically significant association between IGD score and DASS score found at 0.05 level (p-value is <0.00001). Males are more addicted IGD than female students. Males are more addicted to internet gaming disorders. Excessive use of gaming application leads to mental disorders, variation in psychosocial behaviors of students. This study will help to identify the effects of internet gaming disorder on the health status of the students.