The Relationship Between Digital Game Addiction and Levels of Anxiety and Depression in Adolescents Receiving Cancer Treatment

Abstract

Background Adolescents diagnosed with cancer are vulnerable to symptoms of anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress. Objective To examine the relationship between digital game addiction and levels of anxiety and depression in adolescents receiving cancer treatment. Methods This analytical cross-sectional study was carried out with 120 adolescents aged 12-17 years who were receiving cancer treatment. Data were collected using the Digital Game Addiction Scale (DGAS-7) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Data were analyzed using independent-samples t test, 1-way analysis of variance, Pearson correlation analysis, and simple linear regression. Results The mean age of the adolescents participating in the study was 15.21 ± 1.64 years. The mean DGAS-7 score was 15.19 ± 5.58, whereas the mean HADS Anxiety subscale score was 8.54 ± 4.33, and the mean HADS Depression subscale score was 7.72 ± 3.96. A positive, statistically significant relationship was found between the DGAS-7 mean score and the HADS Anxiety and Depression subscale mean scores (P < .001). Conclusions As the addiction levels increased in adolescents diagnosed with cancer, their anxiety and depression levels also increased. Implications for Practice Health professionals should be mindful that in adolescents diagnosed and treated for cancer, digital game addiction and levels of anxiety and depression may mutually reinforce each other.