Perceived problems with adolescent online gaming: National differences and correlations with substance use

Abstract

BackgroundNot much is known about the correlation between gaming problems and substance use across different countries. This paper presents cross-national analyses of different gaming indicators and their relationship to substance use.MethodsBased on data from the 2015 ESPAD study, differences in the relationship between gaming and substance use across 35 countries were analysed using multi-level logistic regression, using substance use as an individual level predictor, economic wealth as a country-level predictor and a combined problem gaming indicator as the outcome.ResultsMulti-level logistic regressions revealed significant correlations between individual substance use and gaming problems, which varied across countries and were moderated by economic wealth. Students who used alcohol, tobacco or cannabis and who lived in high-income countries had a smaller risk of scoring positively on a combined problem gaming indicator than students who used alcohol, tobacco or cannabis and who lived in less prosperous countries.DiscussionDifferent gaming indicators varied substantially across countries, with self-perceived gaming problems being more common in countries with a low prevalence of gaming. Significant cross-level effects demonstrate the need to take the societal context into account when the relationship between problem gaming and substance use is analysed. Prevention measures need to take the fact into account that patterns of substance use among problem gamers vary across countries.

Problematic gaming risk among European adolescents: a cross‐national evaluation of individual and socio‐economic factors

“…To date, little research is available on PG [27,28]. To the best of our knowledge, only one study [27] has considered economic factors in explaining cross-national variations in perceived problems with gaming, reporting an increased risk of PG among adolescents using substances and living in less prosperous countries. Drawing from previous evidence on other problematic behaviours, it is plausible to hypothesize that PG might represent an additional negative consequence of status anxiety and weakened social capital deriving from socio-economic inequality.…”

“…With regard to countrylevel factors, previous studies have documented the relevant impact of socio-economic indicators on adolescent health by showing that lower national wealth and higher economic inequalities are associated with a wide range of psychological and somatic symptoms [25,26]. To date, little research is available on PG [27,28]. To the best of our knowledge, only one study [27] has considered economic factors in explaining cross-national variations in perceived problems with gaming, reporting an increased risk of PG among adolescents using substances and living in less prosperous countries.…”

Has increasing internet use due to smartphone uptake contributed to the decline in adolescent smoking?

“…For example, in a recent Swedish study, online news consumption and online gaming were associated with lower alcohol use, while selfpresentation and online sociability were associated with higher levels of alcohol use [26]. Other studies exploring the relationship between online gaming and substance use have returned mixed results, variously finding positive associations, negative associations and no association [21,27,28].…”

Price Policy and Taxation as Effective Strategies for Tobacco Control

“…17.3% of Austrian men and about 17% of Austrian women smoke daily or almost daily ( 14 ). Considering the high prevalence of smoking tobacco use of 32% among 15–24 year old Austrians, which is considerably higher compared to several other European countries (21.4% in Central Europe, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia) ( 15 ), it is absolutely necessary to call attention to this problem as well as to the fact that tax increases are without much doubt effective strategies to reduce smoking prevalence among minors.…”