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Mosconi G, Bertuccio P, Albertin I, Esposito M, Polgatti A, Taverna F, Turcinovich D, Russo S, Gaggi S, Barello S, Amerio A, Molinaro S, Gallus S, Cecconami L, Feder S, Vecchi T, Odone A. P.A.V.I.A. Study: Pervasiveness and Associated Factors of Video Slot Machine Use in a Large Sample of Italian Adolescents. J Gambl Stud 2024:10.1007/s10899-024-10334-2. [PMID: 39037539 DOI: 10.1007/s10899-024-10334-2] [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: 06/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Video slot machines (VSM) are considered a particularly harmful gambling format; however, scant data is available on their use among underage Italian individuals. Two surveys were conducted in 2018 and 2022 involving 7,959 underage high school students (57.8% female) in Pavia, Northern Italy. We estimated adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) for lifetime experience and current regular (at least monthly) use of VSM, according to family, educational and behavioral factors. Overall, participants reporting lifetime VSM experience were 13.2% (95% CI: 12.5 - 13.9), 15.2% (95% CI: 14.0-16.4%) in 2018, and 12.0% (95% CI: 11.1-13.0%) in 2022. Current regular VSM users were 1.4% (95% CI: 1.1-1.7) in total, 1.2% (95% CI: 0.8-1.6%) in 2018 and 1.5% (95% CI: 1.1-1.8%) in 2022. VSM lifetime experience and current regular use were significantly more frequent in males (aORs: 1.55 and 4.81, respectively), students who failed a year (aORs: 2.07 and 3.44), or with daily gambling parents/siblings (aORs: 2.83 and 4.86). Lifetime use of alcohol, tobacco, or illicit substances was significantly directly associated with lifetime VSM use (aORs between 2.64 and 4.75); monthly alcohol, tobacco, or illicit substances use was significantly directly associated with current regular VSM use (aORs between 4.47 and 18.21). Sexting and voluntary self-injury were significantly more frequent among VSM lifetime/current regular users. VSM use, which is directly associated with other risky behaviors, may be pervasive among Italian minors. Such public health concern calls for legislative enforcements and integrated multidisciplinary health promotion and prevention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giansanto Mosconi
- School of Public Health, Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Via Forlanini 2, Pavia, 27100, Italy
| | - Paola Bertuccio
- School of Public Health, Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Via Forlanini 2, Pavia, 27100, Italy
| | - Ilaria Albertin
- Semi di Melo - Centre for Childhood and Adolescence Education and Research, Milan, Italy
| | - Marcello Esposito
- Semi di Melo - Centre for Childhood and Adolescence Education and Research, Milan, Italy
| | - Anna Polgatti
- Semi di Melo - Centre for Childhood and Adolescence Education and Research, Milan, Italy
| | - Franco Taverna
- Semi di Melo - Centre for Childhood and Adolescence Education and Research, Milan, Italy
| | - Diego Turcinovich
- Semi di Melo - Centre for Childhood and Adolescence Education and Research, Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Russo
- School of Public Health, Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Via Forlanini 2, Pavia, 27100, Italy
| | - Silvia Gaggi
- Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Serena Barello
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Andrea Amerio
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Sabrina Molinaro
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council of Italy, Pisa, Italy
| | - Silvano Gallus
- Department of Medical Epidemiology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Simone Feder
- Semi di Melo - Centre for Childhood and Adolescence Education and Research, Milan, Italy
| | - Tomaso Vecchi
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Anna Odone
- School of Public Health, Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Via Forlanini 2, Pavia, 27100, Italy.
- Medical Direction, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy.
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Rolando S, Ferrari C, Beccaria F. "To me, it was Just a Vice". Stigma and Other Barriers to Gambling Treatment in Piedmont, Italy. J Gambl Stud 2023; 39:1909-1925. [PMID: 37166746 DOI: 10.1007/s10899-023-10214-1] [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] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
In Piedmont (northwestern Italy), as in the rest of the Western world, only a small percentage of the estimated problem gamblers (10-20%) turn to a treatment service to overcome their addiction issues. The study sought to gain a better understanding of the cultural factors that stand in the way of seeking help, thorough qualitative in-depth individual interviews with gamblers both in and out of treatment. A total of 30 interviews were conducted in three different health districts, most via video-call. Data were then analyzed using an abductive approach. The findings appear to indicate that the processes of stigma affecting problem gamblers and public gambling treatment services are the main barriers to seeking help. According to the interviewees, awareness of the problem is a necessary but not sufficient motivator for embarking on treatment, since social stigmatization leads them to hide the problem. Moreover, self-stigmatization processes seem to undermine the sense of self-efficacy that plays a key role in recovery. To encourage help-seeking, the study thus suggests that priority should be given to efforts to reduce stigma, i.e., through informational and educational measures together with advocacy interventions, which aim primarily to reframe the gambling problem, shifting responsibility from the individual to the collective level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Rolando
- Eclectica, Institute for Training and Research, Via S. Pellico 1, Turin, 10125, Italy.
| | | | - Franca Beccaria
- Eclectica, Institute for Training and Research, Via S. Pellico 1, Turin, 10125, Italy
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Lastrucci V, Lazzeretti M, Innocenti F, Lorini C, Berti A, Silvestri C, Chiesi F, Schirripa A, Paoli S, Di Pisa G, Moscadelli A, Bonaccorsi G, Voller F. Trends in Adolescent Health Risk Behaviors and Wellbeing: A 10 Year Observation from the EDIT Surveillance of Tuscany Region, Italy. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19116863. [PMID: 35682446 PMCID: PMC9180865 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19116863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the trends of prevalence of health risk behaviors (HRBs) and health conditions over a 10 year period (2008-2018) in a representative sample of adolescents of Tuscany Region, Italy. Methods: This was a repeated cross-sectional (four survey waves) study. The prevalence of 17 HRBs and health conditions were analyzed by age, sex, and socioeconomic status (SES). Results: A total of 21,943 students were surveyed. During the study period, decreases in smoking participation, cocaine use, driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, and problem gambling were observed, while alcohol abuse and at-risk sexual behaviors remained unchanged or increased. Males resulted more frequently involved in most of the HRBs, while females more frequently reported physical inactivity, regular smoking, and not using a condom. Female participation in smoking and alcohol abuse behaviors, fruit and vegetable consumption, and bullying worsened over the study period. Smoking, poor dietary habits, physical inactivity, high distress level, and obesity were more frequently observed in low-SES students than in high-SES students. Conclusions: The findings showed different tendencies in adolescent participation in HRBs over the last decade; concerning trends in at-risk sexual behaviors and alcohol consumption and females' risk-taking behavior on the rise require careful monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vieri Lastrucci
- Epidemiology Unit, Meyer Children’s Hospital, Viale Gaetano Pieraccini 24, 50139 Florence, Italy;
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Viale GB Morgagni 48, 50134 Florence, Italy;
| | - Marco Lazzeretti
- Epidemiologic Observatory, Regional Health Agency of Tuscany, Via Pietro Dazzi 1, 50141 Florence, Italy; (M.L.); (F.I.); (A.B.); (C.S.); (F.V.)
| | - Francesco Innocenti
- Epidemiologic Observatory, Regional Health Agency of Tuscany, Via Pietro Dazzi 1, 50141 Florence, Italy; (M.L.); (F.I.); (A.B.); (C.S.); (F.V.)
| | - Chiara Lorini
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Viale GB Morgagni 48, 50134 Florence, Italy;
| | - Alice Berti
- Epidemiologic Observatory, Regional Health Agency of Tuscany, Via Pietro Dazzi 1, 50141 Florence, Italy; (M.L.); (F.I.); (A.B.); (C.S.); (F.V.)
| | - Caterina Silvestri
- Epidemiologic Observatory, Regional Health Agency of Tuscany, Via Pietro Dazzi 1, 50141 Florence, Italy; (M.L.); (F.I.); (A.B.); (C.S.); (F.V.)
| | - Fabrizio Chiesi
- Medical Specialization School of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (F.C.); (A.S.); (S.P.); (G.D.P.); (A.M.)
| | - Annamaria Schirripa
- Medical Specialization School of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (F.C.); (A.S.); (S.P.); (G.D.P.); (A.M.)
| | - Sonia Paoli
- Medical Specialization School of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (F.C.); (A.S.); (S.P.); (G.D.P.); (A.M.)
| | - Giulia Di Pisa
- Medical Specialization School of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (F.C.); (A.S.); (S.P.); (G.D.P.); (A.M.)
| | - Andrea Moscadelli
- Medical Specialization School of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (F.C.); (A.S.); (S.P.); (G.D.P.); (A.M.)
| | - Guglielmo Bonaccorsi
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Viale GB Morgagni 48, 50134 Florence, Italy;
- Correspondence:
| | - Fabio Voller
- Epidemiologic Observatory, Regional Health Agency of Tuscany, Via Pietro Dazzi 1, 50141 Florence, Italy; (M.L.); (F.I.); (A.B.); (C.S.); (F.V.)
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Part of the Game? Exploring the Prevalence and Normalization of Gambling in Belgian Sports Clubs. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19116527. [PMID: 35682112 PMCID: PMC9180427 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19116527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Gambling and sports are entangled in a close relationship. However, little remains known about gambling behaviors and perceptions in sports. Drawing on normalization theory, this study explores the prevalence and predictors of problem gambling as well as the normalization of gambling (including its availability and accessibility, prevalence, and socio-cultural accommodation) in sports clubs. A cross-sectional study design was implemented, based on an online survey completed by 817 Belgian sports club actors. This survey consisted of the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) and questions about personal and socio-cultural factors regarding gambling. Data were analyzed with SPSS 26 software, using descriptive statistics and an ordinal logistic regression analysis. These analyses exposed being male, being aged 26-35 years old, and being involved in football (soccer) as factors that might be linked with higher levels of problem gambling in sports. Furthermore, sports betting is especially shown to be normalized in sports clubs given its prevalence, and its frequently organized and discussed character. Moreover, respondents disclosed a lack of formal rules (96%) and education initiatives (98.7%) on gambling in their sports club. Given the indicated support for gambling regulations and educational measures, this study may inform sports organizations about how to help denormalize gambling.
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Prevention and Harm Reduction Interventions for Adult Gambling at the Local Level: An Umbrella Review of Empirical Evidence. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18189484. [PMID: 34574405 PMCID: PMC8468790 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18189484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Concerns about negative consequences of gambling diffusion are increasing. Prevention and harm reduction strategies play a crucial role in reducing gambling supply and harms. This study aims to conduct an umbrella review of the effectiveness of gambling preventive and harm reduction strategies, which can be implemented at a local level and targeted at adults. It was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Sixteen reviews were analyzed, and 20 strategies were selected and classified in 4 areas with different targets and aims. Reducing the supply of gambling is an effective strategy both for the general population and for risky or problematic gamblers. Demand reduction interventions have been found to have limited effects but most of them are mainly focused on knowledge about risks and odds ratios. Risk reduction strategies aim to reduce contextual risk factors of the area where gambling is provided, change the gambling locations’ features, and modify individual behaviors while gambling. Smoking and alcohol bans or restrictions are considered one of the most effective strategies. Finally, harm reduction strategies targeted at problematic gamblers are potentially effective. Some relevant implementation conditions are identified and the results show inconsistent effects across different targets.
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