A new study has found statistically significant associations between frequent gaming and negative mental health outcomes, including anxiety, depression and feelings of guilt or shame, among university students in Accra.
The research, conducted among 400 students of the University of Professional Studies, Accra and Accra Technical University, examined gaming behaviour and its mental, social and financial implications. It found that while most respondents engage in gaming at low to moderate levels, over 27 per cent gamble daily or weekly, indicating a risk of problematic behaviour.
The study revealed that gaming participation is predominantly concentrated among young males, with 80 per cent of respondents being male and 79 per cent falling within the 18 to 25 age group. Concerningly, underage participation was recorded at 2.8 per cent, highlighting gaps in the enforcement of age restrictions.
