Electronic game play and school performance of adolescents in southern Thailand

Does global positioning system-based navigation dependency make your sense of direction poor? A psychological assessment and eye-tracking study

Background

Global positioning system (GPS)-based navigation apps are very useful in our lives. However, whether and how the usage of these apps affects spatial cognition and the sense of direction is still unclear.

Methods

A total of 108 individuals were recruited and completed the GPS dependence, internet gaming behavior, and impulsivity test using scales. The eye-tracking-based general mental rotation (MR) task and target finding (TF; require individuals to find a target specified in a 3D street map in a rotated version of top 2D view map) task were used to assess their spatial cognition and the sense of direction. The correlation was used to relate GPS navigation usage, spatial cognition ability, and impulsivity. Subgroup analyses stratifying by gaming hours of individuals (< 2 h or ≥ 2 h) or maps (countryside or city) in TF task were performed. The moderating and mediating effect analyses were conducted to verify these relationships.

Results

The GPS dependency score was nominal positively correlated with fixations in the TF task in the entire cohort (r = 0.202, unadjusted p = 0.036); it was significant in city (r = 0.254, p = 0.008) and gaming time of < 2 h (r = 0.459, p = 0.001) subgroups. The high-score (upper 30%) group of GPS dependency had more fixations on the original target building in the training area and indicative building in the test area than the low-score (lower 30%) group. GPS dependency was not associated with the correct rate and reaction time in the TF task or any of the indicators in the MR task (p > 0.05). The GPS dependency mediated the indirect effect of impulsivity on the fixations on TF. The internet gaming time moderated the association between GPS dependency and fixations on TF.

Conclusion

The dependency on GPS-based navigation apps was associated with impaired spatial cognition but may not significantly affect the sense of direction.

Ubicación del centro educativo y uso de videojuegos

El presente estudio pretende conocer si la ubicación del centro educativo al que acuden los adolescentes determina el uso de videojuegos de esta población. Este trabajo se integra dentro de una investigación de carácter cuantitativo de tipo descriptivo, que cuenta con una muestra total de 708 adolescentes cursando o bien educación secundaria o bachillerato en el momento de la recolección de datos, con edades comprendidas entre los 12 y los 18 años (M: 13.81; DT: 1.25). Se utilizó un cuestionario con ítems de variables personales, académicas y uso de videojuegos. Los resultados obtenidos muestran que aquellos jóvenes que acuden a un centro urbano refieren que los videojuegos son la principal ocupación de su tiempo libre en mayor medida que los que acuden a centros rurales. El primer colectivo refiere tanto más años dedicados como más horas invertidas a este tipo de divertimento, especialmente durante la semana lectiva. En lo referente a la plataforma preferida de juego, emergen preferencias similares, ocupando el primer lugar el móvil o Tablet y la consola conectada a televisión. Finalmente, los jóvenes rurales prefieren hacer uso del videojuego Among Us, mientras que los urbanos, Fortnite, mostrando ambos grupos gran preferencia por juegos online multijugador. A modo de conclusión, es interesante contrastar datos sobre uso de videojuegos en población rural y urbana para conocer cómo se interrelacionan dos realidades actuales: por un lado, la expansión paulatina del mundo de videojuego, y, por el otro, la realidad de la brecha digital entre los ámbitos urbano y rural.

Escapism-Based Motivation Affected the Psychological Performances of High-Risk Internet Gaming Disorder Individuals

Background

Escapism-based motivation (EBM) is considered as one of the diagnostic criteria for internet gaming disorder (IGD). However, how EBM affects the high risk of IGD (HIGD) population remains unclear.

Methods

An initial number of 789 college students participated in the general, internet gaming behavior, and motivation surveys. After multiple evaluations, 57 individuals were identified as HIGD (25 with EBM, H-EBM; 32 with non-EBM, H-nEBM). In addition, 51 no-gaming individuals were included as the control group (CONTR). The cohorts completed the psychological assessments and eye-tracking tests, and analyses of group differences, correlations, and influencing factors of the indicators were performed.

Results

The Barratt impulsiveness score of H-nEBM and H-EBM was significantly higher than that of CONTR (MD = 3.605, P = 0.017; MD = 3.744, P = 0.022). In addition, emotional intelligence self-emotion management ability was significantly lower in the H-EBM than in CONTR (MD = -2.038, P = 0.004). Correct rates and reaction times in the anti-saccade task differed significantly between the three groups (F = 3.525, P = 0.033; F = 4.459, P = 0.014). However, no differences were found in the comparison of the digital span test (DST), trail making test (TMT), animal verbal fluency test, Stroop test, and mental rotation test results. The anti-saccade test indicators were positively correlated with the DST results but negatively correlated with the Stroop test results (P < 0.05). Correct rates in the mental rotation test were negatively correlated with the TMT results but positively correlated with the DST results (P < 0.05). The participants with high Stroop test scores and no lover experience and who were raised by their grandparents were likely to develop EBM to engage in high risk of internet gaming disorder (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

EBM has a significantly negative effect on impulsivity, self-emotion management ability, and response inhibition in the HIGD participants.

Associations between Physical Activity and Academic Competence: A Cross-Sectional Study among Slovenian Primary School Students

Physical activity has beneficial effects on overall academic performance in children. However, there is a lack of evidence regarding how the individual characteristics of physical activity interact with other confounding variables of academic competence. Leisure-time physical activity with potential confounders-such as developmental, behavioral, family, and school factors, predicting overall, mathematical, and reading academic competence-was studied in a random sample of 1520 Slovenian primary school students in grades 4-6 (51.9% female; mean age = 10.4 years; SD = 0.93). A structured self-reported questionnaire was used to gather data on the children's leisure-time physical activity and social-demographic variables, while academic competence was measured by teachers using the SSRS Academic Competence Evaluation Scale. The findings showed that children engage in physical activity most days a week, with moderate-intensity and unorganized activities. It was predicted that engaging in physical activity would lead to an increase in academic performance by 4.2% in males (p = 0.002) and 3.2% in females (p = 0.024), but after fully adjusting the model for controlling confounding variables, the prediction increased to 81.1% in females and 84.1% in males (p < 0.001). The frequency and intensity of physical activity, the absence of digital games, and attending sports clubs seem to have the most beneficial effects in terms of academic competence in school children, among other relevant confounders mediating in this complex relationship.

Physical activity level of Thai children and youth: Evidence from Thailand's 2018 report card on physical activity for children and youth

BACKGROUND

While enabling and supporting factors have been in place to facilitate the pupils to be more active, only a fourth of Thai children have met the WHO recommendation.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to present the physical activity (PA) level of Thai children and youth, based on the indicators established by Active Health Kids Global Alliance's Report Card (RC).

METHODS

The 2016 Thailand RC Survey and the 2015-2017 Thailand's Surveillance on Physical Activity (SPA) were employed for the analysis. PA of Thai children aged 6-17 years old was assessed in 9 aspects 1) Overall PA, 2) Organized Sports and PA, 3) Active Play, 4) Active Transportation, 5) Sedentary Behavior, 6) Family and Peers, 7) School, 8) Community and Environment, and 9) Government.

RESULTS

Only 26.2% of Thai children and youth met the recommended level of 60 min MVPA. Boys are generally more active compared to girls in all age groups (34.9% versus 16.3%, respectively). Almost half had participated in organized sports and/or PA program, but only 8.7% of Thai children and youth engaged in unstructured/unorganized active play. The settings and source of influence indicators achieved better grades, shown by 71.0% of family members (e.g., parents, guardians) facilitated PA and sports opportunities for their children.

CONCLUSION

Although schools' facilities are available, Thai curriculum provides less opportunity for the children to move during classes and have enough playing time during recess. As there is no standardized guidance for PA in Thai schools, Thailand needs to promote a unified PA in order to improve PA and to reduce recreational screen time of children and youth.

Relationship between the experience of online game genre and high risk of Internet gaming disorder in Korean adolescents

OBJECTIVES

This study examined the association between high risk of Internet gaming disorder (IGD) and online game genres used by adolescents.

METHODS

The data derived from the baseline data of the Internet user Cohort for Unbiased Recognition of gaming disorder in Early Adolescence. A total 1,532 middle school students who use online games included. The participants reported the names of the online games they used during the past year. Game genres were categorized into role playing games (RPGs), shooting, multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA), simulation, arcade, sports and action games. The risk of IGD was measured using the Internet Gaming Use-Elicited symptom Screen. The relationship between the experience of online game genre and high risk of IGD was analyzed using multiple logistic regression model.

RESULTS

The game time of a student was longer if he or she had an experience of RPGs, shooting games, MOBA games, simulation games, and action games. The direct and independent association between high risk of IGD in adolescents and the genres of RPGs, simulation games and MOBA were found to be odds ratios 1.52 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03 to 2.26); 1.59 (95% CI, 1.03 to 2.45); and 1.51 (95% CI, 1.03 to 2.21), respectively after adjusted the potential confounding variables and the use of other online game genres.

CONCLUSIONS

The present cross-sectional study has found an association between online game genres and the risk of IGD in adolescents attending a school. A cohort study should verify the causal association in future.

Association Between Screen Media Use and Academic Performance Among Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

IMPORTANCE

The health consequences of excessive screen media use in children and adolescents are increasingly being recognized; however, the association between screen media use and academic performance remains to be elucidated.

OBJECTIVES

To estimate the association of time spent on screen-based activities with specific academic performance areas in children and adolescents and to examine this association separately in these populations.

DATA SOURCES

MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and ERIC were searched from database inception through September 2018.

STUDY SELECTION

Cross-sectional studies of the association between time or frequency of screen media use and academic performance in children and adolescents were independently screened by 2 researchers. A total of 5599 studies, published between 1958 and 2018 from 23 countries, were identified.

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS

Data were processed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Random-effects models were used to estimate the pooled effect size (ES).

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Academic performance areas included composite scores, language, and mathematics. Screen media measurements included time or frequency of computer, internet, mobile phone, television, video game, and overall screen media use.

RESULTS

In total, 58 cross-sectional studies (1.0%) of 5599 articles were included in the systematic review, of which 30 (52%) were included in the meta-analysis. The systematic review studies involved 480 479 participants aged 4 to 18 years, ranging from 30 to 192 000 people per study, and the meta-analysis studies involved 106 653 total participants, ranging from 70 to 42 041 people per study. Across studies, the amount of time spent on overall screen media use was not associated with academic performance (ES = -0.29; 95% CI, -0.65 to 0.08). Individually, television viewing was inversely associated with composite academic performance scores (ES = -0.19; 95% CI, -0.29 to -0.09), language (ES = -0.18; 95% CI, -0.36 to -0.01), and mathematics (ES = -0.25; 95% CI, -0.33 to -0.16). Video game playing was inversely associated with composite scores (ES = -0.15; 95% CI, -0.22 to -0.08). Subgroup analyses found that television viewing was inversely associated with language only in children (ES = -0.20; 95% CI, -0.26 to -0.15), whereas both television viewing (ES = -0.19; 95% CI, -0.30 to -0.07) and video game playing (ES = -0.16; 95% CI, -0.24 to -0.09) were inversely associated with composite scores only in adolescents.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Findings from this study suggest that each screen-based activity should be analyzed individually for its association with academic performance, particularly television viewing and video game playing, which appeared to be the activities most negatively associated with academic outcomes. Education and public health professionals should consider supervision and reduction to improve the academic performance of children and adolescents exposed to these activities.

Correlates of physical activity and sedentary behaviour in the Thai population: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Given the importance of knowing the potential impediments and enablers for physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour (SB) in a specific population, the aim of this study was to systematically review and summarise evidence on individual, social, environmental, and policy correlates of PA and SB in the Thai population.

METHODS

A systematic review of articles written in Thai and English was conducted. Studies that reported at least one correlate for PA and/or SB in a healthy Thai population were selected independently by two authors. Data on 21 variables were extracted. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.

RESULTS

A total of 25,007 records were screened and 167 studies were included. The studies reported associations with PA for a total of 261 variables, mostly for adults and older adults. For most of the variables, evidence was available from a limited number of studies. Consistent evidence was found for individual-level and social correlates of PA in children/adolescents and adults and for individual-level correlates of PA in older adults. Self-efficacy and perceived barriers were consistently associated with PA in all age groups. Other consistently identified individual-level correlates in adults and older adults included self-rated general health, mental health, perceived benefits, and attitudes towards PA. Consistent evidence was also found for social correlates of PA in adults, including social support, interpersonal influences, parent/family influences, and information support. The influence of friendship/companionship was identified as a correlate of PA only in children/adolescents. A limited number of studies examined SB correlates, especially in older adults. The studies reported associations with SB for a total of 41 variables. Consistent evidence of association with SB was only found for obesity in adults. Some evidence suggests that male adults engage more in SB than females.

CONCLUSIONS

More Thai studies are needed on (i) PA correlates, particularly among children/adolescents, and that focus on environment- and policy-related factors and (ii) SB correlates, particularly among older adults. Researchers are also encouraged to conduct longitudinal studies to provide evidence on prospective and causal relationships, and subject to feasibility, use device-based measures of PA and SB.

Technology and interactive social media use among 8th and 10th graders in the U.S. and associations with homework and school grades

This study examined differences by age, gender, and race/ethnicity in the use of technology and interactive social media from 2013-2016 using data from nationally-representative samples of U.S. 8th and 10th graders (N=40,389). Results indicated that 8^th graders watch TV and play video games more than 10^th graders; boys play more video games and use interactive social media less than girls; and Black adolescents use most forms of media more often than those from other race/ethnicity groups, with the exception of using the computer for school reported most often by Asian adolescents. Mean differences showed that adolescents who spend more time on homework spend more time using the computer for school, and spend less time watching weekday TV, playing video games, and talking on the phone. Adolescents with higher grades spend more time using the computer for school and spend less time on all other types of technology and interactive social media, except for watching weekend TV. Multivariable logistic regression results indicate that watching TV on a weekday was consistently negatively associated with academic outcomes and using the computer for school was consistently positively associated with academic outcomes.

Physical activity and sedentary behaviour research in Thailand: a systematic scoping review

BACKGROUND

The number of deaths per year attributed to non-communicable diseases is increasing in low- and middle-income countries, including Thailand. To facilitate the development of evidence-based public health programs and policies in Thailand, research on physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour (SB) is needed. The aims of this scoping review were to: (i) map all available evidence on PA and SB in Thailand; (ii) identify research gaps; and (iii) suggest directions for future research.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was conducted through 10 bibliographic databases. Additional articles were identified through secondary searches of reference lists, websites of relevant Thai health organisations, Google, and Google Scholar. Studies written in Thai or English were screened independently by two authors and included if they presented quantitative or qualitative data relevant to public health research on PA and/or SB.

RESULTS

Out of 25,007 screened articles, a total of 564 studies were included in the review. Most studies included PA only (80%), 6.7% included SB only, and 13.3% included both PA and SB. The most common research focus was correlates (58.9%), followed by outcomes of PA/SB (22.2%), prevalence of PA/SB (12.4%), and instrument validation (3.2%). Most PA/SB research was cross-sectional (69.3%), while interventions (19.7%) and longitudinal studies (2.8%) were less represented. Most studies (94%) used self-reports of PA/SB, and few (2.5%) used device-based measures. Both sexes were examined in most studies (82.5%). Adults were the main target population group (51.1%), followed by older adults (26.9%), adolescents (15.7%), and children (6.3%). Clinical populations were investigated in the context of PA/SB in a relatively large number of studies (15.3%), most frequently those with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and hypertension (22%, 21%, and 21% respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The number of Thai papers on PA published per year has been increasing, indicating a growing interest in this research area. More studies using population-representative samples are needed, particularly among children and adolescents, and investigating SB as a health risk factor. To provide stronger evidence on determinants and outcomes of PA/SB, longitudinal studies using standardised measures of PA and SB are required.

Objectively measured sedentary time and academic achievement in schoolchildren

This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between objectively measured total sedentary time and academic achievement (AA) in Portuguese children. The sample comprised of 213 children (51.6% girls) aged 9.46 ± 0.43 years, from the north of Portugal. Sedentary time was measured with accelerometry, and AA was assessed using the Portuguese Language and Mathematics National Exams results. Multilevel linear regression models were fitted to assess regression coefficients predicting AA. The results showed that objectively measured total sedentary time was not associated with AA, after adjusting for potential confounders.

Female College Students' Media Use and Academic Outcomes: Results from a Longitudinal Cohort Study

This longitudinal study describes women's media use during their first year of college and examines associations between media use and academic outcomes. Female students (N = 483, M_age = 18.1 years) reported on their use of 11 media forms and their grade point average, academic behaviors, academic confidence, and problems affecting schoolwork. Allowing for multi-tasking, women reported nearly 12 hours of media use per day; use of texting, music, the Internet, and social networking was heaviest. In general, media use was negatively associated with academic outcomes after controlling for prior academics and demographics. Exceptions were newspaper reading and music listening, which were positively associated with academic outcomes. There were significant indirect effects of magazine reading and social networking on GPA via academic behaviors, confidence, and problems. Results show that female college students are heavy users of new media, and that some forms of media use may adversely impact academic performance.

Factors Related to Adolescent Computer Use and Electronic Game Use

The goal of the research was to determine the association between a variety of factors and amount of time per week on the computer and electronic games. Participants (aged 13–17 years and residing in the United States) were recruited via the Internet to complete an anonymous survey on line using a survey tool. The target sample of 200 participants who completed the survey was achieved. The sample's average age was 16 predominantly female (63% girls). A series of regressions with computer use and electronic games hours per week as dependent variables were run. Based on the results, boys engaged in many of the computer and electronic game activities more hours per week than girls. Neck and shoulder pain were implicated in greater use of computers and the Internet. Reading level was positively associated with computer use while math level had a negative association with computer use. These findings seem to suggest that greater computer and electronic use are associated with a number of negative factors and some positive.

The Relationship Between Internet Addiction and Communication, Educational and Physical Problems of Adolescents in North Cyprus

The Internet today, beyond being a source of information and communication, has become an ‘addiction’ for some people. The rate of Internet addiction is rapidly increasing in the world. The aim of this study was to examine the extent of Internet addiction among adolescents in North Cyprus. Eight hundred and fifty-one participants between the ages of 14 to 26 completed the Internet Use and Addiction questionnaire. Results indicated that 6.6% of the participants were addicted to the Internet. Younger high school students were found to have the highest rate of Internet addiction, followed by university students. Males were shown to have significantly higher rates of Internet addiction than females for all age groups. Academic, interpersonal and physical problems were all found to be associated with Internet addiction. The implications for guidance counsellors of this problem are discussed.

Systematic review of sedentary behaviour and health indicators in school-aged children and youth

Accumulating evidence suggests that, independent of physical activity levels, sedentary behaviours are associated with increased risk of cardio-metabolic disease, all-cause mortality, and a variety of physiological and psychological problems. Therefore, the purpose of this systematic review is to determine the relationship between sedentary behaviour and health indicators in school-aged children and youth aged 5-17 years. Online databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE and PsycINFO), personal libraries and government documents were searched for relevant studies examining time spent engaging in sedentary behaviours and six specific health indicators (body composition, fitness, metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease, self-esteem, pro-social behaviour and academic achievement). 232 studies including 983,840 participants met inclusion criteria and were included in the review. Television (TV) watching was the most common measure of sedentary behaviour and body composition was the most common outcome measure. Qualitative analysis of all studies revealed a dose-response relation between increased sedentary behaviour and unfavourable health outcomes. Watching TV for more than 2 hours per day was associated with unfavourable body composition, decreased fitness, lowered scores for self-esteem and pro-social behaviour and decreased academic achievement. Meta-analysis was completed for randomized controlled studies that aimed to reduce sedentary time and reported change in body mass index (BMI) as their primary outcome. In this regard, a meta-analysis revealed an overall significant effect of -0.81 (95% CI of -1.44 to -0.17, p = 0.01) indicating an overall decrease in mean BMI associated with the interventions. There is a large body of evidence from all study designs which suggests that decreasing any type of sedentary time is associated with lower health risk in youth aged 5-17 years. In particular, the evidence suggests that daily TV viewing in excess of 2 hours is associated with reduced physical and psychosocial health, and that lowering sedentary time leads to reductions in BMI.