Prevalence of Internet Gaming Disorder in the age group 12-40 years in Jaipur, Rajasthan: a cross-sectional study

Ashish  Mahajan; Nidhi  Mahajan; Heema; Ritu  Wadhwani; Renu  Mittal; Subhash  Kaushik

Ashish Mahajan Research Officer, Homoeopathy, Scientist-2, Department of Clinical Research, Central Research Institute of Homoeopathy, Jaipur, India
Nidhi Mahajan Research Officer, Homoeopathy, Scientist-2, Department of Clinical Research, Central Research Institute of Homoeopathy, Jaipur, India
Heema Research Officer, Homoeopathy, Scientist-1, Department of Clinical Research, Central Research Institute of Homoeopathy, Jaipur, India
Ritu Wadhwani Consultant Psychologist, Central Research Institute of Homoeopathy, Jaipur, India
Renu Mittal Research Officer, Homoeopathy, Scientist-4, Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy, New Delhi, India
Subhash Kaushik Director General, Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy, Ministry of Ayush, New Delhi, India

Keywords: Internet Gaming Disorder, Prevalence, Gaming behavior

Abstract

Context: As every individual is in possession of a mobile phone, Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) is becoming more prevalent due to easy access to fast internet connections, prices of which in India are among the cheapest in the world. TV commercials advertising rewards for playing internet games are a motivational factor encouraging more individuals to engage in internet gaming activity. Data regarding the epidemiology of IGD in India is still insufficient.
Aims: This study aims to determine the prevalence of IGD, the age group most commonly affected, and the effects of IGD on an individual’s behavior.
Settings and Design: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted on people in the age group of 12 to 40 who reported to the institute’s OPDs, nearby areas, and peripheral OPDs.
Methods and Materials: The data was collected using a screening form and IGD9-SF questionnaire from 624 individuals reporting to OPDs.
Results: A total of 114 were found to be fulfilling the criteria of IGD. Hence, the prevalence of IGD among the surveyed population was found to be 18.27%. There is a negligible difference in prevalence among urban (18.47%) and rural (17.65%) populations. Males were significantly more affected with IGD. Students and those in the age group of 12-25 years were found to be more prone to IGD. The most affected domains as per the IGDS9-SF questionnaire were ‘preoccupation with gaming behavior’ (2.74±0.98), followed by ‘relapse noted by failed attempts to control or cease gaming activity’ (2.63±1.15).
Conclusion: The prevalence of IGD is 18.27% among individuals attending Homeopathy OPD, which was associated with gender and the young age group, those who were preoccupied with gaming behavior. This rising prevalence underscored an urgent need for preventive measures.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/2455.7048.202511

How to cite this article:
Mahajan A, Mahajan N, Heema, Wadhwani R, Mittal R, Kaushik S. Prevalence of Internet Gaming Disorder in the age group 12-40 years in Jaipur, Rajasthan: a cross-sectional study. Epidem Int. 2025;10(4):7-11.

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