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.
Sports betting emerged as the dominant form of gaming, with 57.5 per cent of respondents engaging in it exclusively. Online betting followed at 13.5 per cent, while slot machines accounted for 7.2 per cent and casino games 5.8 per cent.
Financial implications
The study also uncovered troubling patterns regarding the funding of gaming activities. The largest group, 43.5 per cent, uses stipends from guardians, while 17.8 per cent use gifts. School fees were used by 9 per cent of respondents, raising concerns about the misappropriation of money intended for education.
Half of the respondents reported that gaming had affected their sleep, appetite or concentration. A significant 42.3 per cent admitted to lying to family or friends about their gaming habits, while 39.8 per cent reported experiencing strong urges or compulsions to gamble even when they wanted to stop. One-third said gaming had negatively impacted their relationships.
The study established a statistically significant association between gaming frequency and anxiety, with higher gaming frequency corresponding with increased levels of self-reported anxiety. It also found a significant association between gaming frequency and depression, with depression levels higher among frequent gamblers.
While there was a statistically significant association between gaming frequency and feelings of guilt or shame, the study found no strong statistical relationship between gaming frequency and suicidal thoughts. The presence of emotional distress among certain groups, however, remains a public health concern.
Low awareness of support services
The study found that 69.8 per cent of respondents were unaware of mental health or gaming support services. Among those who sought help, 71.64 per cent relied on family or friends, while only 2.99 per cent consulted mental health professionals. The heavy reliance on informal support networks suggests limited awareness or accessibility of professional gaming support services.
The Gaming Commission of Ghana, which commissioned the study, said it would intensify nationwide public education campaigns on the mental health, social and financial risks associated with gaming.
The Commission said it would emphasise that gaming should be viewed strictly as a form of entertainment and leisure, not as a means of income generation, and would discourage the perception of gaming as a solution to financial challenges.
It also said it would collaborate with tertiary institutions and stakeholders to implement targeted sensitisation programmes, campus outreach activities and compliance monitoring to curb underage gaming. Licensed operators found in breach of responsible gaming and underage-restriction requirements will be sanctioned in accordance with the Gaming Act, 2006 (Act 721).
The Commission said it would work with the Mental Health Authority and non-governmental organisations to promote available gaming support services, including publicising helplines, counselling services and referral pathways.
