Understanding internet gaming disorder in Mexican university students: prevalence and associated factors

This study estimated the prevalence of Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) among Mexican university students and identified key risk and protective factors. Using a quantitative cross-sectional design, data were collected from a convenience sample of 712 students (M_age = 19.76 years, SD = 1.68; 42.7% female). Pearson chi-squared tests, correlation analyses, and binomial logistic regression were employed to examine associations and predictors of IGD. The estimated prevalence of probable IGD was 2.1% in the overall sample and 5.4% among active gamers. Gaming-related factors, such as weekly gaming hours, exposure to toxic gaming communities, and motivations based on violent gratification or coping, were positively associated with IGD, as were specific impulsivity traits. Conversely, gaming for fun, perceived social support, and emotional intelligence were negatively associated with IGD. Logistic regression analysis revealed that lack of perseverance (OR = 1.324, 95% CI [1.056 to 1.660]) and lower perceived peer social support (OR = 0.795, 95% CI [0.647 to 0.977]) were statistically significantly associated with increased likelihood of IGD among Mexican gamers. These findings provide evidence for developing culturally tailored interventions in university settings to mitigate the risks associated with problematic gaming behaviors.