Gaming behavior disorder and its association with social phobia during COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study among the young Arabs

• DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1071764
• Publication Date: 2023-04-11T04:56:58Z
• Authors: Nour Shaheen; Ahmed Shaheen; Mohamed Elmasry; Omar Ahmed Abdelw...; Abdelrahman Mohamed; Sarya Swed; Ala’ Abdala Rababah; Mostafa Meshref; Ahmed Zaki; Sheikh Shoib
• Keywords: Cross-sectional study; Pandemic; 2019-20 coronavirus outbreak; Association (psychology)

Gaming addiction is a compulsive mental health condition that can have severe negative consequences on person's life. As online gaming has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, studies shown heightened risk of issues. This study aims to assess prevalence phobia and among Arab adolescents identify factors associated with these disorders.This cross-sectional was conducted across 11 nations. Participants were recruited using convenience sampling through an survey distributed social media platforms in countries. The included demographic questions, Nine-item Internet Disorder Scale-Short Form (IGDS-SF9) measure participants' addiction, Social Phobia Scale (SPS), questions assessing impact pandemic internet addiction. data analyzed SPSS win statistical package version 26.Out 2,458 participants, 2,237 sample due non-response missing data. average age participants 19.9 ± 4.8 years, majority Egyptian unmarried. 69% reported playing more than usual since as they confined their homes. Higher scores being single, male, Egyptian. from Egypt those who felt significantly time had higher for Several major criteria, such hours per day beginning at early age, level phobia.The study's findings suggest there high young adults play games. results also indicate significant association between several sociodemographic factors, which may inform future interventions treatments individuals phobia.