BACKGROUND: Recent research indicates that video games and screen time are directly related to children's sleep patterns and lifestyles. Uncontrolled and prolonged gaming may negatively impact sleep quality, alter meal timings, and increase the risk of obesity. The effects are more pronounced in those with an evening-type orientation. This study aims to examine the interaction among sleep quality, obesity, eating jetlag, chronotype, and Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) in early adolescents.
METHODS: A total of 280 students participated in the study, aged 11-14 years, and 42.9% were female. Additionally, 6.1% of the students were classified as "disordered gamers." The research was conducted using a mixed-methods approach, with quantitative data collected through various scales: Demographic Form, Sleep Quality Scale and Sleep Variables Questionnaire, Morningness-Eveningness Scale for Children, and Internet Gaming Disorder Scale-Short Form. Qualitative data were obtained through semi-structured interviews.
RESULTS: The analyses reveal that IGD scores are positively associated with eating jetlag and poor sleep quality, while MESC scores are negatively associated with both IGD and sleep quality. Multiple linear regression analysis found that eating jetlag and poor sleep quality were significantly associated with IGD scores, while MESC showed a negative association. Although IGD scores showed a weak association with BMI, BMI was not a significant predictor in the regression analysis. Additionally, the three-way ANCOVA analysis indicated that sleep quality and MESC categories had significant effects on IGD scores. The IGD scores were significantly influenced by the interaction between sleep quality and MESC categories, as well as the interaction between eating jetlag and MESC categories. Qualitative findings also highlighted that evening-type individuals exhibited more irregular eating habits and unhealthy lifestyles. They emphasized the negative effects of online gaming, reported having more irregular sleep patterns, and experienced worse mood and lower energy levels in the mornings. Furthermore, it was found that they engaged in more online gaming.
CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study indicate that IGD may be influenced by chronotype, sleep quality, and irregularities in eating patterns, suggesting a multidimensional nature.
