Gaming Disorder in Adults: Associations With Physical Health, Mental Health, and Addictive Health Behaviors in the Czech Population

Background Gaming disorder among adults has become a critical public health concern, yet its associations with mental health, physical health, and addictive health behaviors remain insufficiently understood. Thus, the objective of this study is to examine the associations between gaming disorder, general health, and addictive health behaviors. Methods A large nationwide sample of 8626 Czech adults (M = 30.53, SD = 13.71; 61.86% female) was used for the analysis. Gaming disorder was assessed using the short form of the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale (IGDS9‐SF). Mental health was evaluated through measures of anxiety, depression, and stress, whereas six indicators of substance use were used to evaluate addictive health behaviors. Data were analyzed using linear, logistic, t ‐tests, and Bayesian ordinal regression models, in crude and adjusted models. Results The results indicated that higher IGDS9‐SF scores were initially linked to increased odds of hypertension, thyroid disease, psoriasis, back pain, and pelvic pain in women; however, these associations disappeared after adjustment. Conversely, both models showed lower odds of diabetes, gastroesophageal reflux, chronic fatigue, obesity, asthma, ulcers, pain of unknown origin, and allergies. Linear regression analyses revealed significant positive associations between IGDS9‐SF scores and anxiety, depression, and stress. Welch t ‐test results showed that individuals with ADHD had significantly higher IGDS9‐SF scores. IGDS9‐SF scores were positively associated with coffee consumption, whereas no association was observed for alcohol use. Additionally, higher scores were correlated with lower tobacco, cannabis, illicit drug, and prescription drug use. Conclusion Longitudinal studies are needed to examine changes and directionality of the observed associations.