Associations between cognitive disengagement syndrome, Internet addiction, and Internet gaming disorder among medical students - A cross-sectional study.

Background: Internet addiction (IA) and gaming disorder (IGD) are emerging public health concerns among youth. Sluggish cognitive tempo (SCT)/cognitive disengagement syndrome has been linked with risky online behaviors, but the literature on medical students is limited.

Aim: To determine associations between SCT, IA, and IGD in Indian medical undergraduates.

Materials and methods: The study included 303 medical students (ages: 18-24, 66% male). The Sociodemographic Information Form, Barkley SCT Scale, Young Internet Addiction Test-Short Form, and The Digital Game Addiction Scale were utilized to collect data. Contingency Table analyses, Mann-Whitey U-test, Chi-square test, and correlation analyses were used for analysis.

Results: The prevalence of IA and IGD was 101 (33.3%) and 61 (20%), respectively. Students with IA or IGD had significantly higher SCT, daydreaming, and sluggishness scores (P < 0.01). SCT, daydreaming, and sluggishness showed significant positive correlations with IA and IGD severity (P < 0.01).

Conclusion: Greater SCT symptoms demonstrated significant associations with increased risk of IA and IGD among medical students. Screening for SCT alongside IA and IGD may enable targeted interventions to promote healthy Internet use.