Exploring the role of Digital games on Children Health: Systematic Review

Abstract

Abstract

Aim: This study aims to explore the role of digital games in children’s physical and mental health. In order to achieve this aim, the study adopts a systematic review approach to critically apprise related studies in the literature. PRISMA framework has also been used for sorting out effective evidences on this topic. Methodology: A systematic review protocol was applied in this study. As such, search engines (Cochrane Library, PubMed and Google Scholar) were selected to search for articles. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied when searching the databases. Furthermore, the Population, Intervention, Clinical Outcomes and Study Design (PICOS) technique was used for the database search. These search engines like Google Scholar, Cochrane Library and PubMed would be effective for generating significant evidences. Results: Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) was implemented in order to identify the studies that should be included. This was done through consecutive stages of identification, screening, intelligibility and inclusion. Twenty-two studies were included and the Critical Appraisal Skill Program (CASP) technique was applied to each article in order to critically appraise their quality. Discussion: There are mixed results in the literature about the effects of digital games on children’s mental and physical health. With regard to the role of video games in physical activity, while some studies suggest that they have a positive impact on children in terms of increasing physical activity, reducing the ratio of fat and activating their muscles, other studies report that video games lead to a sedentary lifestyle among children as they spend a considerable amount of time playing on game devices without real activity. With regard to the role of digital games in the mental health of children, some studies report higher mental activity with particular video games while other studies suggest that they have a negative impact on the mental health of children as they increase psychological problems such as depression and anxiety. Based on the risk of bias analysis, it could be stated that most of the papers have given a moderate support to make a significant conclusion on this issue.