Relationship between Computer Game Addiction and Body Mass Index and Sleep Habits of 10 to 12 Years Old Primary School Students in Hamadan

Background and Objective: Computer game addiction may cause health problems, such as changes in body mass index and sleep disorders for children and adolescents. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the relationship between computer game addiction and body mass index as well as sleep habits of 10-12 years old primary school students in Hamadan. Materials and Methods: The present correlational study included 470 students aged 10 to 12 years in primary schools in Hamadan, Iran. The study samples were selected using the multi-stage cluster random sampling method. Data were collected using demographic characteristics form, body mass index, computer game addiction, and Children’s Sleep Habits Questionnaires. Body mass index was determined by the ​​height and weight values extracted from the health records and classified according to the standard chart of Body Mass Index. Data were analyzed in SPSS software (version 24) through independent t-test, one-way analysis of variance, and Pearson correlation coefficient.The findings of the present study revealed that the mean±SD scores of computer game addiction, body mass index, and sleep habits of the studied children were estimated at 1.8±0.6, 20.3±5.04, and 50.75±8.4, respectively. Pearson correlation coefficient indicated significant relationships between the mean scores of computer game addiction and body mass index (P<0.001), the mean scores of computer game addiction and sleep habits (P<0.001), and also the mean body mass index and sleep habits (P<0.05). Conclusion: Based on the results, the growth of computer game addiction was positively associated with body mass index and sleep disorders in children aged 10 to 12 years. Moreover, moderate and severe computer game addiction was associated with overweight and poor sleep habits in students, especially the feeling of drowsiness during the day. Therefore, pediatric nurses, parents, the education system, and health care providers have to pay more attention to the students’ health and examine the factors that affect the students’ physical and mental wellbeing.