Relationship between the use of video games and physical-healthy, psychosocial and academic indicators in primary schoolchildren

Abstract

The use of different digital devices is a widespread practice among young people. These acts will be a key conditioning factor in their health and quality of life. Therefore, the purpose of the study is to establish the relationships between the problematic use of video games with physical-healthy and psychosocial variables in Primary Education students. This study is descriptive and cross-sectional in nature, developed in a sample of 577 primary schoolchildren, aged between 11-12 years (M = 11.41; S.D. = 0.492). An Ad-Hoc questionnaire was used to record hours of physical activity, hours of sleep and use of screens. Likewise, for the problematic use with video games, the Questionnaire of Experiences Related to Video Games (CESR) was used, as well as the questionnaire of Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (KIDMED). Those young people who register more hours of sleep and more hours of physical activity, do not offer problems with video games. However, the higher values of use of digital screens are related to severe problems. Those students who do not have problems with video games obtain higher values at academic, emotional, family and physical levels. In contrast, higher values of social self-concept are associated with severe problems. Finally, higher body mass indices are associated with severe problems with video games, while greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet is associated with those who do not have problems.

Problematic Gaming and Sleep: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…Most studies ( n = 33) assessed problematic gaming using self-report questionnaires, while one collected the data through diagnostic interviews ( 41 ). Seventeen studies employed self-report instruments based on the DSM-5's IGD criteria, while seven studies used the Gaming Addiction Scale for Adolescents [GASA; ( 56 – 58 , 61 , 65 – 67 )], one study adapted the criteria of pathological gambling ( 70 ), four studies adapted the DSM-IV-TR or the ICD-10 substance dependence criteria ( 24 , 52 , 71 , 72 ), whereas four studies used instruments that were based on general addiction symptoms ( 62 , 63 , 77 , 78 ). In addition, one study assessed problematic gaming exclusively based on time spent playing, with four hours or more playing per day defined as “excessive gaming” ( 79 ).…”

Physical Activity and Daily Routine among Children Aged 0–12 during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Spain

“…Since computer use and Internet access are practically universal, many researchers [ 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 ] have proposed prevention programmes and instruments to detect addictions and other behaviour problems. To improve the situation, a healthy mix of lifestyle behaviours in childhood involving less screen time, healthy eating patterns and balanced daily PA, is endorsed [ 32 ].…”

Comparison of Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior among Brazilian Preschool Children during the COVID-19 Physical Distancing Period

“…The ramifications of this excessive screen usage have necessitated the proposal of preventive programs and the development of tools to identify addiction and other behavioral issues [27]. To ameliorate this situation, it has been established that a balanced amalgamation of lifestyle behaviors during childhood, encompassing reduced ST, the adoption of healthy dietary patterns, and regular PA, is necessary [28].…”