Gaming pattern, prevalence of problematic gaming, and perceived stress level among the Indian medical graduate

Abstract

Background: Problematic gaming use is prevalent among the adolescents and young adults. The awareness of problematic gaming as a behavioral addiction is low in the community. Aims: This study was aimed to find the prevalence of problematic gaming, gaming pattern, and perceived stress level among Indian medical graduates. Methods: A total of 922 undergraduate medical students participated in this cross-sectional study. Demographic details, different gaming variables, “internet gaming disorder scale short form (IGDS9),” and “Perceived stress scale” were filled by participants using the Google form. Results: Out of 595 students, 8.71% reported problematic gaming use. Positive correlation was observed between Internet gaming disorder score and perceived stress score (r = 0.446, P < 0.001). Male participants, younger age group, first year medical students, and participants playing more hours per day were associated with higher score on IGDS (P < 0.001). Positive correlation was observed between the duration of game play (in years) with IGDS score (r = 0.359, P < 0.001). Action games playing participants had higher score on Gaming Disorder Scale followed by simulation games playing participants (P = 0.001). Conclusion: Problematic gaming use is prevalent behavioral addiction among the medical students. Students with problematic gaming reported a high level of stress. Education and interactive workshop of problematic gaming should be conducted as a part of foundation course in the medical education.