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Di Censo G, Delfabbro P, King DL. Examining the Role of Sports Betting Marketing in Youth Problem Gambling. J Gambl Stud 2024:10.1007/s10899-024-10347-x. [PMID: 39046580 DOI: 10.1007/s10899-024-10347-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sports betting is becoming increasingly common among young people in the UK and Australia. There is a need to understand how the marketing of sports betting may influence risky and pathological gambling to inform policies aimed at reducing harm. This study examines whether sports betting advertising may predict problem gambling scores among young people, while accounting for non-marketing variables. METHODS We recruited 567 participants (53.1% male) aged 18-24 years from an online research panel. Participants were eligible if they had an active betting account and regularly bet on sports. We conducted a hierarchical regression analysis to examine whether four marketing-related measures (exposure to advertising, ad-driven betting decisions, use of betting inducements, and perceived susceptibility to betting inducements) could predict PGSI scores. We controlled for several demographic, psychological, and behavioural variables, including gender, gambling participation, spend per session, participation in in-play betting, normative beliefs about sports betting, and impulsivity. RESULTS The study revealed that sports betting marketing was positively associated with PGSI scores after controlling for non-marketing variables. Significant marketing predictors included ad-driven betting decisions and perceived influence from betting inducements. Other significant predictors included participation in non-sports betting gambling activities, spend per session, involvement in in-play betting, and the impulsivity trait of negative urgency. CONCLUSION Sports betting marketing appears to be implicated in young people's gambling problems. Specifically, young people who have gambling problems may be more likely to bet in response to advertising, and betting incentives may contribute to an intensification of their gambling behaviour. This study supports the implementation of regulations and restrictions on advertising as a measure to protect young problem gamblers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianluca Di Censo
- School of Psychology, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia.
| | - Paul Delfabbro
- School of Psychology, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
| | - Daniel L King
- School of Psychology, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
- College of Education, Psychology & Social Work, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
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Sohn YS, Son H. Online Gambling Patterns and Predictors of Problem Gambling Among Korean Adolescents During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-sectional Study. Asian Nurs Res (Korean Soc Nurs Sci) 2024; 18:20-27. [PMID: 38244980 DOI: 10.1016/j.anr.2024.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study examined online gambling patterns among Korean adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic and identified predictors of problem gambling based on a socio-ecological model. METHODS It used nationally representative data from the 2020 National Survey on Youth Gambling Problems conducted by the Korea Center on Gambling Problems. This study selected a sample of 780 adolescents aged 13-18 years who reported having gambled online at least once in the last three months from the raw data of respondents. They were classified as the non-problem group and problem group according to the Gambling Problems Severity Scale (GPSS) of the Canadian Adolescent Gambling Inventory (CAGI). The predictive factors of problem gambling were analyzed by logistic regression analysis. RESULTS The prevalence of problem gambling was 24.6 %. Its predictors included intrapersonal [male (odds ratios, OR = 1.67); gambling prior to COVID-19 (OR = 2.08)] and interpersonal factors [frequent gamblers in peers (OR = 4.34); peer pressure (OR = 2.34)]. Social factors, such as gambling in online community (OR = 5.60), sports betting (OR = 53.24), and lotteries (OR = 17.03) were associated with problem gambling. CONCLUSIONS The major predictors of problem gambling among adolescent online gamblers included peer gambling and specific types of gambling. To prevent problem gambling, strategies targeting peer groups are essential. In addition, nurses need to share with families, schools, communities, and policymakers that online gambling, such as lotteries and sports betting, are high-risk of adolescent problem gambling, and recommend them to collaborate for stricter regulatory measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young-Sil Sohn
- College of Nursing, Pusan National University, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunmi Son
- College of Nursing, Research Institute of Nursing Science, Pusan National University, Republic of Korea.
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Zhang T, Seet PS, Redmond J, Sharafizad J. Relieving the Gambling Itch Through Alcohol Consumption: The Impact of COVID-19 Restrictions on Australian Casino Patrons. J Gambl Stud 2023; 39:1675-1697. [PMID: 37755624 PMCID: PMC10627916 DOI: 10.1007/s10899-023-10252-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
This paper extends our understanding of how casino patrons are affected by COVID-19 restrictions and how they cope by substituting gambling with alcohol consumption. We conducted two studies using a nationwide survey sample collected in Australia during the pandemic lockdown. Study 1 compares the casino patrons with two reference groups (other gambling patrons and non-gambling individuals) and investigates the lockdown restrictions on respondents' relational strength, and their potential impact on mental health and future prospects. Study 2 applies the stress-response dampening model (SRD) and tests how respondents used alcohol consumption to cope with the lack of access to casinos during the lockdown. The results from Study 1 suggest that lockdown restrictions on respondents' relational strength have significant negative impacts on anxiety, life satisfaction and post-pandemic outlook. Study 2 finds that casino patrons substituted gambling with alcohol consumption during the lockdown, with increased alcohol consumption negatively related to life satisfaction. Paradoxically, Australian gambling venue owners may not be adversely affected as many also run liquor retail operations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tenghao Zhang
- Australian Energy Market Operator, Perth, WA, Australia
- School of Business and Law, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
| | - Pi-Shen Seet
- School of Business and Law, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia.
| | - Janice Redmond
- School of Business and Law, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
| | - Jalleh Sharafizad
- School of Business and Law, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
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Chóliz M. Is gambling like a virus?: A conceptual framework and proposals based on empirical data for the prevention of gambling addiction. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1686. [PMID: 37658315 PMCID: PMC10472672 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16610-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study is to present a conceptual framework for the prevention of gambling disorder and try to corroborate some of its postulates. The assumption of gambling as if it were acting like a virus may have important considerations in terms of preventing gambling disorder in society and, therefore, it could be a relevant public health issue. BACKGROUND Like COVID-19, gambling disorder is a disease which is caused by the action of an external agent. The external agent was already in existence, but certain environmental conditions (absence of regulatory measures based on the prevention of gambling disorder) favored its propagation. Regarding immunization, for SARS-CoV-2, it is obtained through vaccination and prevention of exposure. However, it is unlikely that immunization can be developed for any gambling addiction prevention program to immunize everyone who is exposed to the "gambling virus". So, in the case of gambling disorder, preventive strategies should rather prevent gambling from affecting most people by limiting availability (supply) and accessibility (ease of access) to gambling. STUDY DESIGN This research is a quasi-experimental investigation aimed to evaluate the effects of anti-COVID measures on the frequency of gambling and evolution of gambling disorder. The present study analyzed gambling patterns and the problems caused by gambling in 2,903 people, including those who were at-risk gamblers or had a gambling disorder. RESULTS In general terms, restrictive measures to combat COVID-19 worked to prevent the consolidation of gambling habits and the appearance of gambling disorder, but they did not seem to be sufficient for people who already had this disorder. The most affected games were electronic games machines (EGMs) that took place in public places (gambling halls, bars and restaurants, etc.). CONCLUSIONS The findings of this work support the hypothesis that, just as the SAR-CoV-2 virus is responsible for the global pandemic of COVID-19, which can only be stopped with vaccines and social distancing, in the case of gambling, the absence of an effective vaccine for "gambling virus" can lead to an epidemic of gambling disorders in societies, if the environmental conditions that are favorable for the spread of such virus are not modified. Some preventive strategies that can be useful from a public health frame of reference are suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariano Chóliz
- Gambling and Technological Addictions Research Unit, Psychology School, University of Valencia, Avda. Blasco Ibáñez, 21, 46010, Valencia, Spain.
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5
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Smith E, Michalski S, Knauth KHK, Kaspar K, Reiter N, Peters J. Large-Scale Web Scraping for Problem Gambling Research: A Case Study of COVID-19 Lockdown Effects in Germany. J Gambl Stud 2023; 39:1487-1504. [PMID: 36707481 PMCID: PMC9882744 DOI: 10.1007/s10899-023-10187-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic and the measures to prevent its spread have had a negative impact on substance use behaviour. It is likely that social distancing and lockdown measures have also altered gambling behaviour, for instance shifting from land-based to online gambling. We used large-scale web scraping to analyse posting behaviour on a major German online gambling forum, gathering a database of more than 200k posts. We examined the usage of different subforums, i.e. terrestrial, online gambling and problem gambling sections, and changes in posting behaviour related to the casino closures that were part of the nationwide restrictions in Germany in 2020. There was a marked increase in newly registered users during the first lockdown compared to the preceding weeks, an increase in the number of posts in the online gambling subforum and concurrent decrease in the terrestrial gambling subforum. Further, the number of short-latency replies was higher during the first lockdown compared to the preceding weeks. Many users who posted in both the online and terrestrial forum contributed at least once to the problem gambling subforum, implying that the topic of problem gambling is widely discussed. Our findings may indicate a shift from terrestrial to online gambling during lockdown, and mirror the general increase in screen time and usage of online platforms after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The analyses help to identify lockdown-related effects on gambling behaviour. These potentially detrimental effects pose a special threat for individuals at risk and may require monitoring and special public health measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elke Smith
- Department of Psychology, Biological Psychology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
| | - Simon Michalski
- Department of Psychology, Biological Psychology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Kilian H K Knauth
- Department of Psychology, Biological Psychology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Kai Kaspar
- Department of Psychology, Social and Media Psychology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Nils Reiter
- Department of Digital Humanities, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jan Peters
- Department of Psychology, Biological Psychology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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Agbenorxevi CD, Hevi SS, Malcalm E, Akude J, Coleman RKN. Gamified Problem Gambling and Psychological Distress: The Mediated-Moderated Roles of Cognitive and Economic Motives. J Gambl Stud 2023; 39:1355-1370. [PMID: 37198349 PMCID: PMC10191817 DOI: 10.1007/s10899-023-10219-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Economic and non-economic motives for gambling may amplify anxiety and depression among young adults. On the grounds that online gambling is highly addictive, it is imperative to assess significant contributory factors in gambling that aggravate financial harm and psychological distress. The study examines gamified problem gambling and psychological distress among young adults in Ghanaian universities. The study further explores the mediating role of cognitive biases and heuristics as well as financial motive for gambling between gamified problem gambling and psychological distress. Through a cross-sectional design and convenience sampling technique, the study employed (n = 678) respondents who took part in different forms of gambling events in the last 2 years. Instruments for construct assessment include problem gambling severity, cognitive biases and heuristics, financial motive for gambling and psychological distress scales. Control variables include gender, age, income source and type of gambling patronized in the last 2 years. Using hierarchical regression, gamified problem gambling was found to have a positive effect on psychological distress. Also, cognitive biases & heuristics partially mediates between gamified problem gambling and psychological distress. Finally, financial motive for gambling moderates between gamified problem gambling and psychological distress. The outcomes bring to bear economic and non-economic motives that exacerbate psychological distress among young adults. Based on the vulnerability of problem gamblers in developing countries, the researchers recommend a need for stricter regulations to somewhat control online gambling frequency among young adults.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stewart Selase Hevi
- Department of Management Studies, Ghana Communication Technology University, Accra, Ghana
| | - Ebenezer Malcalm
- Department of Management Studies, Ghana Communication Technology University, Accra, Ghana
| | - Jennifer Akude
- Ghana Communication Technology University- Academic Affairs Directorate, Accra, Ghana
| | - Ruth Kukua Ntumy Coleman
- Department of Business Leadership and Legal Studies, Regent University College of Science and Technology, Accra, Ghana
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Lupo R, Vitale E, Carriero MC, Calabrò A, Imperiale C, Ercolani M, Filippini A, Santoro P, Carvello M, Rizzo E, Artioli G, Conte L, Muratori PF. Gambling and internet addiction: a pilot study among a Population of Italian Healthcare : Gambling and Internet Addition in a Healthcare Group. J Gambl Stud 2023; 39:1337-1354. [PMID: 35908025 PMCID: PMC9362545 DOI: 10.1007/s10899-022-10150-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2022] [Revised: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
AIM Measuring the phenomenon of gambling and Internet addiction, with analysis of attitudes and psychophysical consequences among nurses working in different care settings. METHODS An observational, cross sectional, multicenter study was conducted from April to September 2020. Participants' socio-demographic information, the "Internet Addiction Test" (IAT) scale, and the "South Oaks Gambling Screen" (SOGS) were collected in order to assess the overuse of and whether an individual has a problematic relationship with gambling, respectively. RESULTS 502 nurses were enrolled in the study. Significant correlations were found (p < .001) between the IAT score and gender, number of years of work experience, job role, educational qualification; and between the SOGS and gender, number of years of work experience, job role and regions of Italy. CONCLUSIONS The study highlighted an emerging social problem, and the results may be just the tip of the iceberg. Given the lack of knowledge of these phenomena and a high percentage of people who suffer from them but are afraid to admit it and get help, this study could also be useful in expanding knowledge and allow more professionals to get help and learn about possible treatments and cures for the resolution of these addictions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Lupo
- "San Giuseppe da Copertino" Hospital, Lecce, Italy
| | - Elsa Vitale
- Department of Mental Health, Local Health Authority Bari, Bari, Italy
| | | | - Antonino Calabrò
- Nuovo Ospedale degli Infermi Hospital, ASL (Local Health Authority), Biella, Italy
| | | | | | - Aurelio Filippini
- Centre for Research in Clinical Ethics (CREC), University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | | | - Maicol Carvello
- Brisighella Community Hospital, ASL (Local Health Authority) of Romagna, Romagna, Italy
| | - Emanuele Rizzo
- Laboratory of Hygiene and Molecular Epidemiology, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, Lecce, LE, Italy
| | | | - Luana Conte
- Laboratory of Interdisciplinary Research Applied to Medicine (DReAM), University of Salento and ASL (Local Health Authority) Lecce (LE), Lecce, Italy.
- Laboratory of Biomedical Physics and Environment, Department of Mathematics and Physics "E. De Giorgi", University of Salento, 73100, Lecce, LE, Italy.
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Sirola A, Nyrhinen J, Wilska TA. Psychosocial Perspective on Problem Gambling: The role of Social Relationships, Resilience, and COVID-19 Worry. J Gambl Stud 2023; 39:1467-1485. [PMID: 36622471 PMCID: PMC9827443 DOI: 10.1007/s10899-022-10185-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has amplified several psychosocial risks and problem behaviors among vulnerable individuals. Given that gambling has high addictive potential, it is important to consider the underlying mechanisms of problem gambling. This study examined psychosocial factors associated with pandemic-time problem gambling.Cross-sectional data were gathered via an online survey of 18-75-year-old Finnish, Swedish, and British respondents (n = 2,022) who reported having gambled at least occasionally during the pandemic. Measures included problem gambling, loneliness, COVID-19 worry, social support, and psychological resilience. Control variables included gender, age, and education. Structural equation modeling was used as an analytical technique.Loneliness was found to be associated with problem gambling. While COVID-19 worry was not directly associated with problem gambling, it predicted higher loneliness, which in turn was associated with problem gambling. Evidence was not found regarding the protective role of resilience or social support in problem gambling. However, social support was found to be associated with higher problem gambling severity. Male gender and younger age were associated with problem gambling.The results bring insight into underlying vulnerabilities regarding problem gambling during the pandemic. More focus should be placed on the quality and sources of social support, as well as on how psychosocial risk and protective factors might work differently among different populations of gamblers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anu Sirola
- Department of Social Sciences and Philosophy, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland.
| | - Jussi Nyrhinen
- Department of Social Sciences and Philosophy, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Terhi-Anna Wilska
- Department of Social Sciences and Philosophy, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
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9
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Bonny-Noach H, Horsky S. Post-pandemic cannabis and gambling policy changes to attract tourists may lead to future health problems and costs. J Travel Med 2023; 30:taac117. [PMID: 36222147 DOI: 10.1093/jtm/taac117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Aiming to lure back post-pandemic travellers, some tourism-dependent countries are considering and implementing rapid changes in cannabis and gambling policies. On the one hand, this may reverse the downturn in tourism, but on the other hand, it is likely to lead to future health problems and addictive behaviours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hagit Bonny-Noach
- The Department of Criminology, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Ariel University, Ariel 40700, Israel
| | - Sharon Horsky
- Hebrew University Business School, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190501, Israel
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Brodeur M, Roberge P, Cotton JC, Monson E, Morvannou A, Poitras ME, Lacasse A, Jutras-Aswad D, Couturier Y, Loignon C, Audette-Chapdelaine S, Auger AM, Bertrand K, Dorceus S, Simon O, Hudon C. Experience of LGBTQIA2S+ populations with gambling during the COVID-19 pandemic: protocol for a mixed-methods study. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e066231. [PMID: 36754562 PMCID: PMC9922879 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-066231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Research undertaken since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic has provided us information about the impact of the pandemic on the gambling habits of the general population. However, very little is known about certain subgroups at increased risk of developing gambling disorder, such as the LGBTQIA2S+ population. The purpose of this study is to describe the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on gambling behaviours among LGBTQIA2S+ individuals. In addition, we want to understand the experiences of the LGBTQIA2S+ population with gambling disorder and identify interventions that LGBTQIA2S+ people have found to be effective in addressing problem gambling during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This study has a sequential explanatory mixed-method design in two phases over 2 years. The first phase is a correlational study. We will conduct a cross-sectional survey using a stratified random sampling among Canadian residents who are 18 years of age or older, self-identify as sexually and gender-diverse (ie, LGBTQIA2S+) and have gambled at least once in the previous 12 months. This survey will be administered online via a web panel (n=1500). The second phase is a qualitative study. Semistructured interviews will be conducted with LGBTQIA2S+ people with problematic gambling (n=30). ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This research project has been ethically and scientifically approved by the Research Ethics Committee and by the CIUSSS de l'Estrie-CHUS scientific evaluation committee on 3 March 2022 (reference number: 2022-4633-LGBTQ-JHA). Electronic and/or written informed consent, depending on the data collection format (online survey and online or in-person interviews), will be obtained from each participant. A copy of the consent form and contact information will be delivered to each participant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magaly Brodeur
- Department of Family Medecine and Emergency Medecine, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Pasquale Roberge
- Department of Family Medecine and Emergency Medecine, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Julie-Christine Cotton
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Eva Monson
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Adele Morvannou
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Marie-Eve Poitras
- Department of Family Medecine and Emergency Medecine, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Anaïs Lacasse
- Department of Health Sciences, Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec, Canada
| | - Didier Jutras-Aswad
- Department of Psychiatry and Addiction, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Yves Couturier
- School of Social Work, Universite de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Christine Loignon
- Department of Family Medecine and Emergency Medecine, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sophie Audette-Chapdelaine
- Department of Family Medecine and Emergency Medecine, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Anne-Marie Auger
- Department of Family Medecine and Emergency Medecine, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Karine Bertrand
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sabruna Dorceus
- Department of Career Counseling, Universite de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Olivier Simon
- Department of Psychiatry, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Vaud, Switzerland
| | - Catherine Hudon
- Department of Family Medecine and Emergency Medecine, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
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Chóliz M. Crisis, What Crisis? The Effect of Economic Crises on Spending on Online and Offline Gambling in Spain: Implications for Preventing Gambling Disorder. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:2909. [PMID: 36833606 PMCID: PMC9957131 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20042909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
(1) Background: In the period between 2008 and 2020, the world experienced two global economic crises that affected people's way of life and well-being: the financial crisis of 2008 and that precipitated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the crises' radically different causes, their consequences for economic activity have been equally dramatic; (2) Methods: This article analyzes the consequences of both crises on gambling spending in Spain and compares traditional (offline) games with more recent online offerings. The data were collected from databases maintained by the Spanish government and gambling companies; (3) Results: The paper offers two main conclusions. The first is that, while traditional (offline) gambling has been significantly affected by economic crises, online gambling has exhibited consistent growth since its legalization. The second is that the measures implemented to resolve the two economic crises differed significantly and thus had different impacts on spending on the various types of gambling; (4) Conclusions: The key conclusion is that purchasing power (measured in terms of GDP) can only explain spending on less addictive gambling games, such as lotteries. However, the availability and accessibility of games are both directly related to spending on games of all types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariano Chóliz
- Gambling and Technological Addictions Research Unit, Psychology School, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
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12
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Egorov AY. [Behavioral (non-chemical) addictions and COVID-19]. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova 2023; 123:41-46. [PMID: 36719118 DOI: 10.17116/jnevro202312301141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The review examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the prevalence, manifestation, as well as the possibility of preventing and treating behavioral (non-chemical) addictions. Particular attention is paid to various manifestations of Internet addiction (IA): gaming, gambling, cybersexual and food addiction (FA). During the pandemic, Internet use increased significantly, leading to an increase in IA, mainly due to gaming, which correlated with the level of psychosocial problems. The increase in gambling occurred mainly in individuals with addiction or risk groups, while in the population the frequency of gambling decreased or did not change. Immediately after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of requests to porn sites increased dramatically, suggesting an increase in cybersex addiction. However, longitudinal studies in adolescents show a slight decrease in the interest in pornography in boys, and an increase from an initially low level in girls. The proportion of eating disorders and FA significantly increased. An increase in FA was associated with depression, anxiety, and also in obese individuals. In the era of COVID-19 prevention practices and general remedial activity should take into account the needs of the general population, emphasizing the importance of self-regulating and balanced lifestyles with moderate and sensible Internet use during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Y Egorov
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg, Russia.,Mechnikov North-West State Medical University, St. Petersburg, Russia.,Saint Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia
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13
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Renard M, Audette-Chapdelaine S, Savard AC, Kairouz S, Brodeur M. Gamblers' Perceptions of the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Their Gambling Behaviours: Analysis of Free-Text Responses Collected through a Cross-Sectional Online Survey. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:16603. [PMID: 36554483 PMCID: PMC9778834 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192416603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought drastic changes to the lives of a substantial portion of the world's population. Many stakeholders have expressed concern about the impact of the pandemic on gambling practices, which have historically increased during times of crisis. The purpose of this study was to provide a snapshot of the impact of the pandemic on gambling practices, focusing on the lived experiences of people who gamble. An online cross-sectional survey was conducted between 16 February and 15 March 2021. An open-ended question allowed the participants to describe in their own words the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their gambling practices. A qualitative analysis was conducted based on 724 responses to this question. Among the participants, 57% were problem gamblers, according to their Problem Gambling Severity Index score. Three themes were identified: (1) changes in gambling practices perceived by the respondents during the pandemic, (2) the impacts of these changes, and (3) the factors that influenced the changes in their gambling practices. A meaningful proportion of the sample of gamblers felt that their gambling practices had increased during the pandemic. Many of them did not report the deleterious effects of this increase, whereas others were devastated. Thus, variations in gambling practices during the pandemic must be interpreted with caution, as they may reflect a variety of realities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianne Renard
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, QC H2X 3P2, Canada
| | - Sophie Audette-Chapdelaine
- Department of Family Medicine and Emergency Medicine, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1K 2R1, Canada
| | - Annie-Claude Savard
- School of Social Work and Criminology, Université Laval, Quebec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Sylvia Kairouz
- Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H3G 1M8, Canada
| | - Magaly Brodeur
- Department of Family Medicine and Emergency Medicine, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1K 2R1, Canada
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14
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Quinn A, Grant JE, Chamberlain SR. COVID-19 and resultant restrictions on gambling behaviour. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 143:104932. [PMID: 36341942 PMCID: PMC9617674 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Since the onset of COVID-19, studies suggest a significant increase in online gambling, potentially facilitated by increased time at home, social isolation and boredom. This study aimed to address what is known about the impact of the pandemic on gambling behaviour by conducting a mapping review. A systematic literature search was conducted using four online databases. Additional studies were identified using reference lists. Relevant studies were quality scored and their findings synthesised in terms of overall changes at the population level and potentially vulnerable groups. The weight of evidence from 35 relevant reports across 12 countries indicated reductions of gambling during the pandemic at the level of the general population. However, marked increases in gambling amongst vulnerable sub-populations including amongst young adults and people with pre-existing at-risk gambling were also noted. The impact of COVID-19 on gambling is highly contingent on context. If policy makers examine only population level data, this could overlook profound negative effects identified in those with at-risk gambling, gambling disorder, and amongst young adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Quinn
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, UK,Correspondence to: Academic Centre, College Keep, 4-12 Terminus Terrace, Southampton, Hampshire, SO14 3DT, UK
| | - Jon E. Grant
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Chicago, USA
| | - Samuel R. Chamberlain
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, UK,Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
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15
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Otis E, Kim AJ, Stewart SH, Sherry SB, Yakovenko I. Changes in sports gambling behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:1018234. [PMID: 36440391 PMCID: PMC9682192 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1018234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Sports betting is one of the most popular forms of gambling in Canada; recent prevalence estimates indicate that 7.9% of Canadian adults endorsed gambling on sports in the past year. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic led to the temporary closure of most major sports leagues worldwide beginning in March of 2020. These sudden closures created a dramatic decrease in the availability of sports betting opportunities in the early stages of the pandemic, followed by a subsequent increase in availability as most sport leagues returned during the summer of 2020. Using a retrospective self-report measure of gambling participation, the present study investigated how the gambling behaviors of N = 85 past-year sports gamblers changed over the course of the pandemic. It was hypothesized that sports gamblers would report an initial decrease in gambling behaviors from pre-pandemic baseline levels to the early stages of the pandemic in May of 2020 when the availability of sports gambling was heavily restricted, followed by an increase in gambling behaviors from May to August, in accordance with the re-emergence of live sporting events. The general pattern of results supported the hypotheses, though gambling behaviors did not completely return to baseline levels. Beyond quantifying the changes in gambling behaviors over the early stages of the pandemic in Canada, results may have implications regarding the utility of voluntary gambling exclusion programs as well as legislation concerning gambling access.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elijah Otis
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Andy J. Kim
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Sherry H. Stewart
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Simon B. Sherry
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Igor Yakovenko
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
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16
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Lee SB, Shin Y, Na J. Differences in gambling behaviors and mental health depending on types of gambling motives among young adults in Korea. INTERNATIONAL GAMBLING STUDIES 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/14459795.2022.2130957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Soo-Bi Lee
- Department of Social Welfare (BK21 FOUR), Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju-si, Korea
| | - Yerim Shin
- Department of Social Welfare (BK21 FOUR), Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju-si, Korea
| | - Jihun Na
- Department of Social Welfare, Howon university, Gunsan-si, Korea
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17
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Chong WWY, Acar ZI, West ML, Wong F. A Scoping Review on the Medical and Recreational Use of Cannabis During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2022; 7:591-602. [PMID: 34981958 PMCID: PMC9587770 DOI: 10.1089/can.2021.0054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background/Introduction: The shelter-in-place orders and social distancing regulations on account of the COVID-19 pandemic have impacted lifestyles, including the use of cannabis. The purpose of this scoping review is to summarize both the gray and academic literature on the use of cannabis during the pandemic. Materials and Methods: A total of 11 databases, including 2 medical databases, 7 social science databases, and 2 gray literature databases were searched resulting in 316 titles and abstracts of which 76 met inclusion criteria. Results: Nine themes emerged: (a) prevalence and trends of cannabis use during COVID[1]19; (b) demographics; (c) profile of mode of consumption; (d) context of using cannabis (i.e., solitary use vs. in groups); (e) factors contributing to use; (f) factors inhibiting use; (g) adverse clinical and psychiatric outcomes of cannabis use during the pandemic; (h) similarities between EVALI (E-Cigarette or Vaping Product Use-Associated Lung Injury) and COVID-19 symptoms; (i) implications for policy and practice. Studies published until February 2, 2021 were included in this review. Discussion: Findings have highlighted that feelings of boredom, depression, and anxiety during the pandemic have contributed to an increase in the use of cannabis. Furthermore, accessibility to cannabis was noted to affect use during the pandemic. Adverse psychiatric and clinical outcomes were associated with the increased use of cannabis. Conclusion: Practitioners and policymakers are called to employ harm reduction strategies to respond to increasing cannabis use. There is a need for population-based studies and further examination of factors contributing to the increased use of cannabis during the pandemic and associated negative consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy Wing-Yee Chong
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Zeynep Ilgaz Acar
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Meghan Lee West
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Francis Wong
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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18
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Perrot B, Hardouin JB, Thiabaud E, Saillard A, Grall-Bronnec M, Challet-Bouju G. Development and validation of a prediction model for online gambling problems based on players' account data. J Behav Addict 2022; 11:874-889. [PMID: 36125924 PMCID: PMC9872531 DOI: 10.1556/2006.2022.00063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Gambling disorder is characterized by problematic gambling behavior that causes significant problems and distress. This study aimed to develop and validate a predictive model for screening online problem gamblers based on players' account data. METHODS Two random samples of French online gamblers in skill-based (poker, horse race betting and sports betting, n = 8,172) and pure chance games (scratch games and lotteries, n = 5,404) answered an online survey and gambling tracking data were retrospectively collected for the participants. The survey included age and gender, gambling habits, and the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI). We used machine learning algorithms to predict the PGSI categories with gambling tracking data. We internally validated the prediction models in a leave-out sample. RESULTS When predicting gambling problems binary based on each PGSI threshold (1 for low-risk gambling, 5 for moderate-risk gambling and 8 for problem gambling), the predictive performances were good for the model for skill-based games (AUROCs from 0.72 to 0.82), but moderate for the model for pure chance games (AUROCs from 0.63 to 0.76, with wide confidence intervals) due to the lower frequency of problem gambling in this sample. When predicting the four PGSI categories altogether, performances were good for identifying extreme categories (non-problem and problem gamblers) but poorer for intermediate categories (low-risk and moderate-risk gamblers), whatever the type of game. CONCLUSIONS We developed an algorithm for screening online problem gamblers, excluding online casino gamblers, that could enable the setting of prevention measures for the most vulnerable gamblers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bastien Perrot
- Nantes Université, Univ Tours, CHU Nantes, CHU Tours, INSERM, MethodS in Patients Centered Outcomes and HEalth ResEarch, SPHERE, F-44000, Nantes, France,Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, Biostatistics and Methodology Unit, Department of Clinical Research and Innovation, F-44000, Nantes, France
| | - Jean-Benoit Hardouin
- Nantes Université, Univ Tours, CHU Nantes, CHU Tours, INSERM, MethodS in Patients Centered Outcomes and HEalth ResEarch, SPHERE, F-44000, Nantes, France,Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, Biostatistics and Methodology Unit, Department of Clinical Research and Innovation, F-44000, Nantes, France
| | - Elsa Thiabaud
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, UIC Psychiatrie et Santé Mentale, F-44000, Nantes, France
| | - Anaïs Saillard
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, UIC Psychiatrie et Santé Mentale, F-44000, Nantes, France
| | - Marie Grall-Bronnec
- Nantes Université, Univ Tours, CHU Nantes, CHU Tours, INSERM, MethodS in Patients Centered Outcomes and HEalth ResEarch, SPHERE, F-44000, Nantes, France,Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, UIC Psychiatrie et Santé Mentale, F-44000, Nantes, France
| | - Gaëlle Challet-Bouju
- Nantes Université, Univ Tours, CHU Nantes, CHU Tours, INSERM, MethodS in Patients Centered Outcomes and HEalth ResEarch, SPHERE, F-44000, Nantes, France,Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, UIC Psychiatrie et Santé Mentale, F-44000, Nantes, France,Corresponding author. Tel.:+33(0) 2 40 84 76 20. E-mail:
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19
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Carragher N, Long J, Radu I, King DL, Billieux J, Rumpf HJ, Assanangkornchai S, Saunders JB, Higuchi S. Monitoring the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on problematic gambling and gaming: an international key informant survey. INTERNATIONAL GAMBLING STUDIES 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/14459795.2022.2114526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Natacha Carragher
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jiang Long
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ilinca Radu
- Global Health Section, Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Daniel L. King
- College of Education, Psychology and Social Work, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Joël Billieux
- Institute of Psychology, University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland
- Centre for Excessive Gambling, Addiction Medicine, Lausanne University Hospitals (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Hans-Jürgen Rumpf
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Sawitri Assanangkornchai
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, Thailand
| | - John B. Saunders
- National Centre for Youth Substance Use Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Susumu Higuchi
- National Hospital Organization Kurihama Medical and Addiction Center, Yokosuka, Japan
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20
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An interrupted time series analysis of gambling behavior based on gambling operator revenue-based taxation during the COVID-19 pandemic in Sweden. Public Health 2022; 211:14-20. [PMID: 35988505 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2022.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The impact of COVID-19 on gambling behavior and the gambling industry itself has been widely speculated. Prior studies have shown how boredom, social isolation, poor mental health, and financial hardships, all of which have been associated with COVID-19, can aggravate problem gambling behaviors in patients with gambling disorders while also luring newcomers. Few studies have used methods other than self-report to assess longitudinal behavioral changes in gambling behavior before versus during the pandemic. STUDY DESIGN The present study addresses this gap by using an interrupted time series approach on data obtained from the Swedish Gambling Authority measuring taxation on gambling vendors' revenue between January 2019 and November 2021. METHODS March, June, and October 2020 were chosen as interruption points as they correspond to the pandemic's commencement, the return of elite sports, and the second wave of cases in Sweden, respectively. We hypothesized that the pandemic would be associated with both temporary changes for select gambling types and long-term increases in online gambling. RESULTS Results revealed the pandemic's onset was associated with transient effects at each point of interruption, as well as long-term upward trends in total gambling and commercial online gambling, excluding horse betting and the state-owned operator for online casinos and betting. CONCLUSIONS The present study's findings, although consistent with the theory that gambling activity could increase during the pandemic, contradict previous studies that found no changes or a decrease from pre-COVID-19 levels. Findings indicate that the pandemic and Sweden's reaction to it were associated with increased use of some gambling products.
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21
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Kalke J, Schütze C, Lahusen H, Buth S. Parameters for Change in Offline Gambling Behavior After the First COVID-19 Lockdown in Germany. Front Psychol 2022; 13:857234. [PMID: 35865690 PMCID: PMC9295738 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.857234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
IntroductionIn spring 2020, the first nationwide lockdown in response to the spreading COVID-19 pandemic came into effect in Germany. From March to May, gambling venues, casinos, and betting offices were forced to close. This study explores how land-based gamblers respond to short-term closures of higher-risk forms of gambling. Which gamblers are particularly susceptible to switching to online gambling? Which are more likely to use the lockdown as an opportunity to quit or pause gambling? Potential parameters for these switching or cessation processes are identified using multivariate multinomial logistic regression analysis.MethodsThe research questions are analyzed on the basis of quantitative data. For this purpose, a survey was conducted among members of a comparatively large German online access panel (“PAYBACK panel”). The sample of analysis consisted of 612 gamblers who had participated in at least one higher-risk form of gambling and had done so exclusively offline before the first lockdown (January and February 2020).ResultsA total of 37.1% of sports bettors ceased participation in higher-risk forms of gambling, compared to 64.1% of casino gamblers. Switching to online gambling, on the other hand, was a rather rare event, regardless of the form of gambling: the proportions differ between 7.7% (slot machines) and 10.9% (sports betting). In the multivariate model female gender, younger age, and a lower frequency of gambling before the first lockdown were found to be significant factors for quitting (instead of continuing) higher-risk offline gambling forms. Secondly, the analysis revealed that individuals with more pronounced cognitive distortions had an increased risk of switching to online gambling rather than staying offline.DiscussionA key finding of this study is that the temporary closure of offline venues does not result in a significant shift towards the online market. Instead, the results of this study show that these short, temporary closures of gambling venues were an appropriate opportunity to give individual groups of gamblers the opportunity to reflect, reduce or quit gambling. It is worth considering implementing such temporary closures as a preventive measure in the future – this should be investigated in advance in further evaluation studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens Kalke
- Department of Psychiatry, Centre for Interdisciplinary Addiction Research of Hamburg University, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Addiction and Drug Research, Hamburg, Germany
- *Correspondence: Jens Kalke,
| | - Christian Schütze
- Department of Psychiatry, Centre for Interdisciplinary Addiction Research of Hamburg University, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Addiction and Drug Research, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Harald Lahusen
- Department of Psychiatry, Centre for Interdisciplinary Addiction Research of Hamburg University, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Addiction and Drug Research, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sven Buth
- Department of Psychiatry, Centre for Interdisciplinary Addiction Research of Hamburg University, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Addiction and Drug Research, Hamburg, Germany
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22
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Thielmann B, Böckelmann I, Schumann H. [Drinking behavior at the beginning and during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: results of a literature review]. Notf Rett Med 2022; 26:1-7. [PMID: 35506007 PMCID: PMC9051819 DOI: 10.1007/s10049-022-01031-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Background and objective It is well known that alcohol consumption and abuse, as well as alcohol-induced problems, increase during difficult economic times. Previous studies showed increased alcohol consumption in the 2003 SARS outbreak in China. The review examines global changes in alcohol consumption under current SARS-CoV‑2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) pandemic. Materials and methods The databases PubMed, Ovid, Cochrane Library, Scopus, PsycINFO, and Web of Science with a cut-off date of 11 January 2022 were used. An initial hit count of 791 publications was found. After reading the title and abstract, 62 texts were still eligible. After reviewing the full text, 40 studies were included in this review. Results Study results were available from North and South America, Europe, Asia and Oceania. Increases as well as reductions in alcohol consumption were shown. Studies examining multiple waves of the pandemic found that alcohol consumption increased with duration of the pandemic. Binge drinking played a large role in this. There were very large regional differences in the increase in alcohol consumption: from about 10% of respondents to > 45%. In most studies, alcohol consumption was about the same for 40-50% of respondents and decreased for 30-40%. Conclusions Further study follow-ups under the continuing pandemic are relevant. Since the populations studied were predominantly of working age, occupational prevention measures of elevated stress levels for some of the respondents with increased alcohol consumption seem reasonable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Thielmann
- Bereich Arbeitsmedizin, Medizinische Fakultät, Otto-von-Guericke-Universität Magdeburg, Leipziger Str. 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Deutschland
| | - Irina Böckelmann
- Bereich Arbeitsmedizin, Medizinische Fakultät, Otto-von-Guericke-Universität Magdeburg, Leipziger Str. 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Deutschland
| | - Heiko Schumann
- Bereich Arbeitsmedizin, Medizinische Fakultät, Otto-von-Guericke-Universität Magdeburg, Leipziger Str. 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Deutschland
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Newall PWS, Weiss-Cohen L. The Gamblification of Investing: How a New Generation of Investors Is Being Born to Lose. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19095391. [PMID: 35564790 PMCID: PMC9105963 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19095391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Investing and gambling share key features, in that both involve risk, the coming together of two or more people, and both are voluntary activities. However, investing is generally a much better way than gambling for the average person to make long-run profits. This paper reviews evidence on two types of “gamblified” investment products where this advantage does not hold for investing: high-frequency stock trading and high-risk derivatives. This review defines a gamblified investment product as one that leads most investors to lose, that attracts people at risk of experiencing gambling-related harm, and that utilizes product design principles from gambling (either by encouraging a high frequency of use or by providing the allure of big lottery-like wins). The gamblification of investing produces novel challenges for the regulation of both financial markets and gambling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip W. S. Newall
- School of Psychological Science, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TU, UK
- Correspondence:
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24
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Pistella J, Isolani S, Ioverno S, Laghi F, Baiocco R. Psychophysical Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic and Same-Sex Couples' Conflict: The Mediating Effect of Internalized Sexual Stigma. Front Psychol 2022; 13:860260. [PMID: 35369158 PMCID: PMC8965871 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.860260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Research on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on same-sex relationships is limited. The present study aimed at analyzing the association between the psychophysical impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and same-sex couples' conflict, also considering the potential mediating effect of internalized sexual stigma (ISS). For this purpose, psychophysical challenges and couples' conflict during the COVID-19 pandemic, ISS, age, biological sex, sexual orientation, relationship duration, religiosity, involvement in lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) associations, sexual satisfaction, and interpersonal partner violence were assessed in an Italian sample of 232 LGB people engaged in a same-sex relationship (aged 18-45 years; M age = 28.68, SD = 6.91). The results indicated that the psychophysical impact of the COVID-19 pandemic was significantly associated with couples' conflict, and ISS mediated this relationship. Among the covariates considered, only sexual satisfaction was associated with couples' conflict. The findings suggest that ISS, over and above the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on psychophysical health, triggered conflict within same-sex relationships. Studying the role of ISS in various relational and social contexts is important, as ISS may have an adverse effect on the mental health of sexual minority people. We recommend that more efforts be made to improve research on the LGB population during the public health response to the COVID-19 emergency, because the paucity of studies underlines the invisibility of this population in many domains, including the domain of romantic relationships. Implications and directions for future research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Pistella
- Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Isolani
- Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Fiorenzo Laghi
- Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Baiocco
- Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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25
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Gambling problems and associated harms in United Kingdom Royal Air Force personnel. Addict Behav 2022; 126:107200. [PMID: 34906882 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2021.107200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
International evidence indicates that currently serving and former military personnel may be at heightened vulnerability to problem gambling. The aim of the present study was to undertake the first survey of gambling experience and potential problems among serving United Kingdom Royal Air Force (RAF) personnel. Our objectives were to survey the frequency of gambling problems, types of gambling activities, examine mental health, alcohol use, and COVID-19-related associations with gambling, and identify potential risk factors for problem gambling among RAF personnel. A cross-sectional online survey was distributed to all serving RAF personnel in January 2021 and the final dataset consisted of n = 2119 responses. The Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) identified gambling severity, the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) assessed depression, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder assessment (GAD-7) measured anxiety, and alcohol use was assessed with the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). Questions relating to COVID-19 asked whether the pandemic had impacted one's gambling, mental health, and alcohol use. Findings indicated that 12.5% of personnel reported gambling problems, which included 8.0% with PGSI scores indicating low-risk gambling (1-2), 2.9% with moderate-risk gambling scores (3-4), and 1.6% with scores indicating problem gambling (≥8). Most personnel had no symptoms of depression or anxiety, and most experienced lower risk drinking levels. The likelihood of any gambling problem (PGSI ≥ 1) in RAF personnel was associated with age (18-24 years old), male gender, and Non-Commissioned ranks. Most participants reported a deterioration in their mental health due to COVID-19 and increased risky gambling. These findings indicate that gambling problems and associated harms are significant concerns for serving RAF personnel.
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Price A. Health Inequities Among East and South Asian Gamblers During COVID-19: Key Risk Factors and Comorbidities. Int J Ment Health Addict 2022; 21:1-16. [PMID: 35153635 PMCID: PMC8815395 DOI: 10.1007/s11469-022-00767-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Online gambling during COVID-19 has been associated with a variety of risk factors and comorbidities, such as co-occurring substance use, mental health problems, and financial concerns and gambling motives. Far less is known about these impacts on ethno-cultural populations, including East and South Asian gamblers. The present study has attempted to explore the health inequities related to these comorbidities and risk factors among East and South Asian gamblers. A cross-sectional online survey of gamblers in Ontario, Canada, was carried out in August 2020-a time when most land-based gambling venues were not operating at full capacity. Descriptive statistical analyses, odds ratios, and negative binomial regression (NBR) were used to compare East and South Asian gamblers to other online gamblers in Ontario. The total survey sample of 2,012 gamblers included sub-samples of East Asian (n = 206) and South Asian gamblers (n = 107). Compared to other gamblers in Ontario, East and South Asians reported higher likelihood of severe gambling problems, risky financially focused gambling motives, gambling under the influence of alcohol, and elevated levels of mental health problems. An adjusted NBR analysis noted that East Asians were more highly involved in online gambling during the pandemic, compared to non-East Asian gamblers. This study has presented an array of factors representing potential health inequities among East and South Asian gamblers during the pandemic. These findings merit further investigation and replication in order to inform the development of appropriate support resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Price
- Centre for the Advancement of Best Practices, The Responsible Gambling Council, 205-411 Richmond Street East, Toronto, Ontario M5A 3S5 Canada
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Price A, Tabri N, Stark S, Balodis IM, Wohl MJA. Mental Health Over Time and Financial Concerns Predict Change in Online Gambling During COVID-19. Int J Ment Health Addict 2022; 21:1-15. [PMID: 35079239 PMCID: PMC8772534 DOI: 10.1007/s11469-021-00750-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
This study examined online gambling behavior during COVID-19 land-based gambling restrictions and associations with changes in mental health, impacts on household income due to the pandemic, financially focused motivations, and symptoms of gambling problems. A repeated online survey was administered to adult gamblers in Ontario, Canada. Wave 1 was conducted at the beginning of the first COVID-19 lockdown (April 2020) and wave 2 in August 2020. Respondents (N = 940) completed validated self-report questionnaires related to depression and anxiety, financial motivation, financial impacts due to the pandemic, online gambling behaviors, and problem gambling symptomatology. A cluster analysis identified three subgroups: no online gambling (subgroup 1), engagement in a range of gambling games online and change in gambling involvement (i.e., some increased and some decreased gambling; subgroup 2), and predominantly online lottery play with no change in online gambling (subgroup 3). Respondents who reported increased anxiety and depression symptom severity between the two waves and those who experienced greater symptoms of problem gambling and negative impacts on household income due to COVID-19 were most likely to be found in subgroup 2. Greater financial focus was also noted in this group. Results indicate a link between change in online gambling involvement during COVID-19 and increased mental health problems, elevated problem gambling severity, negative impacts on household income, and a greater financially focused self-concept. These results may help generate novel research questions examining short and long-term effects of the pandemic on online behaviors that inform policy and practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Price
- Centre for the Advancement of Best Practices, The Responsible Gambling Council, 411 Richmond Street East Unit 205, Toronto, ON Canada
- Ontario Gambling Research Society, Toronto, ON Canada
| | - Nassim Tabri
- Ontario Gambling Research Society, Toronto, ON Canada
- Department of Psychology, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON Canada
| | - Sasha Stark
- Centre for the Advancement of Best Practices, The Responsible Gambling Council, 411 Richmond Street East Unit 205, Toronto, ON Canada
- Ontario Gambling Research Society, Toronto, ON Canada
| | - Iris M. Balodis
- Ontario Gambling Research Society, Toronto, ON Canada
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON Canada
- Peter Boris Centre for Addictions Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON Canada
| | - Michael J. A. Wohl
- Ontario Gambling Research Society, Toronto, ON Canada
- Department of Psychology, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON Canada
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Gjoneska B, Potenza MN, Jones J, Corazza O, Hall N, Sales CMD, Grünblatt E, Martinotti G, Burkauskas J, Werling AM, Walitza S, Zohar J, Menchón JM, Király O, Chamberlain SR, Fineberg NA, Demetrovics Z. Problematic use of the internet during the COVID-19 pandemic: Good practices and mental health recommendations. Compr Psychiatry 2022; 112:152279. [PMID: 34700188 PMCID: PMC8529894 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2021.152279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the accelerated spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus came jurisdictional limitations on mobility of citizens and distinct alterations in their daily routines. Confined to their homes, many people increased their overall internet use, with problematic use of the internet (PUI) becoming a potential reason for increased mental health concerns. Our narrative review summarizes information on the extent of PUI during the pandemic, by focusing on three types: online gaming, gambling and pornography viewing. We conclude by providing guidance for mental health professionals and those affected by PUI (with an outline of immediate research priorities and best therapeutic approaches), as well as for the general public (with an overview of safe and preventative practices).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marc N Potenza
- Department of Psychiatry and Child Study Centre, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA; Connecticut Mental Health Centre, New Haven, CT, USA; Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling, Wethersfield, CT, USA.
| | - Julia Jones
- Centre for Research in Public Health and Community Care, University of Hertfordshire, UK.
| | - Ornella Corazza
- Department of Clinical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, UK; Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy.
| | - Natalie Hall
- Centre for Health Services and Clinical Research, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK.
| | - Célia M D Sales
- Centre for Psychology, University of Porto, Portugal; Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Porto, Portugal.
| | - Edna Grünblatt
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and the ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Giovanni Martinotti
- Department of Clinical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, UK; Department of Neuroscience, Imaging, Clinical Sciences, University "Gabriele d'Annunzio", Chieti-Pescara, Italy.
| | - Julius Burkauskas
- Laboratory of Behavioral Medicine, Neuroscience Institute, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Palanga, Lithuania.
| | - Anna Maria Werling
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Susanne Walitza
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and the ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Joseph Zohar
- Sackler Medical School, Tel Aviv University, Chaim Sheba Medical Center Tel Hashomer, Tel Aviv, Israel.
| | - José M Menchón
- Department of Psychiatry, Bellvitge University Hospital-IDIBELL, University of Barcelona, Cibersam, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Orsolya Király
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Samuel R Chamberlain
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK; Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK.
| | - Naomi A Fineberg
- University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK; Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, UK; University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge, UK
| | - Zsolt Demetrovics
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary; Centre of Excellence in Responsible Gaming, University of Gibraltar, Gibraltar.
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Baenas I, Etxandi M, Codina E, Granero R, Fernández-Aranda F, Gómez-Peña M, Moragas L, Rivas S, Potenza MN, Håkansson A, Del Pino-Gutiérrez A, Mora-Maltas B, Valenciano-Mendoza E, Menchón JM, Jiménez-Murcia S. Does Confinement Affect Treatment Dropout Rates in Patients With Gambling Disorder? A Nine-Month Observational Study. Front Psychol 2022; 12:761802. [PMID: 34970193 PMCID: PMC8712884 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.761802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims: COVID-19 pandemic and confinement have represented a challenge for patients with gambling disorder (GD). Regarding treatment outcome, dropout may have been influenced by these adverse circumstances. The aims of this study were: (a) to analyze treatment dropout rates in patients with GD throughout two periods: during and after the lockdown and (b) to assess clinical features that could represent vulnerability factors for treatment dropout. Methods: The sample consisted of n=86 adults, mostly men (n=79, 91.9%) and with a mean age of 45years old (SD=16.85). Patients were diagnosed with GD according to DSM-5 criteria and were undergoing therapy at a Behavioral Addiction Unit when confinement started. Clinical data were collected through a semi-structured interview and protocolized psychometric assessment. A brief telephone survey related to COVID-19 concerns was also administered at the beginning of the lockdown. Dropout data were evaluated at two moments throughout a nine-month observational period (T1: during the lockdown, and T2: after the lockdown). Results: The risk of dropout during the complete observational period was R=32/86=0.372 (37.2%), the Incidence Density Rate (IDR) ratio T2/T1 being equal to 0.052/0.033=1.60 (p=0.252). Shorter treatment duration (p=0.007), lower anxiety (p=0.025), depressive symptoms (p=0.045) and lower use of adaptive coping strategies (p=0.046) characterized patients who abandoned treatment during the lockdown. Briefer duration of treatment (p=0.001) and higher employment concerns (p=0.044) were highlighted in the individuals who dropped out after the lockdown. Treatment duration was a predictor of dropout in both periods (p=0.005 and p<0.001, respectively). Conclusion: The present results suggest an impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on treatment dropout among patients with GD during and after the lockdown, being treatment duration a predictor of dropout. Assessing vulnerability features in GD may help clinicians identify high-risk individuals and enhance prevention and treatment approaches in future similar situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Baenas
- Department of Psychiatry, Bellvitge University Hospital-IDIBELL, Barcelona, Spain.,Ciber Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mikel Etxandi
- Department of Psychiatry, Bellvitge University Hospital-IDIBELL, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ester Codina
- Department of Psychiatry, Bellvitge University Hospital-IDIBELL, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Roser Granero
- Ciber Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Psychobiology and Methodology, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Fernando Fernández-Aranda
- Department of Psychiatry, Bellvitge University Hospital-IDIBELL, Barcelona, Spain.,Ciber Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Psychiatry and Mental Health Group, Neurosciences Programme, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mónica Gómez-Peña
- Department of Psychiatry, Bellvitge University Hospital-IDIBELL, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Moragas
- Department of Psychiatry, Bellvitge University Hospital-IDIBELL, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sandra Rivas
- Department of Psychiatry, Bellvitge University Hospital-IDIBELL, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marc N Potenza
- Department of Psychiatry and Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States.,Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling, Wethersfield, CT, United States.,Connecticut Mental Health Center, New Haven, CT, United States.,Department of Neuroscience, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Anders Håkansson
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,Region Skåne, Gambling Disorder Unit, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Amparo Del Pino-Gutiérrez
- Ciber Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Public Health, Mental Health and Perinatal Nursing, School of Nursing, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Bernat Mora-Maltas
- Department of Psychiatry, Bellvitge University Hospital-IDIBELL, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - José M Menchón
- Department of Psychiatry, Bellvitge University Hospital-IDIBELL, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Psychiatry and Mental Health Group, Neurosciences Programme, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), Barcelona, Spain.,Ciber Salut Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Susana Jiménez-Murcia
- Department of Psychiatry, Bellvitge University Hospital-IDIBELL, Barcelona, Spain.,Ciber Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Psychiatry and Mental Health Group, Neurosciences Programme, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), Barcelona, Spain
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30
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Risk Factors for Increased Online Gambling during COVID-19 Lockdowns in New Zealand: A Longitudinal Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182412946. [PMID: 34948555 PMCID: PMC8701404 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182412946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Recent research investigating changes in gambling behaviors during periods of COVID-19 social restrictions, such as enforced lockdowns, are somewhat limited by methodology, being generally cross-sectional in nature and with participant samples recruited via online panels. The present study overcame these limitations via a secondary analysis of data collected in 2012 and 2015 from a New Zealand (NZ) longitudinal gambling study, with questions related to gambling behaviors due to COVID-19 lockdown periods included in an additional data collection, of participants who had previously scored as a risky gambler, during 2020/21. Almost one-quarter of online gamblers increased their gambling during lockdown with this most likely to be on overseas gambling sites, instant scratch card gambling and Lotto. The only sociodemographic risk factor for increased online gambling was higher education. Behavioral risk factors included being a current low risk/moderate risk/problem gambler, a previously hazardous alcohol drinker or past participation in free-to-play gambling-type games. These past behaviors could act as trigger points for health services or family and friends to monitor a person’s gambling behaviors during lockdown, or future stressful periods when usual terrestrial gambling opportunities are curtailed or unavailable, and to support safer gambling practices.
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31
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Metin B, Somer E, Abu-Rayya HM, Schimmenti A, Göçmen B. Perceived Stress During the COVID-19 Pandemic Mediates the Association Between Self-quarantine Factors and Psychological Characteristics and Elevated Maladaptive Daydreaming. Int J Ment Health Addict 2021; 21:1-13. [PMID: 34840537 PMCID: PMC8608233 DOI: 10.1007/s11469-021-00678-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, almost all countries have employed varying degrees of lockdown measures to limit the spread of the infection. Previous studies showed that individuals with maladaptive daydreaming (MD) are affected negatively by the lockdown. In this study, we explored a set of lockdown measures (e.g., self-quarantine) and personal factors (e.g., education, history of depression, and personality traits) that might potentially exacerbate MD experienced during the lockdown period. We also examined whether perceived stress acted as a mediator in the relationship between these factors and MD. During the first lockdown from April to June, we analyzed data provided by 1083 individuals from the USA, the UK, Italy, and Turkey. A path analysis revealed that perceived stress mediated the effects on MD of self-quarantine, previous episodes of depression, low education level, and introversion and emotional instability. Our study suggests a conceptual framework for the factors that intensify maladaptive daydreaming under the threats of the pandemic and forced home confinement, offering implications for interventions with vulnerable populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barış Metin
- Psychology Department, Üsküdar University, Altunizade Haluk Türksoy Sk. No:14, 34662 Üsküdar-İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Eli Somer
- School of Social Work, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Hisham M Abu-Rayya
- School of Social Work, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Adriano Schimmenti
- Faculty of Human and Social Sciences, Kore University of Enna, Enna, Italy
| | - Buse Göçmen
- Psychology Department, Üsküdar University, Altunizade Haluk Türksoy Sk. No:14, 34662 Üsküdar-İstanbul, Turkey
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32
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Månsson V, Wall H, Berman AH, Jayaram-Lindström N, Rosendahl I. A Longitudinal Study of Gambling Behaviors During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Sweden. Front Psychol 2021; 12:708037. [PMID: 34721154 PMCID: PMC8552012 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.708037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate changes in gambling behaviors during the first and second waves of the COVID-19 pandemic in Sweden. Participants who had gambled within the past year were recruited from social media and the Swedish National Helpline (n = 325, mean age 39.8 years, 64.8% males, 31.3% with problem gambling) and completed an online survey measuring gambling behaviors, consequences of the pandemic in general and worries related to the pandemic. A sub-sample (n = 139) completed a follow-up survey, during the second wave. The results showed no significant associations between COVID-19 consequences (financial or increased isolation) and increased monthly gambling behavior. No major migrations were observed between game types. However, gambling on a high-risk game (OR = 7.44, p < 0.001) and worrying about mental health due to the pandemic (OR = 2.85, p < 0.001) were significantly associated with past year gambling problems and increased monthly gambling problems from the first to the second wave. More longitudinal research is needed in vulnerable populations, to fully understand the long-term consequences of the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktor Månsson
- Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Håkan Wall
- Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anne H Berman
- Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Psychology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Nitya Jayaram-Lindström
- Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ingvar Rosendahl
- Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
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Håkansson A, Sundvall A, Lyckberg A. Effects of a national preventive intervention against potential COVID-19-related gambling problems. A self-report survey in online gamblers. JMIR Form Res 2021; 6:e33066. [PMID: 34678751 PMCID: PMC8916099 DOI: 10.2196/33066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has been suspected to increase gambling problems in the population. Several governments early introduced COVID-19-specific interventions aiming to prevent gambling problems, but their effects have not been evaluated. OBJECTIVE The present study aimed to evaluate a Swedish COVID-19-related temporary legislation imposing an automated weekly deposit limit for online casino gambling. METHODS The study was an anonymous survey sent by the state-owned gambling operator to online gamblers (N=619, among whom 54 percent moderate-risk/problem gamblers) who reached the weekly limit on online gambling during the summer of 2020. RESULTS Sixty percent were aware of having been limited by a COVID-19-related deposit limit, and a minority (23 percent) perceived the intervention as fairly bad or very bad. Among those aware of the intervention, 39 percent believed this intervention decreased their overall gambling, whereas eight percent believed it rather increased it. However, 83 percent reported having gambled on more than one operator after the limit, and the most common gambling type reported to have increased at another operator was online casino (42 percent in moderate-risk/problem gamblers and 19 percent in others, p<0.001). Having increased gambling following the intervention was associated with being a moderate-risk/problem gambler, and by negative attitudes towards the intervention. CONCLUSIONS A weekly deposit limit had relatively high acceptability, but the study highlights the limitations of a single-operator deposit limit, given the high number of gamblers also reporting to gamble on other operators, and the lower effect in clients with gambling problems. CLINICALTRIAL
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Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has ushered the world into unforeseen circumstances, prompting the authorities to impose restrictions and cut back various events including many gambling avenues. Professional sports have been postponed, land casinos are closed, and social distancing has shut home games down. The present narrative overview has addressed the following changes in gambling behavior since the start of the pandemic: - a) Change in the number of gamblers and intensity of gambling b) differences among various types of gambling modalities (land-based, horse betting, casino, online). and transitioning between them. c) Psychosocial effects on gamblers owing to the shutdown of gambling avenues in the early phase of COVID-19 lockdown. It alludes to several survey studies conducted so far in Northern Europe (Sweden, UK, Italy), North America (Canada, USA), and Australia on the potential impact of the SARS-Cov2 pandemic on gambling figures. Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) scale is used by most of the studies to demonstrate the severity among gamblers i.e., low-risk, high-risk, and problem gamblers respectively. The majority of studies are based on self-reported questionnaires, few tracked data from online gambling operators, and one study used revenue-based taxation of land-based and online gambling as its information source. The decline in the overall gambling activity attributable to the situational changes was predominant in a majority of surveys. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on gambling is diverse - possibly causing a reduction in current or future problems in some, but also promoting increased problematic gambling in others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vishi Sachdeva
- Adesh Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Bathinda, Punjab, India
| | - Sucheta Sharma
- Punjab Institute of Medical Sciences, Jalandhar, Punjab, India
| | - Ashish Sarangi
- Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
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35
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Gega L, Aboujaoude E. How Digital Technology Mediated the Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Mental Health: The Good, the Bad, and the Indifferent. Front Digit Health 2021; 3:733151. [PMID: 34713202 PMCID: PMC8521901 DOI: 10.3389/fdgth.2021.733151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Lina Gega
- Department of Health Sciences & Hull York Medical School, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Elias Aboujaoude
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
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36
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Brodeur M, Audette-Chapdelaine S, Savard AC, Kairouz S. Gambling and the COVID-19 pandemic in the province of Quebec (Canada): protocol for a mixed-methods study. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e048785. [PMID: 34518259 PMCID: PMC8438576 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-048785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The COVID-19 pandemic has major collateral impacts on mental health. Gambling is among the major public health issues that seems to have been transformed by the pandemic. In the province of Quebec in Canada, gambling is an important leisure activity. About two out of three adults are in Quebec gamble. The objective of this study is to draw a portrait of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on gamblers and to learn more about their experiences during the pandemic in the province of Quebec. METHOD AND ANALYSIS This study has a sequential explanatory mixed-method design in two phases. The first phase is a cross-sectional online survey with Quebec residents who are 18 years of age or older and have gambled at least once in the previous 12 months. The second phase will be a qualitative study. Semistructured interviews will be conducted with gamblers, family members, addiction counsellors and state representatives selected through purposing sampling. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This study is one of the first mixed-methods studies on the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on gambling. This study will generate new scientific knowledge on a worrisome public health issue, that is, gambling, and provide a better understanding of the experiences and gambling behaviours of gamblers during the pandemic. This study is funded by the Ministry of Health and Social Services of the Government of Quebec and was approved on 27 October 2020 by the Scientific and Research Ethics Committee of the CIUSSS de l'Estrie-CHUS. This is a 2-year study that will be completed in June 2022.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magaly Brodeur
- Département de médecine de famille et de médecine d'urgence, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sophie Audette-Chapdelaine
- Département de médecine de famille et de médecine d'urgence, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Annie-Claude Savard
- École de travail social et de criminologie, Université Laval, Quebec, Quebec City, Canada
| | - Sylvia Kairouz
- Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Concordia University, Montreal, Québec, Canada
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Marionneau V, Järvinen-Tassopoulos J. Treatment and help services for gambling during COVID-19: Experiences of gamblers and their concerned significant others. NORDIC STUDIES ON ALCOHOL AND DRUGS 2021; 39:10-24. [PMID: 35308471 PMCID: PMC8899269 DOI: 10.1177/14550725211030727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Aims: During the COVID-19 pandemic, many treatment or help services for gambling were closed or moved online. At the same time, closures of gambling opportunities impacted gambling availability and practices. This study investigates gamblers’ and their concerned significant others’ (CSOs) experiences and views on treatment and help services during this exceptional time and perceptions on how to develop services further after the pandemic. Design: Three online questionnaires to elicit gambler and CSO experiences were conducted during the spring 2020 in Finland. In total, 847 respondents answered and shared experiences on how the situation had impacted their gambling behaviour and service needs, how service closures or the moving of services online had impacted them, and how they thought the prevention and treatment of gambling harms should be organised during and after COVID-19. Results: Changed gambling practices reduced overall service needs. Service closures had negative impacts, but online services were considered positively, as these provided a low-threshold option. Respondents also shared insights into how the service provision for gamblers should further be developed during and after COVID-19.
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Murphy JK, Khan A, Sun Q, Minas H, Hatcher S, Ng CH, Withers M, Greenshaw A, Michalak EE, Chakraborty PA, Sandanasamy KS, Ibrahim N, Ravindran A, Chen J, Nguyen VC, Lam RW. Needs, gaps and opportunities for standard and e-mental health care among at-risk populations in the Asia Pacific in the context of COVID-19: a rapid scoping review. Int J Equity Health 2021; 20:161. [PMID: 34253198 PMCID: PMC8274266 DOI: 10.1186/s12939-021-01484-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic is expected to have profound mental health impact, including in the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) region. Some populations might be at higher risk of experiencing negative mental health impacts and may encounter increased barriers to accessing mental health care. The pandemic and related restrictions have led to changes in care delivery, including a rapid shift to the use of e-mental health and digital technologies. It is therefore essential to consider needs and opportunities for equitable mental health care delivery to the most at-risk populations. This rapid scoping review: 1) identifies populations in the APEC region that are at higher risk of the negative mental health impacts of COVID-19, 2) identifies needs and gaps in access to standard and e-mental health care among these populations, and 3) explores the potential of e-mental health to address these needs. Methods We conducted a rapid scoping review following the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). We searched Medline, Embase and PsychInfo databases and Google Scholar using a search strategy developed in consultation with a biomedical librarian. We included records related to mental health or psychosocial risk factors and COVID-19 among at-risk groups; that referred to one or more APEC member economies or had a global, thus generalizable, scope; English language papers, and papers with full text available. Results A total of 132 records published between December 2019 and August 2020 were included in the final analysis. Several priority at-risk populations, risk factors, challenges and recommendations for standard and e-mental health care were identified. Results demonstrate that e-mental health care can be a viable option for care delivery but that specific accessibility and acceptability considerations must be considered. Options for in-person, hybrid or “low-tech” care must also remain available. Conclusions The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the urgent need for equitable standard and e-mental health care. It has also highlighted the persistent social and structural inequities that contribute to poor mental health. The APEC region is vast and diverse; findings from the region can guide policy and practice in the delivery of equitable mental health care in the region and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill K Murphy
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine; APEC Digital Hub for Mental Health, University of British Columbia, 2255 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 2A1, Canada.
| | - Amna Khan
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 2255 Westbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 2A1, Canada
| | - Qiumeng Sun
- Sol Price School of Public Policy, University of Southern California, 650 Childs Way, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Harry Minas
- Global and Cultural Mental Health, Level 4, 207 Bouverie Street, Melbourne, Australia.,The University of Melbourne, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, Carlton, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Simon Hatcher
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Roger Guindon Hall, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Chee H Ng
- Healthscope Chair of Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Mellissa Withers
- USC Keck School of Medicine, USC Institute on Inequalities in Global Health, Los Angeles, USA.,APRU Global Health Program, 2001 N Soto Street SSB 318G, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Andrew Greenshaw
- Department of Psychiatry, Scientific Director, APEC Digital Hub for Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, 4-142M Katz Group Centre for Pharmacy and Health Research, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2B7, Canada
| | - Erin E Michalak
- APEC Digital Hub for Mental Health, University of British Columbia, 420-5950 University Boulevard, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Promit Ananyo Chakraborty
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, 2206 East Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Karen Sharmini Sandanasamy
- Mental Health, Substance Abuse and Violence Injury Prevention, Non-Communicable Disease Section, Disease Control Division, Ministry of Health, Level 2, Block E3, Putrajaya, Malaysia.,Precinct 1, Federal Government Administrative Complex, 62590, Putrajaya, Malaysia
| | - Nurashikin Ibrahim
- Mental Health, Substance Abuse and Violence Injury Prevention, Non-Communicable Disease Section, Disease Control Division, Ministry of Health, Level 2, Block E3, Putrajaya, Malaysia.,Precinct 1, Federal Government Administrative Complex, 62590, Putrajaya, Malaysia
| | - Arun Ravindran
- Global Mental Health Affairs & The Office of Fellowship Training, Department of Psychiatry, Graduate Faculty, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 100 Stokes St, Toronto, ON, M6J 1H4, Canada
| | - Jun Chen
- Office for Clinical Research Center, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 600 South Wan Ping Rd, Xuhui District, Shanghai, China
| | - Vu Cong Nguyen
- Institute of Population, Health and Development, ICON4 Tower, 243a Đường La Thành, Láng Thượng, Đống Đa, Hà Nội, 117222, Vietnam
| | - Raymond W Lam
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.,Mood Disorders Centre, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, Vancouver, Canada.,APEC Digital Hub for Mental Health, 2255 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 2A1, Canada
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Self-Exclusion from Gambling-A Measure of COVID-19 Impact on Gambling in a Highly Online-Based Gambling Market? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18147367. [PMID: 34299817 PMCID: PMC8305751 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18147367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic, and related changes of the gambling market, have been suspected to affect the risk of problem gambling. Despite media attention and political concern with this risk, study findings hitherto have been mixed. Voluntary self-exclusion from gambling was introduced on a national level in Sweden as a harm reduction tool in 2019, and this self-exclusion service in Sweden is a rare example of such an official, nationwide, multi-operator system. The present study aimed to evaluate whether short-term self-exclusion patterns were affected by different phases of COVID-19-related impacts on gambling markets in 2020. During the lock-down of sports in the spring months of 2020, three-month self-exclusion was unaffected, and one-month self-exclusion appeared to increase, though not more than in a recent period prior to COVID-19. Despite large differences in sports betting practices between women and men, self-exclusion patterns during COVID-19 were not apparently gender-specific. Altogether, self-exclusion from gambling, to date, does not appear to be affected by COVID-19-related changes in society, in contrast with beliefs about such changes producing greater help-seeking behavior in gamblers. Limitations are discussed, including the fact that in a recently introduced system, seasonality aspects and the autocorrelated nature of the data made substantial statistical measures unfeasible.
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Gambling and self-reported changes in gambling during COVID-19 in web survey respondents in Denmark. Heliyon 2021; 7:e07506. [PMID: 34337174 PMCID: PMC8318852 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e07506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Problem gambling is among the public health hazards which may increase due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its consequences on society. Results from a few countries have hitherto been diverse with respect to gambling during the pandemic. The present study aimed to study gambling behaviors during COVID-19 in Denmark, with the same methodology as previously used in Sweden, and also to provide a comparison to previously published Swedish data. A web survey was answered by 2,012 individuals, from December 2, to December 10, 2020. Four percent reported increased gambling habits, and three percent reported decreased gambling, during COVID-19. Self-reported increase in gambling was associated with spending more time at home, mental distress, and higher gambling severity. Prevalence of self-reported, increased gaming during COVID-19 was significantly lower in Denmark than in Sweden. Although the overall changes in gambling patterns during COVID-19 may be limited, people who increase their gambling during the pandemic may be at particular risk. Stakeholders should pay attention to individuals who report altered gambling habits during the pandemic.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The lockdown response to the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted commercial gambling in many jurisdictions around the world. The goal of this review is to systematically identify and describe the survey data and findings to date examining the effect on individual gambling and gambling disorder. RECENT FINDINGS Of the 17 publications meeting inclusion criteria, the majority reported cross-sectional assessments (n = 11, 65%) and remainder were longitudinal in that they had earlier gambling data for participants (n = 6, 35%). Not surprisingly given the closure of land-based gambling, an overall reduction in gambling frequency and expenditure was reported in all studies. The estimate of the proportion of participants in both the general population and the population that gambles who increased overall gambling or online gambling was variable. The most consistent correlates of increased gambling during the lockdown were increased problem gambling severity, younger age groups, and being male. SUMMARY These results suggest that the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on gambling and problematic gambling are diverse - possibly causing a reduction in current or future problems in some, but also promoting increased problematic gambling in others. The longer-term implications of both the reduction in overall gambling, and the increase in some vulnerable groups are unclear, and requires assessment in subsequent follow-up studies. However, in the short term, individuals with existing gambling problems should be recognized as a vulnerable group.
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Traumatic Distress, Alexithymia, Dissociation, and Risk of Addiction During the First Wave of COVID-19 in Italy: Results from a Cross-sectional Online Survey on a Non-clinical Adult Sample. Int J Ment Health Addict 2021; 20:3128-3144. [PMID: 34131416 PMCID: PMC8191437 DOI: 10.1007/s11469-021-00569-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to explore the prevalence of post-traumatic distress, alexithymia, dissociation, and addictive behaviors during the stressful situation of the COVID-19 pandemic. It also aimed to determine whether trauma, alexithymia, and dissociation can effectively predict the risk of addiction in non-clinical subjects during the COVID-19 pandemic. Two hundred nineteen subjects completed a web survey during the first COVID-19 lockdown in Italy, including the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), the Dissociative Experience Scale-II (DES-II), and the Addictive Behavior Questionnaire (ABQ). Females reported higher levels of COVID-19-related traumatic stress than males (p = 0.009). A greater fear of getting COVID-19 was associated with significantly high IES-R scores (p < 0.0005). IES-R total score was significantly lower in the "not internet-addicted" group than that in the "internet-addicted" group (p < 0.0005). Furthermore, DES-II total score was significantly higher in the "internet-addicted" group than that in the "non internet-addicted" group (p < 0.0005). No statistically significant score differences were highlighted in the "alcohol" group. Future research with longitudinal studies and larger samples will have to clarify whether trauma, alexithymia, and dissociation can effectively predict the risk of addiction in non-clinical subjects during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Lee YC, Malcein LA, Kim SC. Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Usage during COVID-19: Motivating Factors and Implications. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:3571. [PMID: 33808218 PMCID: PMC8036312 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18073571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
This study was designed to investigate the roles information and communications technology (ICT) played during the current COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, we focused on the relationships between ICT use and perceived importance of social connectedness and future anxiety, while considering relevant personality and psychosocial factors. A U.S. sample of 394 adults answered questions about ICT use, pandemic-related reactions and actions, demographics, and psychosocial factors via an online survey. Using logistic regression, findings indicated that personality (extraversion and conscientiousness) and psychosocial (need to belong and perceived attachment to phone) factors, types of ICT as news source, and gender were associated with perceived importance of social connectedness. Neuroticism, time spent on ICT for social purposes, and perceived threat of COVID-19 were associated with future anxiety. In addition, using Mann-Whitney U test, people who rated higher on importance of social connectedness had higher ICT use, both in terms of types and time spent on ICT. Overall, results are consistent with the idea that technology is a coping tool during the pandemic and balanced use can lead to feelings of social connectedness and less future anxiety. Therefore, it is important for authorities to align their messaging and outreach with people's psychosocial, personality, and health considerations through ICT channels while empowering ICT users to be responsible for their interactions with the technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Ching Lee
- Department of Psychology, George Mason University, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA;
| | - Lindsey A. Malcein
- Department of Psychology, George Mason University, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA;
| | - Sojung Claire Kim
- Department of Communication, George Mason University, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA;
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Fino E, Hanna-Khalil B, Griffiths MD. Exploring the public's perception of gambling addiction on Twitter during the COVID-19 pandemic: Topic modelling and sentiment analysis. J Addict Dis 2021; 39:489-503. [PMID: 33781174 DOI: 10.1080/10550887.2021.1897064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The present study explored the topics and sentiment associated with gambling addiction during the COVID-19 pandemic, using topic modeling and sentiment analysis on tweets in English posted between 17-24th April 2020. The study was exploratory in nature, with its main objective consisting of inductively identifying topics embedded in user-generated content. We found that a five-topic model was the best in representing the data corpus, including: (i) the public's perception of gambling addiction amid the COVID-19 outbreak, (ii) risks and support available for those who stay at home, (iii) the users' interpretation of gambling addiction, (iv) forms of gambling during the pandemic, and (v) gambling advertising and impact on families. Sentiment analysis showed a prevalence of underlying fear, trust, sadness, and anger, across the corpus. Users viewed the pandemic as a driver of problematic gambling behaviors, possibly exposing unprepared individuals and communities to forms of online gambling, with potential long-term consequences and a significant impact on health systems. Despite the limitations of the study, we hypothesize that enhancing the presence of mental health operators and practitioners treating problem gambling on social media might positively impact public mental health and help prevent health services from being overwhelmed, in times when healthcare resources are limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuele Fino
- Department of Psychology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK
| | - Bishoy Hanna-Khalil
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Mark D Griffiths
- Department of Psychology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK
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Masaeli N, Farhadi H. Prevalence of Internet-based addictive behaviors during COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review. J Addict Dis 2021; 39:468-488. [PMID: 33749537 DOI: 10.1080/10550887.2021.1895962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
With the outbreak of the COVID-19 worldwide pandemic, many countries have imposed lockdowns which have caused an increase in Internet use. As large-scale disasters may have an impact on addictions, a review on Internet-based addictive behaviors seems necessary. The goals of this review are to find whether Internet-based addictive behaviors have increased during the pandemic and to define the main reasons for this increase. The systematic search was conducted in Google Scholar, Science Direct, PsycINFO, and PubMed in October of 2020, to determine the current evidence and observations concerning the Internet-based addictive behaviors amid COVID-19. Studies were included if they considered the Internet-based addictive behaviors during the current pandemic. We used all the names of the coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2 previously 2019 nCoV), the name of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and common Internet-based addictive behaviors, namely Internet addiction, online gaming disorder, online gambling disorder, pornography use, and smartphone use disorder. The study design is PEOs, finding if individuals' exposure to the COVID-19 pandemic has caused an increase in Internet-based addictive behaviors. The quality of the studies was assessed independently by two authors using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. The articles found in this review proved an increase in Internet-based addictive behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic mostly due to financial hardships, isolation, problematic substance use, and mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and stress. Effective interventions should be scaled up to prevent and reduce online addictive behaviors, as well as accessible guidelines, particularly for adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nassim Masaeli
- Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Hadi Farhadi
- Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran
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Changes of Gambling Patterns during COVID-19 in Sweden, and Potential for Preventive Policy Changes. A Second Look Nine Months into the Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18052342. [PMID: 33673575 PMCID: PMC7967722 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18052342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Gambling has been suggested as one of the potential mental health consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. In earlier self-report studies, increased gambling has been reported by a limited proportion of respondents characterized with a high degree of problem gambling. The present study, carried out with the same methodology and in the same geographical setting, around seven months later in the pandemic, aimed to repeat and to extend the understanding of potential gambling changes in the population during COVID-19. An anonymous sample of web panel members was assessed, altogether 2029 individuals (52% women, 10% moderate-risk or problem gamblers). Results indicated that 6% reported increased gambling, and 4% reported decreased gambling during the pandemic. Having increased gambling was associated with more severe gambling problems (OR 2.78, 95% confidence interval 2.27–3.40), increased alcohol consumption (OR 2.92, 1.71–4.98), and psychological distress (OR 3.38, 1.83–6.23). In the group reporting increased gambling during COVID-19, moderate-risk/problem gambling was very common (62%). Recent governmental policy interventions in the area were known to a minority (30%) of respondents, but awareness of the regulations was markedly more common in individuals with at least moderate-risk gambling (56%) and in self-excluders (78%). Reporting of any perceived influence from policy changes was low (3%), and divided between those reporting an increasing and decreasing effect, respectively. Increased gambling may be a consequence of COVID-19-related changes in everyday lives of individuals with problematic gambling patterns. Thus, a vulnerable group demonstrates higher rates of gambling migration and psychosocial problems, and may require particular attention in screening and treatment contexts, and further scientific evaluations.
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Albertella L, Rotaru K, Christensen E, Lowe A, Brierley ME, Richardson K, Chamberlain SR, Lee RSC, Kayayan E, Grant JE, Schluter-Hughes S, Ince C, Fontenelle LF, Segrave R, Yücel M. The Influence of Trait Compulsivity and Impulsivity on Addictive and Compulsive Behaviors During COVID-19. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:634583. [PMID: 33708147 PMCID: PMC7940765 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.634583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in high levels of psychological distress worldwide, with experts expressing concern that this could result in corresponding increases in addictive behaviors as individuals seek to cope with their distress. Further, some individuals may be at greater risk than others for developing problematic addictive behaviors during times of high stress, such as individuals with high trait impulsivity and compulsivity. Despite the potential of such knowledge to inform early detection of risk, no study to date has examined the influence of trait impulsivity and compulsivity on addictive behaviors during COVID-19. Toward this aim, the current study examined the association between impulsive and compulsive traits and problematic addictive and compulsive behaviors during the first COVID-19 lockdown in Australia. Methods: Eight hundred seventy-eight adults completed a cross-sectional online survey during the first lockdown, between late May to June 2020. Participants completed scales for addictive and compulsive behaviors for the period prior to and during lockdown for problematic eating, pornography, internet use, gambling, drinking, and obsessive-compulsive behaviors. Negative binomial regressions examined the associations between impulsivity, compulsivity, and their interaction with problematic behaviors during lockdown, controlling for age, gender, sample, psychological distress, exposure to COVID-related stressors, and pre-COVID problems. Results: Greater trait compulsivity was associated with more problematic obsessive-compulsive behaviors (p < 0.001) and less problematic drinking (p = 0.038) during lockdown. Further, trait compulsivity interacted with trait impulsivity in relation to problematic eating behaviors (p = 0.014) such that greater trait compulsivity was associated with more problems among individuals with low impulsivity only (p = 0.030). Finally, psychological distress and/or exposure to COVID-related stressors were associated with greater problems across all addictive and compulsive behaviors, as was severity of pre-COVID problems. Discussion: Trait compulsivity was associated with addictive and compulsive behaviors in different ways. Further, the finding that stress-related variables (psychological distress and COVID-related stressors) were associated with greater problems across all lockdown behaviors supports the idea that stress may facilitate, or otherwise be associated with, problematic behaviors. These findings highlight the need for interventions that enhance resilience to stress, which in turn may reduce risk for addictive and compulsive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Albertella
- BrainPark, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Kristian Rotaru
- BrainPark, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Monash Business School, Monash University, Caulfield, VIC, Australia
| | - Erynn Christensen
- BrainPark, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Amelia Lowe
- BrainPark, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Mary-Ellen Brierley
- BrainPark, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Karyn Richardson
- BrainPark, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Rico S. C. Lee
- BrainPark, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Edouard Kayayan
- BrainPark, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Jon E. Grant
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Sam Schluter-Hughes
- BrainPark, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Campbell Ince
- BrainPark, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Leonardo F. Fontenelle
- BrainPark, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Obsessive, Compulsive, and Anxiety Spectrum Research Program, Institute of Psychiatry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), D'Or Institute for Research and Education (IDOR), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- D'Or Institute for Research and Education, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Rebecca Segrave
- BrainPark, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Murat Yücel
- BrainPark, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
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The Influence of Lockdown on the Gambling Pattern of Swiss Casinos Players. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18041973. [PMID: 33670652 PMCID: PMC7922736 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18041973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) has had a major impact on most societies worldwide, including the closure of non-essential businesses in spring 2020. The present study considers its impact upon gambling behavior. Particularly, changes in self-reported gambling by Swiss, land-based casino players are examined. The main characteristics of respondents who played or did not play during lockdown are also investigated. This study is embedded in an ongoing longitudinal study that examines the gambling behavior of casino players at three points in time. All respondents who had participated in the first wave of the longitudinal study by the cut-off date (15th March 2020) were asked about their gambling behavior during lockdown in a supplementary online survey three weeks after the end of lockdown. A total of 55% of the 110 respondents reported having played during lockdown. Gambling intensity significantly decreased (p < 0.001) in our sample. Considering only those respondents (n = 66) who reported having gambled during lockdown, gambling intensity also decreased (p < 0.001), but online gambling significantly increased (p < 0.002). Those players who have increased their gambling activity require particular attention. It is important that casinos respond with appropriate player protection measures to those who have increased their gambling activity during the pandemic.
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Håkansson A, Åkesson G, Grudet C, Broman N. No Apparent Increase in Treatment Uptake for Gambling Disorder during Ten Months of the COVID-19 Pandemic-Analysis of a Regional Specialized Treatment Unit in Sweden. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18041918. [PMID: 33671210 PMCID: PMC7923189 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18041918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on society has been suspected to affect gambling behaviors. Potentially, the pandemic crisis may result in increased problem gambling, for example, due to COVID-19-related psychological distress, unemployment, and financial difficulties. In addition, the cancellation of sports in early parts of the crisis has been suspected to alter gambling behaviors. Policy makers have called for action and, in some cases, have changed regulations, and media have reported possible increases in treatment seeking. However, research data are hitherto lacking. The present study assessed the treatment uptake at a regional specialized gambling-disorder unit in the healthcare system of Region Skåne, Sweden. Number of patients, treatment contacts, and patterns of rescheduling or cancellations of appointments were quantified for each month, January–December 2020, and compared to corresponding months of 2018 and 2019. Possible trends were analyzed, using an interrupted time-series analysis. Results did not indicate an increase in treatment uptake for gambling disorder during the months of COVID-19 impact in Sweden. The proportion of digital treatment increased, but total treatment uptake was unaffected by the pandemic. In conclusion, during the first ten months of the pandemic in Sweden, no obvious increase in treatment uptake for gambling disorder could be seen. Moreover, longer follow-up may be necessary in order to see if effects of worsening socioeconomic conditions may be a possible long-term risk factor of increased gambling after COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anders Håkansson
- Psychiatry, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, 221 85 Lund, Sweden; (C.G.); (N.B.)
- Gambling Disorder Unit, Malmö Addiction Center, Region Skåne, 205 02 Malmö, Sweden;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +46-46-175-596
| | - Gunny Åkesson
- Gambling Disorder Unit, Malmö Addiction Center, Region Skåne, 205 02 Malmö, Sweden;
| | - Cécile Grudet
- Psychiatry, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, 221 85 Lund, Sweden; (C.G.); (N.B.)
- Gambling Disorder Unit, Malmö Addiction Center, Region Skåne, 205 02 Malmö, Sweden;
| | - Niroshani Broman
- Psychiatry, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, 221 85 Lund, Sweden; (C.G.); (N.B.)
- Gambling Disorder Unit, Malmö Addiction Center, Region Skåne, 205 02 Malmö, Sweden;
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Auer M, Griffiths MD. Gambling Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Online Casino Gamblers: An Empirical Study Using Behavioral Tracking Data. Int J Ment Health Addict 2021; 20:1722-1732. [PMID: 33551689 PMCID: PMC7852466 DOI: 10.1007/s11469-020-00462-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Gambling, like many other leisure activities, has been greatly affected by the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The present study investigated the behavior of a sample of online casino gamblers before and after the COVID-19 pandemic was announced in March 2020. The authors were given access to behavioral tracking data of a representative sample of 133,286 online casino gamblers by a large European online gambling operator with several online casino Swedish licenses. Online casino gambling activity utilizing daily cross-sectional data was examined over a 5-month period from January 1 to May 31 (2020). Results indicated that the (i) number of active online casino gamblers significantly increased over time, (ii) mean average amount of money bet by online casino gamblers daily significantly decreased over time, (iii) mean average daily bet by online casino gamblers at both the 90th and 99th percentiles significantly decreased over time, and (iv) mean average daily bet by online casino gamblers at the 10th and 25th percentiles significantly increased over time. The analysis also indicated that the number of high-risk players significantly decreased during the 5-month study period. While many different groups have claimed that gambling and problem gambling would increase during the pandemic due to more time being spent at home, evidence from the present study suggests that this is not the case because gambling intensity decreased, at least among Swedish gamblers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mark D Griffiths
- International Gaming Research Unit, Psychology Department, Nottingham Trent University, 50 Shakespeare Street, Nottingham, NG1 4FQ UK
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