Demographic characteristics (N = 634).

Purpose There is evidence that Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) is strongly related to depression. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the prevalence of IGD among medical students, as well as to examine the association between IGD and depression. Participants and methods From April to July 2024, a cross-sectional study surveyed Thai medical students studying in the first- to sixth-academic year. Participants were recruited using convenience sampling from one Faculty of Medicine and two Medical Education Centers located in southern Thailand. The survey utilized three questionnaires: Demographic and personal inquiry, the Nine-item Internet Gaming Disorder Scale (IGD Scale 9), and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression to assess the prevalence of IGD and its association with depression among the participants. Results The survey of 634 medical students, 54.9% were female, with a median age of 20 years (IQR: 19–22). Notably, 8.4% reported IGD, while 21.6% exhibited symptoms of depression; indicated by a PHQ-9 score of 9 or higher. Of the 114 medical students who were both depressed and engaged in gaming, 26 (4.1%) reported IGD. Statistical analysis indicated significant differences between the IGD and non-IGD groups regarding gender (p = 0.011) and depression (p < 0.001). Furthermore, medical students experiencing depression were about 7.5 times more likely to have IGD (95% CI: 3.8–14.5), indicating a strong correlation between higher PHQ-9 scores and the severity of IGD. Conclusion This study emphasizes the complex relationship between IGD and mental health issues, such as depression, among medical students. Medical schools should establish early detection systems to identify these challenges. By prioritizing prevention strategies for both IGD and depression, medical schools can provide students with the tools to develop healthier coping mechanisms. Encouraging gaming alternatives can significantly enhance their overall well-being and mental health.研究目的 已有研究表明，网络游戏障碍（Internet Gaming Disorder, IGD）与抑郁症状存在显著关联。本研究旨在调查医学生群体中网络游戏障碍的患病率，并探讨二者之间的相关性。 研究对象与方法 2024年4月至7月，本研究针对泰国南部1所医学院及2个医学教育中心的1至6学年医学生开展横断面调查。研究采用便利抽样法招募受试者，通过三套问卷开展调研：人口统计学与个人情况调查问卷、9项网络游戏障碍量表（IGD Scale 9）以及9项患者健康问卷（Patient Health Questionnaire-9, PHQ-9）。数据分析采用描述性统计与逻辑回归方法，以评估医学生群体中网络游戏障碍的患病率及其与抑郁的相关性。 研究结果 本次调研共纳入634名医学生，其中女性占比54.9%，年龄中位数为20岁（四分位距：19~22岁）。值得注意的是，8.4%的受试者符合网络游戏障碍诊断标准，21.6%的受试者PHQ-9得分≥9分，存在抑郁症状。在114名存在抑郁症状且有游戏行为的医学生中，有26人（占比4.1%）符合网络游戏障碍诊断标准。统计学分析显示，网络游戏障碍组与非网络游戏障碍组在性别分布（p=0.011）与抑郁症状检出率（p<0.001）上存在显著差异。此外，存在抑郁症状的医学生罹患网络游戏障碍的风险约为无抑郁症状者的7.5倍（95%置信区间：3.8~14.5），表明PHQ-9得分越高，网络游戏障碍的严重程度越高，二者呈显著正相关。 研究结论 本研究证实了医学生群体中网络游戏障碍与抑郁等心理健康问题之间的复杂关联。医学院校应建立早期筛查机制，以识别此类心理健康挑战。通过优先制定针对网络游戏障碍与抑郁的预防策略，医学院校可为学生提供更健康的应对方式指导。推广替代游戏的休闲活动，可显著提升学生的整体幸福感与心理健康水平。