O-25 Internet gaming addiction is associated with depression in adolescents in Jamaica

Methods: This was a cross-sectional quantitative study that sampled 432 adolescents from a Jamaican high school. The sample was gathered by selecting two classes from each grade level with the smallest number of students. Informed consent and adolescents’ assent were obtained from all participants before conducting research. Responses were de-identified and no compensation was provided. A selfadministered questionnaire consisting of 4 main parts was completed. The 4 parts screened for 1. depression (Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9)), 2. substance use (Car, Relax, Alone, Forget, Friends, Trouble (CRAFFT) Screening Tool), 3. internet gaming symptoms (Gaming Addictions Scale for Adolescents (GASA)) and 4. demographic information. STATA 18 and Canva were used to analyze data and produce all results.

Results: The prevalence of depression among participants was 79%. Among the 79%, moderate to severe depression in females (55%) was greater than in males (37%). The prevalence of substance use in adolescents was low (15%). The prevalence of IGD was 31%. There was a significant association between gender, depression, and IGD (p<0.001). Adolescents with mild (OR=2.15, 95% CI=0.99, 4.66) and moderate to severe depression (OR=5.58, 95% CI=2.65, 11.74) have significantly higher risks for IGD compared to adolescents without depression. Females have a 70% decreased risk (OR=0.30, 95% CI=0.18, 0.50) compared to males for developing IGD.

Conclusion: This study reported the prevalence of depression (79%), substance use (15%), and IGD (31%) among adolescents. Depression and being a male were positive predictors for IGD. Screening programs for mental health issues in adolescents should include screening for IGD