In:
The American Journal on Addictions, Wiley, Vol. 32, No. 4 ( 2023-07), p. 343-351
Abstract:
Internet gaming disorder (IGD) is associated with health, social, and academic problems but whether these are consequences of the disorder rather than precursors or correlates is unclear. We aimed to evaluate whether IGD in the 1st year of university predicts health, academic and social problems 1 year later, controlling for baseline health, academic and social problems, demographics, and mental health symptoms. Methods In a prospective cohort study, 1741 university students completed both a baseline online survey in their 1st year and a follow‐up survey 1 year later. Log‐binomial models examined the strength of prospective associations between baseline predictor variables (IGD, baseline health, academic and social problems, sex, age, and mental health symptoms) and occurrence of health, academic and social problems at follow‐up. Results When extensively adjusted by the corresponding outcome at baseline, any mental disorder symptoms, sex, and age, baseline IGD was associated only with severe school impairment and poor social life (risk ratio [RR] = 1.77; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.14–2.75, p = .011; RR = 1.22; 95% CI = 1.07–1.38, p = .002, respectively). Conclusions and Scientific Significance University authorities and counselors should consider that incoming 1st‐year students that meet criteria for IGD are likely to have increased academic and social impairments during their 1st year for which they may want to intervene. This study adds to the existing literature by longitudinally examining a greater array of negative outcomes of IGD than previously documented.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
1055-0496
,
1521-0391
Language:
English
Publisher:
Wiley
Publication Date:
2023
detail.hit.zdb_id:
1499930-4
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