Prospective Association Between Video and Computer Game Use During Adolescence and Incidence of Metabolic Health...

Area of Science:

• Adolescent Health
• Public Health
• Digital Media Effects

Background:

• Video and computer game use is prevalent among adolescents (72% of 13-17 year olds).
• Limited research exists on the health effects of gaming in this demographic.
• This study addresses the gap by examining gaming's association with metabolic health indicators.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of video and computer game use in US adolescents.
• To assess the rates of positive health screens for obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure (BP), and high cholesterol.
• To investigate the relationship between gaming frequency and these health outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Secondary data analysis of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health).
• Study population included adolescents aged 12-19 years.
• Data collected between 1994 and 2018.

Main Results:

• Adolescents with the highest video and computer game use had significantly higher BMIs (P=.02).
• Increased gaming frequency correlated with higher rates of obesity, diabetes, and high BP.
• A statistically significant increase in high BP was observed with greater game use.

Conclusions:

• Frequent video and computer game use is associated with increased risk of obesity, diabetes, and high BP in adolescents.
• Adolescents who game most have higher BMIs and are more prone to metabolic disorders.
• Public health interventions and in-game health promotion strategies are recommended for this population.