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Stefanovics EA, Potenza MN, Tsai J. Prevalence and Clinical Characteristics of Recreational and At-Risk/Problematic Gambling Among Low-Income U.S. Veterans: Results from the National Veteran Homeless and Other Poverty Experiences (NV-HOPE) Study. J Gambl Stud 2024; 40:915-935. [PMID: 37751035 DOI: 10.1007/s10899-023-10257-4] [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: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
This study examined associations between recreational gambling (RG) and at-risk/problem gambling (ARPG), and clinical measures of mental illness and substance use, functionality, homelessness, in a nationally representative sample of U.S. military veterans. Data were analyzed from 781 veterans who participated National Veteran Homeless and Other Poverty Experiences (NV-HOPE) study conducted in 2021. Chi-square tests, analyses of variance (ANOVAs) and logistic regressions analyses were conducted to examine unadjusted and adjusted associations between gambling group status and sociodemographic, psychiatric, substance use, functioning, and homelessness measures. A significant minority of low-income U.S. veterans reported gambling, with 24.9% (95% confidence interval [CI] 95% CI 21.12-28.76%) exhibiting RG and 6.7% (95% CI 3.88-9.42%) screening positive for ARPG. The prevalence of ARPG was higher among younger, non-White veterans. ARPG was associated with greater symptoms of substance use and anxiety; poorer physical functioning; history of any mental illness; lifetime history of homelessness; and having any student or car loans relative to NG. Veterans who had RG were more likely to screen positive for drug use disorders relative to NG. Results of the current study provide an up-to-date estimate of the current prevalence of RG and ARPG among low-income U.S. veterans and underscore the importance of routine screening, monitoring, and development of interventions for problematic gambling severity, as well as interventions for ARPG in this population. These findings may inform targeted intervention strategies for this vulnerable subpopulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elina A Stefanovics
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs New England Mental Illness Research and Education Clinical Center (MIRECC), VA Connecticut Healthcare System (116A-4), 950 Campbell Avenue, Building 36, West Haven, CT, 06516, USA.
- National Center on Homelessness Among Veterans, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Tampa, FL, USA.
| | - Marc N Potenza
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Yale Child Study Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Connecticut Mental Health Center, New Haven, CT, USA
- Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling, Wethersfield, CT, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Wu Tsai Institute, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Jack Tsai
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- National Center on Homelessness Among Veterans, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Tampa, FL, USA
- Department of Management, Policy, and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
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Stefanovics EA, Potenza MN, Tsai J, Pietrzak RH. Prevalence and Clinical Characteristics of Recreational and At-Risk/Problematic Gambling in a National Sample of U.S. Military Veterans. J Gambl Stud 2023; 39:1077-1097. [PMID: 36378356 DOI: 10.1007/s10899-022-10165-z] [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: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Gambling among U.S. military veterans is common, with more extensive involvement linked to gambling disorder and associated problems. This study examined associations between recreational gambling (RG) and at-risk/problem gambling (ARPG), and clinical measures (psychiatric disorders, substance use), behaviors (suicidality, homelessness, arrests) and functioning in a nationally representative sample of U.S. military veterans. Data were analyzed from 4069 veterans who participated in the National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study. Chi-square tests, analyses of variance (ANOVAs) and logistic regressions were conducted to examine unadjusted and adjusted associations between gambling group status and lifetime and current psychiatric diagnoses and behavioral and functioning measures. A significant minority of U.S. veterans reported gambling, with 27.3% (95% confidence interval [CI] 25.5-29.1%) exhibiting RG and 4.9% (95% CI 4.0-5.9%) screening positive for ARPG. The prevalence of ARPG was higher among younger, non-White, male veterans, while RG was more prevalent among retired veterans and those with higher household incomes relative to non-gambling (NG) individuals. ARPG was associated with greater trauma burden, lifetime and current psychiatric diagnoses, mental health treatment, alcohol and drug use disorders, suicidal ideation, homelessness, arrests, and poorer functioning relative to NG and RG, with stronger magnitude differences relative to NG. RG was associated with substance use disorders and arrest histories relative to NG. Results of the current study provide an up-to-date estimate of the current prevalence of RG and ARPG among U.S. veterans and underscore the importance of routine screening and monitoring of gambling problems, as well as interventions for ARPG in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elina A Stefanovics
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs New England Mental Illness Research and Education Clinical Center (MIRECC), VA Connecticut Healthcare System (116A-4), 950 Campbell Avenue, Building 36, West Haven, CT, 06516, USA.
| | - Marc N Potenza
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Yale Child Study Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Connecticut Mental Health Center, New Haven, CT, USA
- Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling, Wethersfield, CT, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Wu Tsai Institute, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Jack Tsai
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- National Center on Homelessness Among Veterans, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Tampa, FL, USA
- Department of Management, Policy, and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Robert H Pietrzak
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
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Salani D, Goldin D, Valdes B, DeSantis J. The Price of Gambling: Examining Gambling Disorders. Issues Ment Health Nurs 2023; 44:682-689. [PMID: 37585238 DOI: 10.1080/01612840.2023.2232862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
Gambling disorders are a serious public health problem. This manuscript will provide a comprehensive overview on this topic. Gambling disorder involves repeated patterns of gambling behaviors, that result in significant distress or impairment in a person's interpersonal relationships, employment, educational/career opportunities, and finances over a period of 12 months. Gambling is defined as an activity that involves risking something of value with the hopes of acquiring something of greater value. Comparable to substance use disorders, individuals with a gambling disorder may be unsuccessful in exercising control over their problematic behavior, engage in the behavior despite negative consequences, and have preoccupations/cravings to gamble. Gambling disorder has higher comorbidity rates of mental disorders including depression, anxiety, substance use, and personality disorders. Gamblers rarely seek treatment. Treatments must be tailored to the individual which may include psychological interventions, cognitive behavioral therapy, gamblers anonymous, and psychopharmacological agents such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, mood stabilizers, and opioid antagonists to treat clinical symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah Salani
- School of Nursing and Health Studies, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | - Deana Goldin
- Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing & Health Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Beatriz Valdes
- School of Nursing and Health Studies, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | - Joseph DeSantis
- School of Nursing and Health Studies, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
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Stefanovics EA, Potenza MN, Szymkowiak D, Tsai J. Chronically homeless veterans with gambling disorder: Epidemiology, clinical correlates, and traumatic experiences. J Psychiatr Res 2023; 164:118-124. [PMID: 37339548 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.05.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gambling disorder (GD) is often a concern for people living in poverty. Although GD has been correlated with homelessness, there has been no study of factors related to chronic homelessness among veterans with GD. METHOD This study used data from specialized homeless programs from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Homeless Operations Management System to explore prevalence and correlates of chronic homelessness among veterans with GD in this program and to describe initial descriptive epidemiology. Chi-square tests, analyses of variance, and logistic regressions were conducted to examine differences in sociodemographic, military, clinical, and behavioral characteristics between veterans with versus without chronic homelessness. RESULT Of 6053 veterans with GD, 1733 (28.6%) had chronic homelessness. Veterans with versus without chronic homelessness were more likely to be older, male, unemployed, and of low educational attainment and report having spent fewer years in the military. Chronic homelessness was associated with elevated odds of mental health and medical diagnoses, traumatic experiences, incarceration, and suicidal thoughts. Veterans with versus without chronic homelessness more frequently reported needing substance use, medical and psychiatric treatments but expressed low interest in participation in psychiatric treatment. CONCLUSION Veterans with GD and chronic homelessness have more clinical and behavioral concerns and needs for treatment, but participate in treatment at lower rates. It may be important to address both chronic homelessness and GD concurrently in order to effectively support veterans facing these challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elina A Stefanovics
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs New England, Mental Illness Research and Education Clinical Center (MIRECC), West Haven, CT, USA; National Center on Homelessness Among Veterans, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Tampa, FL, USA.
| | - Marc N Potenza
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Yale Child Study Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA; Connecticut Mental Health Center, New Haven, CT, USA; Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling, Wethersfield, CT, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA; Wu Tsai Institute, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Dorota Szymkowiak
- National Center on Homelessness Among Veterans, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Jack Tsai
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; National Center on Homelessness Among Veterans, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Tampa, FL, USA; Department of Management, Policy, and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
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Abstract
Gambling disorder (GD) is estimated to be experienced by about 0.5% of the adult population in the United States. The etiology of GD is complex and includes genetic and environmental factors. Specific populations appear particularly vulnerable to GD. GD often goes unrecognized and untreated. GD often co-occurs with other conditions, particularly psychiatric disorders. Behavioral interventions are supported in the treatment of GD. No medications have a formal indication for the GD, although clinical trials suggest some may be helpful. Noninvasive neuromodulation is being explored as a possible treatment. Improved identification, prevention, and treatment of GD are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elina A Stefanovics
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs New England Mental Illness Research and Education Clinical Center (MIRECC), West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Marc N Potenza
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Yale Child Study Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA; Connecticut Mental Health Center, New Haven, CT, USA; Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling, Wethersfield, CT, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA; Wu Tsai Institute, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA; Division on Addictions Research at Yale, Yale Impulsivity Research Program, Yale Center of Excellence in Gambling Research, Women and Addictions Core of Women's Health Research at Yale, Neuroscience and Child Study, Yale University School of Medicine, 1 Church Street, Room 726, New Haven, CT 06510, USA.
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The Prevalence of Problem Gambling and Gambling Disorder Among Homeless People: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis. J Gambl Stud 2022; 39:467-482. [PMID: 35851824 PMCID: PMC10175321 DOI: 10.1007/s10899-022-10140-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/05/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
AbstractGambling problems are often associated with homelessness and linked to elevated psychiatric morbidity and homelessness chronicity. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis on prevalence rates of problem gambling (PG) and gambling disorder (GD) in homeless people. Following PRISMA guidelines, we searched databases Medline, Embase and PsycINFO from inception of databases to 4th may 2021. We included studies reporting prevalence estimates on clinical gambling problems in representative samples of homeless people based on standardized diagnostics. Risk of bias was assessed. A random effects meta-analysis was performed, and subgroup analyses based on methodological characteristics of primary studies were conducted. We identified eight studies from five countries, reporting information on 1938 participants. Prevalence rates of clinically significant PG and GD ranged from 11.3 to 31.3%. There was evidence for substantial heterogeneity with I2 = 86% (95% CI 63–97%). A subgroup of four low risk of bias studies displayed a significantly lower results ranging from 11.3 to 23.6%. Additionally, high rates of subclinical problem gambling were reported (11.6–56.4%). At least one in ten homeless persons experiences clinically significant PG or GD. Social support and health care services for the homeless should address this problem by implementing models for early detection and treatment.
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Vandenberg B, Livingstone C, Carter A, O'Brien K. Gambling and homelessness in older adults: a qualitative investigation. Addiction 2022; 117:1702-1712. [PMID: 34817109 DOI: 10.1111/add.15756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Homelessness is one of the most significant harms associated with gambling and appears to affect older adults disproportionately, but the relationship has received little research attention. This exploratory study investigated how gambling and homelessness is linked in older adults. METHODS Using qualitative research methods, we undertook in-depth semi structured face-to-face individual and group interviews to gather data from a purposive sample (n = 48) of key informants working in service provision for older adults (aged 50+ years) experiencing gambling-related harm and/or homelessness in Victoria, Australia. Thematic analysis of data focused on evaluating mechanisms and identifying contextual conditions that activate pathways between gambling and homelessness. RESULTS The relationship between gambling and homelessness in older adults is often indirect and non-linear, and can represent a reflexive cycle. Experiencing periods of homelessness into older age can contribute to gambling, often because the adverse impacts of homelessness on older adults' mental and material wellbeing increase the appeal of gambling. Additionally, comorbidities (e.g. substance use, mental illness, past trauma) and structural conditions (e.g. gambling accessibility, poverty, housing insecurity) can activate gambling. Furthermore, because gambling in the older homeless adult population is frequently hidden and regularly overlooked by service providers, it often continues unabated. Gambling in older adults can also contribute to the onset of first-time homelessness. Large and rapid losses from high-intensity gambling frequently characterize this route to homelessness. Such gambling is often triggered by major life events and changes (e.g. bereavement, job loss, relationship difficulties), and the outcomes are often worsened by the conduct of gambling operators and creditors. CONCLUSIONS The link between gambling and homelessness in older adults is complex, with connecting mechanisms often contingent upon individual, interpersonal and structural conditions and contexts. There is potential for preventative and ameliorative action given many of the underlying conditions appear modifiable through policy intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Vandenberg
- Behavioural Sciences Research Laboratory, School of Social Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Charles Livingstone
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Adrian Carter
- School of Psychological Sciences and Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Kerry O'Brien
- Behavioural Sciences Research Laboratory, School of Social Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
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Vandenberg B, Livingstone C, Carter A, O'Brien K. Gambling and homelessness: A systematic review and meta-analysis of prevalence. Addict Behav 2022; 125:107151. [PMID: 34700154 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2021.107151] [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: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There is growing concern internationally about co-occurring gambling and homelessness. We systematically review prevalence estimates in help-seeking and community samples. METHODS Adopting PRISMA guidelines, we searched CINAHL Plus, Cochrane Library, Embase, Ovid MEDLINE, PsychINFO, Proquest Central, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar for relevant peer-reviewed articles in English. Primary outcomes examined in narrative and quantitative syntheses included prevalence of: (i) gambling in persons experiencing homelessness; (ii) harmful gambling in persons experiencing homelessness; and, (iii) homelessness in persons experiencing harmful gambling. RESULTS Searches identified 917 records after removing duplicates. After screening, 45 articles providing 54 prevalence estimates across 12 countries were included, with help-seeking (k = 37) and community based sample (k = 8) estimates pooled separately. Gambling prevalence (all timeframes) in help-seeking samples of persons experiencing homelessness is low (28.7%, 95% CI: 17.3-41.7, k = 14) compared to the general population (approximately 60-80%). However, harmful gambling prevalence (including problem, pathological, and disordered gambling) in help-seeking samples of persons experiencing homelessness is high (16.5%, 95% CI: 10.2-24.2, k = 20) compared to the general population (approximately 1-7%). Additionally, homelessness prevalence is high in help-seeking samples of persons experiencing harmful gambling (23.6%, 95% CI: 18.4-29.2, k = 4) compared to the general population (<1%). Meta-analysis found high between-study heterogeneity and risk of bias from small samples sizes. CONCLUSIONS There are high rates of harmful gambling in persons experiencing homelessness and, concurrently, high rates of homelessness in persons experiencing harmful gambling. Improvements in sampling and measurement are needed to strengthen robustness and generalizability of prevalence estimates, which can potentially inform the scale and targeting of clinical interventions, support services, and policy responses.
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Landon J, Bellringer M, du Preez KP, Will U, Mauchline L, Roberts A. “The Bad Things that Happened Are Kind of Good Things”: Exploring Gambling Among Residents of a Transitional Housing Service. Int J Ment Health Addict 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s11469-021-00530-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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