Assessment of Electronic Gaming Addiction among Secondary School Children

Background: The widespread use of electronic games has significantly impacted children, influencing various psychological, social, and physical aspects of their development. This study aims to assess the prevalence of electronic gaming addiction among secondary school children and explore its relationship with demographic factors.Objective: To evaluate the extent of electronic gaming addiction in secondary school children and examine how demographic variables such as age, gender, and parental education levels correlate with addiction levels.Study Design: A cross-sectional descriptive quantitative design was employed. The study was conducted between September 1, 2022, and February 1, 2023, in Al Najaf Al-Ashraf City, Iraq. A sample of 960 students aged 15-19 years was selected from 32 schools, with 30 randomly chosen from each school.Setting: The study was conducted across 16 preparatory and 16 secondary schools in eight Al Najaf Al-Ashraf City districts.Results: The findings revealed a moderate level of electronic gaming addiction among secondary school children. A significant relationship was observed between electronic gaming addiction and certain socio-demographic factors, including age and maternal presence, with older children and those whose mothers were alive showing higher addiction levels. Other demographic variables, such as parental education, gender, and sibling number, did not show a significant relationship with addiction.Conclusion: The study concludes that electronic gaming addiction among secondary school children is moderately prevalent and is influenced by specific demographic factors. The findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions, including promoting alternative pastimes and encouraging physical activity to mitigate the effects of prolonged gaming.