The Prevalence of Internet Gaming Disorder Among Adolescents in Selected Private Christian Universities in Nairobi County, Kenya
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70619/vol5iss2pp19-29Keywords:
Prevalence of Internet Gaming Disorder, Adolescents, Private Christian UniversitiesAbstract
Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) is now a prominent mental health issue that most often affects adolescents. There are several negative consequences of IGD, such as psychological distress and decline in social functioning. This study sought to determine the prevalence of internet gaming disorder among adolescents in selected private Christian universities in Nairobi County, Kenya. The study adopted a quasi-experimental research design, and participants were 584 students from four different private Christian universities. The researcher administered the Gaming Disorder Scale for Adolescents (GADIS-A) tool to measure the prevalence of IGD among the participants, who included late adolescents between the ages of 18 and 21 years. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequencies and percentages. The findings indicated that 34.2% of the participants who were screened for Internet Gaming Disorder met the diagnostic criteria for IGD. This implies that about 34.2% of students aged 18-21 years and studying in selected private Christian universities exhibited internet gaming disorder. This study shows a significant prevalence of IGD among adolescents in the selected private Christian universities in Nairobi County. Therefore, this is a significant concern within adolescents in a university setting. IGD has adverse impacts on social lives, psychological well-being (distress), and academic performance. The finding highlights the necessity for creating more awareness, intervention approaches, and support systems within these universities to address IGD.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Margaret Waruguru Kimani, Prof. Niceta Ireri, Ph.D, Dr Samuel Ojuade Ph.D
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