The Prevalence of Internet Gaming Disorder and Its Associated Factors Among University Students in Herat City, Afghanistan

Background Internet gaming disorder (IGD) has become a growing concern among university students due to its potential impact on academic performance and mental health. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of IGD and its associated factors among university students in Herat City, Afghanistan. Methods Data were collected using a structured questionnaire that included sociodemographic variables and the IGD‐20 Test. Participants were categorized using IGD‐20 thresholds: normal (20–49), at‐risk (50–69), and disordered (70–100). The Chi‐square test was applied to examine associations between sociodemographic characteristics and IGD levels, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Findings The study revealed that 22.7% of participants were classified as disordered gamers, 50.4% as at‐risk gamers, and 27.0% as normal gamers. Single students had 50.6% at‐risk and 25.1% disordered. In contrast, married students had 49.6% and 14.7% ( p = 0.009), and students whose mothers were illiterate showed 51.4% at risk and 18.9% disordered, compared with 54.5% at risk and 23.8% disordered for those with mothers holding a school degree and 38.2% at risk and 32.6% disordered for bachelor's or higher ( p = 0.017). Conclusion IGD is highly prevalent among university students in Herat, with more than half of the participants at risk or already classified as disordered gamers. These findings highlight the need for preventive interventions, awareness programs, and support strategies to mitigate the impact of IGD on students’ academic and social well‐being.