Internet gaming disorder and psychological well-being among university students in Egypt

Abstract Background Internet gaming disorder (IGD) is a serious rising problem affecting people of all ages. Many researchers reported that students’ addictive gaming behavior resulted in the loss of function and the development of psychological problems. In this study, we aimed mainly to measure the prevalence of internet gaming disorder among Mansoura University students and find its relationship with psychological well-being. Methods A cross-sectional observational study was carried out during the academic year (2021–2022) at the University of Mansoura. Students from four different faculties were included. Participants ages ranged from 18 to 25 years old. An online Google Form questionnaire gathering the tools (questionnaire of demographic and clinical data, Internet Gaming Disorder Short Form scale, Ryff’s scale of psychological well-being) was distributed among them. Results In this study, 870 students were included. The age range was 18–25 years. They were divided into three groups: 315 normal gamers (36%), 500 risky gamers (58%), and 55 disordered gamers (6%), with no significant gender difference in each group (p-value = 0.138). A negative correlation was found between IGD and psychological well-being (r = -0.303). Conclusions The prevalence of IGD was 6% among Mansoura University students. Participants in the theoretical faculties who started playing internet gaming at a younger age and spent more than 2 h per week playing and more than 3 h per week thinking about playing internet games were more likely to develop IGD. Whenever IGD scores increased, psychological well-being scores were found to decrease (r = -0.303)

Assessing self-stigma levels and associated factors among substance use disorder patients at two selected psychiatric hospitals in Egypt: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Background Substance use disorder is a growing problem worldwide, and the stigma associated with it remains a significant barrier to treatment and recovery. This study aimed to assess the perceived stigma among individuals with substance use disorders and its correlation with their socio-demographic characteristics and clinical history Parameters. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 552 patients with substance use disorders admitted to the outpatient clinics of Mansoura University Hospital, Addiction Treatment Unit of the Psychiatry Department, and Port Said Mental Hospital, Addiction Department. Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire, which included demographic information, clinical history parameters, and the Perceived Stigma of Substance Abuse Scale (PSAS). Results The study found that almost half of the participants were aged 29 or younger, married, and had a median stigma score of 20. The vast majority of participants were male, had no previous legal problems, and had a median stigma score of 19. The most common type of substance used was opioids, and more than half of the participants were still using drugs. The highest mean stigma scores were for the items “Most people think less of a person who has been in treatment for substance use” and “Most employers will pass over the application of someone who has been treated for substance use in favor of another applicant.“ The perceived stigma score was significantly correlated with the severity of use but not with age or duration of use. Conclusion Our study investigates self-stigma in substance use disorder (SUD), revealing its variance across demographics and clinical groups. We found that self-stigma correlates with use severity and possibly decreases with abstinence. Notably, societal bias contributes significantly to self-stigma, necessitating societal interventions. The impact of self-stigma on patient well-being highlights the need for personalized treatments and stigma reduction strategies

Neuropsychiatric manifestations and magnetic resonance spectroscopy of the brain in systemic lupus erythematosus patients

Abstract Background Neuropsychiatric manifestations of lupus (NPSLE) are considered one of the major and most devastating lupus manifestations. The aim of this study was to assess the neuropsychiatric manifestations in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients and estimate the effectiveness of brain magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) and anti-ribosomal P antibody test in early detection of NPSLE. This cross-sectional study was carried out on 50 SLE patients. Demographic, clinical, and therapeutic data were assessed. All patients were subjected to thorough rheumatological and neuropsychiatric evaluation. Serologic tests included antinuclear antibodies, anti-double-stranded DNA, and anti-ribosomal P protein antibodies. Radiologic evaluation included brain MRS. Results The mean age was 26.9 ± 98.9 years; the median disease duration was 18 (0–108) months. Headache was the most common neurological symptom (40%). Depression was not detected in 29 patients (58%), mild in 15 patients (30%), and moderate in 6 patients (12%). Anti-ribosomal P antibody titer was significantly elevated in patients with active in comparison with those with inactive lupus disease (p = 0.026). Brain MRS showed a statistically significant reduction in N-acetylaspartate creatine ratio (NAA/Cr) among patients with active lupus disease (p = 0.015) with a statistically significant increase in choline creatine ratio (Cho/Cr) among patients with inactive lupus disease (p = 0.049). There was a statistically significant negative correlation between the level of NAA/Cr and anti-ribosomal P antibody titer among patients with active lupus disease (p < 0.001). Conclusions Headache is the most common neurological manifestation among SLE patients. Anti-ribosomal P antibody titer is elevated in active SLE patients. The changes of NAA/Cr and Cho/Cr in brain MRS can be of help to differentiate between the active and inactive SLE