Problematic Online Gaming Associated with Aggression, Impulsivity, and Functional Impairment among Undergraduate Students: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract Objective: Problematic online gaming (POG) is described as a phenomenon that the behavior is excessive and gaming related. POG is expected to be present while avoiding the notion of dependency. In this study, we intended to study the prevalence of POG and its impact on impulsivity, aggression, and functional impairment in young adults. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we included 732 individuals aged 18–24 years from various undergraduate colleges. Sociodemographic data were gathered using a copy of semi-structured questions. We also collected other study data with POG Questionnaire Short Form, Barratt’s Impulsiveness Scale-Revised-21 item version, Modified Overt Aggression Scale, and Columbia Functional Impairment Scale-Youth version were used for assessment. Results: In our study, the prevalence of POG in young adults was 9.3%. The mean values of impulsivity ( p < 0.001), aggression ( p < 0.001), and functional impairment ( p < 0.001) were significantly higher in the students with POG compared to those without. Conclusion: Our study revealed that POG affected the psychosocial aspects of an individual. Hence, in this Internet era, we suggest that more research and inclusion of POG-related questions are needed in routine workup on young adult patients.