Trastorno por videojuegos, hábitos alimentarios y motivación hacia la práctica de la actividad física en estudiantes de educación básica: un estudio transversal

Gaming disorder is a condition recognized by the World Health Organization, characterized by excessive and problematic use of video games, both online and offline. This disorder can have a significant impact on academic performance, personal relationships, and mental and physical health, becoming an increasing problem, especially among adolescents. The present study aimed to determine whether there is a relationship between gaming disorder, eating habits, and motivation for physical activity among elementary education students. A quantitative approach was used with a non-experimental, descriptive correlational, and cross-sectional design. The sample consisted of 222 students of both sexes, who completed the Gaming Dependence Test, the Eating Habits Questionnaire, and the PALMS scale, all with adequate metric properties. The findings revealed that gaming disorder is inversely and significantly correlated with eating habits (rs = -0.411, p < 0.01) and motivation for physical activity (rs = -0.397, p < 0.01). Additionally, a direct and significant correlation was found between eating habits and motivation for physical activity (rs = 0.428, p < 0.01). It is concluded that there is a significant relationship between gaming disorder, eating habits, and motivation for physical activity among elementary education students.