Journal of Education and Health Promotion

The relationship between computer games and quality of life in adolescents

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

. Nayereh Kasiri Dolatabadi
. Ahmad Ali Eslami
. Firooze Mostafavi
. Akbar Hassanzade 1
. Azam Moradi 2

1 Biostatistics and Epidemiology School of Health, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan.

2 Department of Human Sciences, Payam-e-Nour University of Shahrekord, Shahrekord, Iran

Abstract
Background: Term of doing computer games among teenagers is growing rapidly. This popular
phenomenon can cause physical and psychosocial issues in them. Therefore, this study examined
the relationship between computer games and quality of life domains in adolescents aging 12-
15 years. Materials and Methods: In a cross-sectional study using the 2-stage stratified cluster
sampling method, 444 male and female students in Borkhar were selected. The data collection
tool consisted of 1) World Health Organization Quality Of Life – BREF questionnaire and 2)
personal information questionnaire. The data were analyzed by Pearson correlation, Spearman
correlation, chi-square, independent t-tests and analysis of covariance. Findings: The total mean
score of quality of life in students was 67.11±13.34. The results showed a significant relationship
between the age of starting to play games and the overall quality of life score and its fourdomains
(range r=–0.13 to –0.18). The mean of overall quality of life score in computer game users was
68.27±13.03 while it was 64.81±13.69 among those who did not play computer games and the
difference was significant (P=0.01). There were significant differences in environmental and mental
health domains between the two groups (P<0.05). However, there was no significant relationship
between BMI with the time spent and the type of computer games. Conclusion:Playing computer
games for a short time under parental supervision can have positive effects on quality of life in
adolescents. However, spending long hours for playing computer games may have negative longterm effects.Conclusion: Doing computer games for a short time under parental supervision can
have positive effects on quality of life in adolescents. However, spending long hours for playing
computer games may have negative long-term effects.

Keywords

Adolescent
computer games
quality of life
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Journal of Education and Health Promotion
Volume 3, Issue 4
April 2013
Pages 1-5

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