Effect of Pokémon Go on self-harm using population-based interrupted time-series analysis: quasi-experimental study

Wong, R. S. M., Ho, F. K. W., Tung, K. T. S., Fu, K.-W. and Ip, P. (2020) Effect of Pokémon Go on self-harm using population-based interrupted time-series analysis: quasi-experimental study. JMIR Serious Games, 8(2), e17112. (doi: 10.2196/17112) (PMID:32530429) (PMCID:PMC7320302)

[img] Text
243872.pdf - Published Version
Available under License Creative Commons Attribution.

269kB

Abstract

Background: Pokémon Go is a very popular location-based augmented reality game with widespread influences over the world. An emerging body of research demonstrates that playing Pokémon Go can lead to improvements in physical activity and psychosocial well-being; however, whether Pokémon Go reduces self-harm incidence at the population-level is still questionable. Objective: This study aimed to quantify how the launch of Pokémon Go in Hong Kong affected the incidence of self-harm using a quasi-experimental design. Methods: An interrupted time-series design with Poisson segmented regression adjusted for time and seasonality trends was used on data from 2012 to 2018 to detect any changes in the number of accident and emergency attendances due to self-harm, after Pokémon Go was launched. The findings were validated using a baseline control period and using other intentional injuries and minor noninjuries as control outcomes. We also assessed intervention effects by age group. Results: From January 1, 2012 to July 31, 2018, there were 13,463 accident and emergency attendances due to self-harm in Hong Kong. During the period after launching Pokémon Go, self-harm attendances dropped by 34% (adjusted incidence rate ratio: 0.66, 95% CI 0.61-0.73). When analyzed by age group, a reduction in self-harm incidence was only apparent in adults (18 to 24 years of age: adjusted incidence rate ratio: 0.78, P=.02; 25 to 39 years of age: adjusted incidence rate ratio: 0.75, P<.001; 40 years of age and older: adjusted incidence rate ratio: 0.57, P<.001). Conclusions: Self-harm incidence in the population, particularly in adults, showed a significant decline in the period after Pokémon Go was launched. Augmented reality games such as Pokémon Go show great promise as a tool to enhance psychosocial well-being and improve mental health.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Ho, Dr Frederick
Authors: Wong, R. S. M., Ho, F. K. W., Tung, K. T. S., Fu, K.-W., and Ip, P.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Public Health
Journal Name:JMIR Serious Games
Publisher:JMIR Publications
ISSN:2291-9279
ISSN (Online):2291-9279
Published Online:12 June 2020
Copyright Holders:Copyright © Rosa Sze Man Wong, Frederick Ka Wing Ho, Keith Tsz Suen Tung, King-Wa Fu, Patrick Ip
First Published:First published in JMIR Serious Games 8(2): e17112
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons Licence

University Staff: Request a correction | Enlighten Editors: Update this record