Internet Addiction and Problem Gambling Among Japanese University Students: Comorbidity and Lifestyle Correlates

Internet addiction and problem gambling represent significant public health issues among young people. A link between the two has been noted, but few studies have comprehensively examined their comorbidity, including lifestyle factors, among Japanese university students. This study clarified the prevalence of co-occurrence of Internet addiction and problem gambling among such students, identified associated factors, and examined the relationship between these conditions and lifestyle habits. A sample of 5083 Japanese university students completed the Internet Addiction Test (IAT) and South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS). Logistic regression was used to examine associations with demographic characteristics and lifestyle habits (sleep, physical activity, and dietary habits). Internet addiction was significantly associated with problem gambling, and the risk of problem gambling increased with IAT scores. Internet addiction was associated with being male, being in lower academic years, poor sleep quality, insufficient physical activity, and unhealthy eating. Problem gambling was associated with IAT scores, male gender, and family history of gambling. The association between lifestyle habits and problem gambling was minor. These results suggest that Internet addiction and problem gambling are not independent issues but may share a common psychological and neural basis. These findings suggest the need for a comprehensive approach in prevention and intervention.