Comparative analysis of internet gaming disorder prevalence and gaming-related and psychosocial correlates in Spain and Italy IGD approach in Spain and Italy

Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) represents a growing public health concern among young adults, yet cross-national evidence in this population remains limited, particularly among university students. This study examined the prevalence of probable IGD and its associated factors in two convenience samples of university students from Spain and Italy. Participants included 798 Spanish students (Mean age = 21.48, SD = 5.01; 67.2% female) and 717 Italian students (Mean age = 22.20, SD = 3.83; 49.4% female). Standardized self-report measures assessed IGD symptoms, gaming behaviors, impulsivity traits, emotional intelligence, and social and contextual factors related to gaming. The estimated prevalence of probable IGD was low in both countries (2.1% in Spain and 2.4% in Italy), but increased among active gamers (6.1% and 4%, respectively). Statistical analyses, including chi-square tests, correlations, and binomial logistic regressions, revealed different risk profiles across countries. In Spain, gaming with strangers, lower emotional intelligence, and low premeditation were associated with higher IGD risk. In Italy, positive urgency and a greater number of hours spent gaming emerged as significant predictors. Overall, findings support the multifactorial nature of IGD and highlight meaningful cross-national differences, underscoring the international relevance of preventive and targeted interventions.