1
|
Manu E, Acquah F, Douglas M, Akitty E, Zanu EP, Ampomah MA, Adoma PO. Betting high, feeling low: a cross-sectional examination of gambling severity and psychological distress among Ghanaian youth. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:2032. [PMID: 39075355 PMCID: PMC11287856 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-19550-2] [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: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known about the nexus between online gambling and psychological distress among youth, especially in Ghana. This study aimed to investigate the effects of online sports betting on psychological distress, focusing on depression, anxiety, and stress among young individuals in the Volta region of Ghana. METHODS A cross-sectional study was carried out at various betting centers in the Volta region of Ghana. Four hundred and three (403) participants were selected using a multi-stage sampling method. The study used a standardized questionnaire to assess psychological distress with the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS 21) and problematic gambling with the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI). The analysis included both descriptive and inferential methods. These include the implementation of the bootstrap technique within multiple regression models using the current versions of Jeffreys's Amazing Statistics Program (JASP) [0.18.2], Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) [29.0.2], and Microsoft Excel (2019). RESULTS The study found a prevalence of 40% for problematic gambling and 44% for moderate gambling problems among participants, resulting in an overall gambling prevalence of 84%. Regarding psychological distress, the estimated prevalence of depression among participants was 43.6%, with stress reported at 31.1% and anxiety at 68.8%. The overall prevalence of psychological distress was 48%. When analyzing the link between gambling and psychological distress, the study noted that males were more prone to gambling-related psychological distress than females (β = 2.036, p = 0.025). Furthermore, individuals with problem gambling showed the highest probability of experiencing more significant psychological distress compared to other groups (β = 9.228, p = 0.002), followed by those with moderate gambling levels (β = 3.283, p = 0.002). CONCLUSION We recommend that the mental health unit of the Ghana Health Service, in collaboration with the Gaming Commission of Ghana, should develop youth-friendly interventions to address the prevalence and onset of problematic gambling among the youth, especially males. This could, in turn, reduce the prevalence of psychological distress among youth engaged in online gambling in Ghana.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Manu
- Department of Population and Behavioural Sciences, Fred N. Binka School of Public Health, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Hohoe, Ghana.
| | - Francis Acquah
- Department of Health Administration and Education, Faculty of Science Education, University of Education, Winneba, Ghana
| | - Mbuyiselo Douglas
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Walter Sisulu University, Nelson Mandela Drive, Mthatha, South Africa
| | - Emmanuel Akitty
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Fred N. Binka School of Public Health, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Hohoe, Ghana
| | - Emefa Priscilla Zanu
- Department of Population and Behavioural Sciences, Fred N. Binka School of Public Health, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Hohoe, Ghana
| | - Mary Akua Ampomah
- Department of Family and Community Health, Fred N. Binka School of Public Health, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Hohoe, Ghana
| | - Prince Owusu Adoma
- Department of Health Administration and Education, Faculty of Science Education, University of Education, Winneba, Ghana
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Pitt H, McCarthy S, Randle M, Arnot G, Daube M, Thomas S. "It's changing our lives, not for the better. It's important that we have a say". The role of young people in informing public health and policy decisions about gambling marketing. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:2004. [PMID: 39060997 PMCID: PMC11282717 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-19331-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: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Marketing has a significant impact on the normalisation of gambling for youth across the globe. This has included shaping positive attitudes towards gambling, as well as increasing the social and cultural acceptance of gambling - particularly aligned with valued activities such as sport. Because of this, public health experts argue that gambling marketing poses a significant risk to the health and wellbeing of youth. While young people are increasingly exposed to, and impacted by marketing for gambling products, they are rarely consulted about policy issues and options. This study aimed to explore young Australians' perceptions of current policy responses to gambling advertising, whether they thought young people should be involved in discussions and decisions about gambling marketing regulations, and their perceptions of the duty of governments to protect young people from gambling industry marketing strategies. METHODS Qualitative focus groups (n = 22) were held with n = 64, 12-17 year olds in the Australian states of Victoria and New South Wales. Participants were asked to reflect on current gambling policies, particularly relating to marketing, what they thought should be done about gambling marketing, and if and how young people should be included in public health responses to gambling. An interpretivist 'Big Q' approach to reflexive thematic analysis was used. RESULTS Young people highlighted the need for more effective regulations around the content and frequency of gambling marketing. They also wanted to see more realistic representations of the negative impacts of gambling to counter persistent positive commercial marketing messages. Most thought that young people should be given an opportunity to have a say about responses to gambling due to their unique experiences. Participants identified mechanisms to increase young people's engagement in decision making, such as direct lines of communication to different levels of government, involvement in research, and diversifying ways of engagement. Specific recommendations included more regulatory action such as bans on gambling advertising. CONCLUSIONS Creating formal structures that facilitate the inclusion of young people's perspectives in decisions made about gambling can result in more innovative and effective strategies to prevent the harms from gambling industry products, promotions, and practices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Pitt
- Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, 1 Gheringhap St, Geelong, VIC, 3220, Australia.
| | - Simone McCarthy
- Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, 1 Gheringhap St, Geelong, VIC, 3220, Australia
| | - Melanie Randle
- Faculty of Business and Law, School of Business, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Grace Arnot
- Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, 1 Gheringhap St, Geelong, VIC, 3220, Australia
| | - Mike Daube
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | - Samantha Thomas
- Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, 1 Gheringhap St, Geelong, VIC, 3220, Australia
- Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Pitt H, McCarthy S, Randle M, Daube M, Thomas SL. Young people's views about the use of celebrities and social media influencers in gambling marketing. Health Promot Int 2024; 39:daae012. [PMID: 38341758 PMCID: PMC10859070 DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daae012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Young people's exposure to gambling marketing has had a clear impact on their gambling attitudes, risk perceptions and consumption intentions. Celebrities and social media influencers (SMIs) are increasingly used by the gambling industry in a wide range of promotions. While there is evidence that these types of promotions are influential in shaping young people's attitudes towards other harmful products, there is limited evidence in relation to gambling. Qualitative focus groups (n = 22) with n = 64, 12-17 year olds were conducted in Australia. These investigated young people's exposure to celebrity and SMI marketing for gambling and the influence they perceived this marketing had on young people's gambling attitudes. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to construct four themes from the data. First, young people perceived that celebrities and SMIs created additional appeal and recall of gambling advertisements because they were attention grabbing and familiar. Second, young people thought that celebrities and SMIs increased the trust, legitimacy and social acceptance of gambling. Third, the use of celebrities and SMIs lowered the perceptions of risk associated with gambling. Lastly, there were suggestions to reduce the impact of celebrity and SMI gambling promotions on young people, such as bans and restrictions. This study highlights the importance of a comprehensive approach to preventing young people's exposure to gambling marketing, that not only considers imposing stronger regulations to restrict the way the gambling industry is allowed to promote its products, but also aims to counter the novel ways the gambling industry attempts to appeal to children and young people.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Pitt
- Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Locked bag 20000, Geelong, Vic 3220, Australia
| | - Simone McCarthy
- Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Locked bag 20000, Geelong, Vic 3220, Australia
| | - Melanie Randle
- Faculty of Business and Law, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Mike Daube
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | - Samantha L Thomas
- Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Locked bag 20000, Geelong, Vic 3220, Australia
- Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Badu E, Hallett J, Vujcich D, Crawford G, Bellringer ME. Setting the scene: a scoping review of gambling research in Ghana. Health Promot Int 2023; 38:daad171. [PMID: 38091619 DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daad171] [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] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Ghana, like many other African countries, has seen a rapid expansion in gambling industry activity in the last decade with sports betting becoming a popular pastime among young Ghanaian males. The proliferation of land based, and online gambling operations presents a significant public health threat to the citizenry. Yet little is known about gambling participation and harms, the size of the gambling market and the role of the gambling industry in influencing and perpetuating gambling behaviour in Ghana. The aim of this study was to contribute to understanding the extent of gambling research in Ghana by mapping out what the current literature indicates. Six databases were searched for peer-reviewed journal articles that focused on gambling in Ghana. The findings from this review demonstrate gambling research in Ghana is in a nascent state with a predominant focus on individual factors and limited consideration of public health. The implications for future research are highlighted, including the requirement for a nationally representative study to understand the prevalence of gambling participation and harm, and the role of the gambling industry. Public health action grounded in sound evidence is urgently required to address the individual and community level problems associated with this harmful commodity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Badu
- Collaboration for Evidence, Research and Impact in Public Health, School of Population Health, Curtin University, Building 400, Kent Street, Bentley, Western Australia 6102, Australia
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Building 400, Kent Street, Bentley, Western Australia 6102, Australia
| | - Jonathan Hallett
- Collaboration for Evidence, Research and Impact in Public Health, School of Population Health, Curtin University, Building 400, Kent Street, Bentley, Western Australia 6102, Australia
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Building 400, Kent Street, Bentley, Western Australia 6102, Australia
| | - Daniel Vujcich
- Collaboration for Evidence, Research and Impact in Public Health, School of Population Health, Curtin University, Building 400, Kent Street, Bentley, Western Australia 6102, Australia
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Building 400, Kent Street, Bentley, Western Australia 6102, Australia
| | - Gemma Crawford
- Collaboration for Evidence, Research and Impact in Public Health, School of Population Health, Curtin University, Building 400, Kent Street, Bentley, Western Australia 6102, Australia
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Building 400, Kent Street, Bentley, Western Australia 6102, Australia
| | - Maria E Bellringer
- Gambling and Addictions Research Centre, School of Public Health and Interdisciplinary Studies, Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, 90 Akoranga Drive, Northcote, Auckland 0627, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Thomas S, Cowlishaw S, Francis J, van Schalkwyk MCI, Daube M, Pitt H, McCarthy S, McGee D, Petticrew M, Rwafa-Ponela T, Minja A, Fell G. Global public health action is needed to counter the commercial gambling industry. Health Promot Int 2023; 38:daad110. [PMID: 37738551 DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daad110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/24/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Thomas
- Institute for Health Transformation, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Sean Cowlishaw
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Joel Francis
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - May C I van Schalkwyk
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Mike Daube
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | - Hannah Pitt
- Institute for Health Transformation, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Simone McCarthy
- Institute for Health Transformation, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Mark Petticrew
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Teurai Rwafa-Ponela
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | - Greg Fell
- Director of Public Health, Sheffield City Council, Sheffield, UK
- Vice President UK Association of Directors of Public Health, UK
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Marionneau V, Ruohio H, Karlsson N. Gambling harm prevention and harm reduction in online environments: a call for action. Harm Reduct J 2023; 20:92. [PMID: 37481649 PMCID: PMC10362766 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-023-00828-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gambling is increasingly offered and consumed in online and mobile environments. The digitalisation of the gambling industry poses new challenges on harm prevention and harm reduction. The digital environment differs from traditional, land-based gambling environments. It increases many risk-factors in gambling, including availability, ease-of-access, but also game characteristics such as speed and intensity. Furthermore, data collected on those gambling in digital environments makes gambling offer increasingly personalised and targeted. MAIN RESULTS This paper discusses how harm prevention and harm reduction efforts need to address gambling in online environments. We review existing literature on universal, selective, and indicated harm reduction and harm prevention efforts for online gambling and discuss ways forward. The discussion shows that there are several avenues forward for online gambling harm prevention and reduction at each of the universal, selective, and indicated levels. No measure is likely to be sufficient on its own and multi-modal as well as multi-level interventions are needed. Harm prevention and harm reduction measures online also differ from traditional land-based efforts. Online gambling providers utilise a variety of strategies to enable, market, and personalise their products using data and the wider online ecosystem. CONCLUSION We argue that these same tools and channels should also be used for preventive work to better prevent and reduce the public health harms caused by online gambling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Virve Marionneau
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Centre for Research on Addiction, Control, and Governance, University of Helsinki, Unioninkatu 33, 00014, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Heidi Ruohio
- Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Mannerheimintie 166, 00271, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Nina Karlsson
- Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Mannerheimintie 166, 00271, Helsinki, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
van Schalkwyk MCI, Thomas S, McKee M, Fell G, Daube M. Statutory levy on gambling may do more harm than good. BMJ 2023; 381:e075035. [PMID: 37024135 DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2023-075035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Samantha Thomas
- Institute for Health Transformation, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | - Martin McKee
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Greg Fell
- Association of Directors of Public Health, London, UK
| | - Mike Daube
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| |
Collapse
|