Internet and video game addiction among adolescents: A preliminary study

Internet and gaming addiction were emerging mental health problems, particularly among adolescents. We aimed to determine the prevalence of Internet use disorder and gaming addiction among high school students and its predictors in the city of Mohammedia, Casablanca.

We conducted a cross-sectional study of 427 students at a public high school in Mohammedia from May to June 2022, which was selected by convenience. Internet addiction was assessed using the Young's Internet Addiction Test-20 items, and gaming addiction was assessed using the problem video gaming scale. Statistical Analysis was done using percentages, means, χ² or Fisher's exact tests, Student's t-tests, and logistic regression in final analysis.

The mean age of participants was 16.3±1.2, with a female predominance (71%). Among the high school students, 47.8% were from the first year and 52.2% from the second. The majority (52.7%) reported using a smart mobile phone. They used the Internet to play games (68.4%), 32.8% to communicate on social media platforms, and 34.4% to gather general information. The prevalence of Internet addiction was 93.2%. Using the Internet alone was significantly associated with Internet addiction (aOR=2.21; 95% CI 1.02-4.76). The prevalence of Internet game disorder was 14.1% and failing at least one grade was a significant risk factor (aOR=4.54; 95% CI 2.38-8.68).

Moroccan adolescents seem to be at great risk of Internet and gaming addictions. Targeted action of modifiable factors would be useful for prevention.