Abstract

not-yet-known not-yet-known not-yet-known unknown Background: Internet gaming disorder, sometimes referred to as IGD, is an emerging diagnosis. IGD is ”a pattern of gaming behaviour (”digital-gaming” or ”video-gaming”) characterized by impaired control over gaming, increasing priority given to gaming over other activities to the extent that gaming takes precedence over other interests and daily activities, and continuation or escalation of gaming despite the occurrence of negative consequences.” Aim: This study aimed to assess the prevalence and predictors of internet gaming disorder among adolescents in Al-Baha City. Method: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among the Saudi population in Al-Baha City. The data was collected over three months from January to March 2023 using a web-based structured questionnaire with a sample size of 375 participants and the data was analyzed using SPSS. Results: The majority of study participants (58.7%) were females and (41.3%) were males, IGD prevalence among adolescents in Al Baha city was 16.3%, with a higher frequency among males. at the same time, 83.7% of them had no IGD. Conclusion: This study concluded that IGD prevalence among adolescents in Al Baha city was relatively moderate compared to previous studies with a higher frequency among males. Significant relationships existed between age, gender, educational level, and IGD. Additionally, gender and neglect of personal hygiene were positive predictors of IGD. Recommendation: The current study recommends conducting more research in the Al-Baha region to generalize the results, conducting research on how to control the spread of Internet gaming disorder, conducting health education programs on healthy gaming behaviours and designing and implementing innovative interventions for adolescents with Internet gaming disorder.