An investigation of computer-game addiction, physical activity level, quality of life and sleep of children with a sibling with a chronic condition.

Background: It is known that chronic condition also affects siblings without chronic illness. Healthy siblings of children with a chronic condition and aged 9-14 years and healthy children with a sibling without chronic illness and their parents were included in the study.

Aim: The aim of our study was to examine the internet-game addiction, physical activity, quality of life and sleep in children with a sibling with chronic condition and compare them with their peers with a healthy sibling.

Methods: Computer game addiction, physical activity, sleep quality and quality of life were evaluated respectively by Computer Game Addiction Scale for Children, Child Physical Activity Questionnaire, Children's Sleep Disorder Scale and Children's Quality of Life Scale.

Results: While the mean age of 75 children with chronically ill siblings was 10.65 ± 1.59 years, the mean age of 75 healthy children with healthy siblings was 10.46 ± 2.09 years. It was observed that children with a sibling with a chronic condition were more tend to computer-game addiction, had lower sleep quality, lower quality of life in terms of school functionality and psychosocial health compared to children with a healthy sibling (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: It was revealed that in families with children with a chronic condition, siblings with no health problems should also be evaluated in psychosocial terms and supported by appropriate approaches, such as to increase the level of physical activity.