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Tran LT, Wardle H, Colledge-Frisby S, Taylor S, Lynch M, Rehm J, Volberg R, Marionneau V, Saxena S, Bunn C, Farrell M, Degenhardt L. The prevalence of gambling and problematic gambling: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet Public Health 2024; 9:e594-e613. [PMID: 39025095 DOI: 10.1016/s2468-2667(24)00126-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gambling behaviours have become of increased public health interest, but data on prevalence remain scarce. In this study, we aimed to estimate for adults and adolescents the prevalence of any gambling activity, the prevalence of engaging in specific gambling activities, the prevalence of any risk gambling and problematic gambling, and the prevalence of any risk and problematic gambling by gambling activity. METHODS We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis. We systematically searched for peer-reviewed literature (on MEDLINE, Embase, and PsycInfo) and grey literature to identify papers published between Jan 1, 2010, and March 4, 2024. We searched for any gambling, including engagement with individual gambling activities, and problematic gambling data among adults and adolescents. We included papers that reported the prevalence or proportion of a gambling outcome of interest. We excluded papers of non-original data or based on a biased sample. Data were extracted into a bespoke Microsoft Access database, with the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tool used to identify the risk of bias for each sample. Representative population survey estimates were firstly meta-analysed into country-level prevalence estimates, using metaprop, of any gambling, any risk gambling, problematic gambling, and by gambling activity. Secondly, population-weighted regional-level and global estimates were generated for any gambling, any risk gambling, problematic gambling, and specific gambling activity. This review is registered on PROSPERO (CRD42021251835). FINDINGS We screened 3692 reports, with 380 representative unique samples, in 68 countries and territories. Overall, the included samples consisted of slightly more men or male individuals, with a mean age of 29·72 years, and most samples identified were from high-income countries. Of these samples, 366 were included in the meta-analysis. Globally, 46·2% (95% CI 41·7-50·8) of adults and 17·9% (14·8-21·2) of adolescents had gambled in the past 12 months. Rates of gambling were higher among men (49·1%; 45·5-52·6) than women (37·4%; 32·0-42·5). Among adults, 8·7% (6·6-11·3) were classified as engaging in any risk gambling, and 1·41% (1·06-1·84) were engaging in problematic gambling. Among adults, rates of problematic gambling were greatest among online casino or slots gambling (15·8%; 10·7-21·6). There were few data reported on any risk and problematic gambling among adolescent samples. INTERPRETATION Existing evidence suggests that gambling is prevalent globally, that a substantial proportion of the population engage in problematic gambling, and that rates of problematic gambling are greatest among those gambling on online formats. Given the growth of the online gambling industry and the association between gambling and a range of public health harms, governments need to give greater attention to the strict regulation and monitoring of gambling globally. FUNDING Australian National Health and Medical Research Council.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy T Tran
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Heather Wardle
- School of Social and Political Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
| | - Samantha Colledge-Frisby
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia; National Drug Research Institute Melbourne, Curtin University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Sophia Taylor
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Michelle Lynch
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jürgen Rehm
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Rachel Volberg
- School of Public Health and Health Science, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Virve Marionneau
- Centre for Research on Addiction, Control, and Governance, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Shekhar Saxena
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Christopher Bunn
- School of Social and Political Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
| | - Michael Farrell
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Louisa Degenhardt
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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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.
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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
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Mora-Maltas B, Baenas I, Etxandi M, Lucas I, Granero R, Fernández-Aranda F, Tovar S, Solé-Morata N, Gómez-Peña M, Moragas L, Del Pino-Gutiérrez A, Tapia J, Diéguez C, Goudriaan AE, Jiménez-Murcia S. Association between endocrine and neuropsychological endophenotypes and gambling disorder severity. Addict Behav 2024; 153:107968. [PMID: 38447412 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2024.107968] [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: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurobiological characteristics have been identified regarding the severity of gambling disorder (GD). The aims of this study were: (1) to examine, through a path analysis, whether there was a relationship between neuroendocrine features, potentially mediational GD variables, and GD severity, and (2) to associate neuroendocrine variables, with GD severity-related variables according to gambling preferences. METHODS The sample included 297 outpatients with GD. We analyzed endocrine concentrations of different appetite-related hormones (ghrelin, liver antimicrobial peptide 2 [LEAP-2], leptin, adiponectin), and neuropsychological performance (working memory, cognitive flexibility, inhibition, decision making, premorbid intelligence). Path analysis assessed mechanisms between neuroendocrine features and GD severity, including mediational GD variables (impulsivity traits and gambling-related cognitive distortions). Partial correlations evaluated the associations between neuroendocrine variables, including impulsivity traits, and variables related to GD severity (DSM-5, South Oaks Gambling Screen, illness duration, and gambling-related cognitive distortions). RESULTS Lower adiponectin concentrations predicted greater GD severity, while higher LEAP-2 concentrations predicted more gambling-related cognitive distortions. Likewise, better neuropsychological performance directly predicted GD severity, but worse neuropsychological performance was associated with GD severity through the mediational variables of impulsivity traits and gambling-related cognitive distortions. Also, in non-strategic individuals with GD, poor working memory was associated with gambling expectancies and predictive control. In strategic individuals with GD, poor cognitive flexibility was associated with illusion of control, predictive control, and inability to stop gambling. CONCLUSIONS These results provide updated information about the comprehension of the interaction between neuroendocrine features, clinical variables, and severity of GD. Thus, neurobiological functions seem to be strongly related to GD severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernat Mora-Maltas
- Clinical Psychology Department, Bellvitge University Hospital- Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Barcelona, Spain; Ciber Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERObn), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain; Doctorate in Medicine and Traslational Research Programme, University of Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Isabel Baenas
- Clinical Psychology Department, Bellvitge University Hospital- Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Barcelona, Spain; Ciber Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERObn), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain; Doctorate in Medicine and Traslational Research Programme, University of Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain; Psychoneurobiology of Eating and Addictive Behaviors Group, Neurosciences Programme, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mikel Etxandi
- Clinical Psychology Department, Bellvitge University Hospital- Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Barcelona, Spain; Doctorate in Medicine and Traslational Research Programme, University of Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain; Department of Psychiatry, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, IGTP Campus Can Ruti, Badalona, Spain
| | - Ignacio Lucas
- Clinical Psychology Department, Bellvitge University Hospital- Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Barcelona, Spain; Ciber Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERObn), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain; Psychoneurobiology of Eating and Addictive Behaviors Group, Neurosciences Programme, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Roser Granero
- Ciber Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERObn), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain; Psychoneurobiology of Eating and Addictive Behaviors Group, Neurosciences Programme, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Barcelona, Spain; Department of Psychobiology and Methodology, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Fernando Fernández-Aranda
- Clinical Psychology Department, Bellvitge University Hospital- Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Barcelona, Spain; Ciber Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERObn), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain; Psychoneurobiology of Eating and Addictive Behaviors Group, Neurosciences Programme, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Barcelona, Spain; Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sulay Tovar
- Ciber Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERObn), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Physiology, CIMUS, University of Santiago de Compostela, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Neus Solé-Morata
- Clinical Psychology Department, Bellvitge University Hospital- Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mónica Gómez-Peña
- Clinical Psychology Department, Bellvitge University Hospital- Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Barcelona, Spain; Psychoneurobiology of Eating and Addictive Behaviors Group, Neurosciences Programme, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Moragas
- Clinical Psychology Department, Bellvitge University Hospital- Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Barcelona, Spain; Psychoneurobiology of Eating and Addictive Behaviors Group, Neurosciences Programme, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Amparo Del Pino-Gutiérrez
- Ciber Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERObn), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain; Psychoneurobiology of Eating and Addictive Behaviors Group, Neurosciences Programme, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Barcelona, Spain; Department of Public Health, Mental Health and Perinatal Nursing, School of Nursing, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Javier Tapia
- Doctorate in Medicine and Traslational Research Programme, University of Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain; Psychoneurobiology of Eating and Addictive Behaviors Group, Neurosciences Programme, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Barcelona, Spain; Medical Direction of Ambulatory Processes, South Metropolitan Territorial Management, Bellvitge University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carlos Diéguez
- Ciber Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERObn), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Physiology, CIMUS, University of Santiago de Compostela, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Anna E Goudriaan
- Arkin Mental Health Care, Jellinek, Amsterdam Institute for Addiction Research, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam UMC, Department of Psychiatry, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Susana Jiménez-Murcia
- Clinical Psychology Department, Bellvitge University Hospital- Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Barcelona, Spain; Ciber Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERObn), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain; Psychoneurobiology of Eating and Addictive Behaviors Group, Neurosciences Programme, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Barcelona, Spain; Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Centre for Psychological Services, University of Barcelona, Spain.
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Yang YN, Su JA, Pimsen A, Chen JS, Potenza MN, Pakpour AH, Chen JK, Poon WC, Nurmala I, Ruckwongpatr K, Lin CY. Validation of the Thai Assessment of Criteria for Specific Internet-use Disorders (ACSID-11) among young adults. BMC Psychiatry 2023; 23:819. [PMID: 37940885 PMCID: PMC10633967 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-05210-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Assessment of Criteria for Specific Internet-use Disorders (ACSID-11) is a consistent and comprehensive instrument to assess symptoms of specific internet-use disorders including those related to gaming, shopping, pornography use disorder, social networks use and gambling considering criteria in the eleventh revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11). However, to date, there is little evidence supporting instruments assessing major types of specific internet use disorders in Thailand. The aim of this present study was to assess the psychometric properties of the ACSID-11 among Thai young adults. METHODS A total of 612 participants were recruited. A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) examined construct validity of the ACSID-11. Cronbach's α and McDonald's ω were used to assess reliability of the ACSID-11. Pearson correlations examined relationships between ACSID-11 domains and Internet Gaming Disorder Scale-Short Form (IGDS9-SF) scores. RESULTS The CFA supported validity of the Thai version of the ACSID-11 and a four-factor structure. Specific domains of the Thai ACSID-11, particularly gaming, were positively and significantly correlated with IGDS9-SF scores. CONCLUSIONS Data indicate that the Thai version of the ACSID-11 is a valid and reliable instrument to assess major types of specific internet use disorders. Additional studies are needed to further examine the validity and reliability of the Thai ACSID-11.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yung-Ning Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, E-Da Hospital, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Jian-An Su
- Department of Psychiatry, Chiayi Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Department of Nursing, Chang Gung Institute of Technology, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Apiradee Pimsen
- Department of Nursing, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Faculty of Nursing, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Jung-Sheng Chen
- Department of Medical Research, E-Da Hospital, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, 824005, Taiwan
| | - Marc N Potenza
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, 300 George St., Suite 901, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
- Connecticut Mental Health Center, 34 Park St, New Haven, CT, 06519, USA
- Connecticut Council On Problem Gambling, 100 Great Meadow Rd., Suite 704, Wethersfield, CT, 06109, USA
- Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, 350 George St, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Wu Tsai Institute, Yale University, 200 South Frontage Rd., SHM C-303, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Amir H Pakpour
- Department of Nursing, School of Health and Welfare, Jönköping University, Jönköping, Sweden
| | - Ji-Kang Chen
- Department of Social Work, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong
| | - Wai Chuen Poon
- Sunway Business School, Sunway University, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Ira Nurmala
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Public Health, Biostatistics, Population Studies and Health Promotion, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Kamolthip Ruckwongpatr
- Institute of Allied Health Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.
| | - Chung-Ying Lin
- Institute of Allied Health Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.
- University of Religions and Denominations, Qom, Iran.
- Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, 701401, Taiwan.
- Biostatistics Consulting Center, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, 701401, Taiwan.
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Azevedo NP, Santos P, Sá L. Gambling Disorder among Porto's University Students. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:2527. [PMID: 37761724 PMCID: PMC10530893 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11182527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gambling disorder is an emerging problem among young adults and must be researched to provide the necessary support. This study aims to characterise gambling disorders in Porto's university students. METHODS A cross-sectional study distributed an online questionnaire to Porto's university students. The authors developed a self-administered questionnaire that included the South Oaks Gambling Screen questionnaire-Portuguese Version (SOGS-PV). RESULTS A total of 1123 responses were included. The participants' average age was 22.4 years (SD = 6.2), and 60.9% were women. Gambling activities were performed by 66.4% of the students, most commonly online or video games, "scratch card" games, skill games, lotteries, and sports bets. The final scores of the SOGS-PV suggested 19.7% (95% CI: 17.4-22.0) of students may have a gambling disorder, with 16.6% (95% CI: 14.4-18.8) being "probable pathological gamblers" and 3.1% (95% CI: 2.1-4.1) being "problem gamblers". Gambling in the stocks/commodities market/virtual coins, sports bets, playing cards for money, and the numbers or betting on lotteries presents a higher risk of gambling disorder. The age (OR: 0.953; 95% CI: 0.922-0.986), being male (OR: 2.756; 95% CI: 1.899-4.000), the highest daily gambling amount (OR: 3.938; 95% CI: 2.580-6.012), the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic (OR: 0.129; 95% CI: 0.087-0.191), a mother with gambling disorder (OR: 5.284; 95% CI: 1.038-26.902), the personal services education area (OR: 2.858; 95% CI: 1.179-6.929), and the linguistics education area (OR: 2.984; 95% CI: 1.538-5.788) stand out as contributing factors to the development of this disorder. CONCLUSIONS This study reveals a high level of possible gambling disorder among university students and emphasises the importance of this problem in the academic community. Physician awareness and prevention programmes are needed in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nádia Pais Azevedo
- Department of Community Medicine, Information and Health Decision Sciences (MEDCIDS), Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-393 Porto, Portugal; (P.S.); (L.S.)
| | - Paulo Santos
- Department of Community Medicine, Information and Health Decision Sciences (MEDCIDS), Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-393 Porto, Portugal; (P.S.); (L.S.)
- Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS@RISE), Department of Community Medicine, Information and Health Decision Sciences (MEDCIDS), Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-393 Porto, Portugal
| | - Luísa Sá
- Department of Community Medicine, Information and Health Decision Sciences (MEDCIDS), Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-393 Porto, Portugal; (P.S.); (L.S.)
- Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS@RISE), Department of Community Medicine, Information and Health Decision Sciences (MEDCIDS), Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-393 Porto, Portugal
- Nova Via Health Unit, ACesS Espinho-Gaia, 4405-535 Valadares, Portugal
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Gabellini E, Lucchini F, Gattoni ME. Prevalence of Problem Gambling: A Meta-analysis of Recent Empirical Research (2016-2022). J Gambl Stud 2023; 39:1027-1057. [PMID: 36586057 DOI: 10.1007/s10899-022-10180-0] [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: 11/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Gambling is widely considered a socially acceptable form of recreation. However, for a small minority of individuals, it can become both addictive and problematic with severe adverse consequences. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to provide an overview of prevalence studies published between 2016 and the first quarter of 2022 and an updated estimate of problem gambling in the general adult population. A systematic review and a meta-analysis were carried out using academic databases, Internet, and governmental websites. Following this search and utilizing exclusion criteria, 23 studies on adult gambling prevalence were identified, distinguishing between moderate risk/at risk gambling and problem/pathological gambling. This study found a prevalence of moderate risk/at risk gambling to be 2.43% and of problem/pathological gambling to be 1.29% in the adult population. As difficult as it may be to compare studies due to different methodological procedures, cutoffs, and time frames, the present meta-analysis highlights the variations of prevalence across different countries, giving due consideration to the differences between levels of risk and severity. This work intends to provide a starting point for policymakers and academics to fill the gaps on gambling research-more specifically in some countries where the lack of research in this field is evident-and to study the effectiveness of policies implemented to mitigate gambling harm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliana Gabellini
- Specific Prevention Unit, Agency for Health Protection of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabio Lucchini
- Specific Prevention Unit, Agency for Health Protection of Milan, Milan, Italy.
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Worsened Anxiety and Loneliness Influenced Gaming and Gambling during the COVID-19 Pandemic. J Clin Med 2022; 12:jcm12010249. [PMID: 36615049 PMCID: PMC9820879 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12010249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: To study the prevalence and patterns of problematic gaming and gambling during the COVID-19 pandemic and the association with psychiatric traits and major types of anxiety categories. Method: 1067 young adults participated in both wave 3 (2018) and wave 4 (2021) of the SALVe Cohort. Associations with psychiatric symptoms and anxiety were examined using logistic regression and Chi-square tests. Results: Problematic gaming decreased by 1.3 percentage points to 23.2% since the start of the pandemic, while problematic gambling increased by 0.9 percentage points to 6.5% in w4. Average time spent playing video games/day decreased from 2.2 h (w3) to 1.7 h (w4), while increases in gaming activity were associated with worsened feelings of loneliness (p = 0.002), depression (p < 0.001), and anxiety (p < 0.01) during the pandemic. Predictors for problematic gaming at w4 were previous problematic gaming and social anxiety (p = < 0.001 and 0.01, respectively). Moreover, previous problem gambling also predicted problem gambling at w4 p < 0.001. All anxiety categories were associated with both problematic gaming and gambling when adjusted for age and sex. However, after adjusting for depression and insomnia, social anxiety was associated with problematic gaming (p < 0.001), while panic was associated with problem gambling (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Overall, problematic gaming has decreased since the start of the pandemic, while problem gambling has increased. Worsened feelings of loneliness, depression, and anxiety during the pandemic are associated with increased gaming. Moreover, the association between problematic gaming and gambling and anxiety is independent of depression and sleep problems.
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Gartner C, Bickl A, Härtl S, Loy JK, Häffner L. Differences in problem and pathological gambling: A narrative review considering sex and gender. J Behav Addict 2022; 11:267-289. [PMID: 35499928 PMCID: PMC9295224 DOI: 10.1556/2006.2022.00019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and aim A wide range of studies indicates that men and women with Problem (PrG) and Pathological Gambling (PG) differ in several clinical and sociodemographic characteristics. However, evidence for sex differences, such as the telescoping effect, is contradictory, and it is still unclear whether sex differences observed in offline gambling can also be found for online gambling. Furthermore, reviews have so far focused on binary sex differences but neglect gender aspects. In this study, an updated literature survey of sex- and gender-related differences in PrG and PG was conducted. Methods We searched PsyInfo, Medline/Pubmed, and the Web of Science databases from 2005 to 2020 for studies investigating sex and gender differences in gambling. A total of 126 papers were included in the literature survey. Results We are presenting our findings according to the categories 'prevalence' (offline, online, LGBTQI*), 'sociodemographic factors', 'preferred gambling type', 'gambling motives', 'severity', 'progression of gambling problems', 'use of professional help/motivation for treatment', 'comorbidity', 'trauma', 'violence and criminality/delinquency'. The studies indicate that, despite some robust sex differences (e.g., concerning prevalence rates), results for most areas were mixed or suggest no sex differences (e.g., violence, gambling motives). Discussion and conclusion To date, there is a lack of studies assessing gender, and not only sex, warranting further research in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corinna Gartner
- BAS Bayerische Akademie für Sucht- und Gesundheitsfragen (Unternehmergesellschaft haftungsbeschränkt), LSG Landesstelle Glücksspielsucht in Bayern, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Sabine Härtl
- BAS Bayerische Akademie für Sucht- und Gesundheitsfragen (Unternehmergesellschaft haftungsbeschränkt), LSG Landesstelle Glücksspielsucht in Bayern, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Laura Häffner
- BAS Bayerische Akademie für Sucht- und Gesundheitsfragen (Unternehmergesellschaft haftungsbeschränkt), LSG Landesstelle Glücksspielsucht in Bayern, Munich, Germany
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9
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Wichaidit W, Prommanee C, Choocham S, Chotipanvithayakul R, Assanangkornchai S. Modification of the association between experience of economic distress during the COVID-19 pandemic and behavioral health outcomes by availability of emergency cash reserves: findings from a nationally-representative survey in Thailand. PeerJ 2022; 10:e13307. [PMID: 35469198 PMCID: PMC9034704 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.13307] [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: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Studies have suggested that economic distress is associated with behavioral health outcomes, while availability of cash reserves for emergencies is associated with a reduction in economic distress. The objective of this study was to assess the extent that the availability of emergency cash reserves modified the association between experience of economic distress during the COVID-19 pandemic and behavioral health outcomes in the general adult population of Thailand. Methods We conducted a nationally-representative phone-based survey in late April 2021. Survey questions included questions on experience of economic distress, and a question on what participants would do to cover a 5,000 Thai Bahts (THB) emergency expense within one week, anxiety and depression screening questions, and questions regarding sleep, exercise, gambling, smoking, and drinking behaviors. We analyzed data using descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression analyses with adjustment for complex survey designs, and stratified analyses with assessment of heterogeneity of odds ratios between strata and assessment of additive and multiplicative interactions. Results A total of 1,555 individuals from 15 provinces participated in the survey (participation rate = 68.3%). Approximately 19.6% ± 1.0% of the participants reported that they would cover the 5,000 THB emergency expense only with cash or cash equivalent without resorting to other means. Experience of economic distress was associated with anxiety disorder after adjusting for covariables (Adjusted Odds Ratio (OR) = 2.47; 95% CI [1.45-4.19]). There was no evidence that availability of emergency cash reserves significantly modified the stated association, nor the association between experience of economic distress and other outcomes. However, with regard to anxiety disorder, depressive symptoms and history of gambling in past 30 days, the p-for-trend values (p-for-trend < 0.001) suggested that those with emergency cash reserves had lower prevalence of these outcomes than those without emergency cash reserves. Conclusions The study findings did not support our hypothesis that availability of emergency cash reserves modified the association between experience of economic distress and behavioral health outcomes. Nonetheless, the study findings can serve as potentially useful basic information for relevant stakeholders. Future studies should consider qualitative data collection and longitudinal study design in order to explore these associations at greater depths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wit Wichaidit
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla, Thailand,Centre for Alcohol Studies, Hat Yai, Songkhla Province, Thailand
| | - Chayapisika Prommanee
- Division of Computational Science (Statistics), Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla Province, Thailand
| | - Sasira Choocham
- Division of Computational Science (Statistics), Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla Province, Thailand
| | | | - Sawitri Assanangkornchai
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla, Thailand,Centre for Alcohol Studies, Hat Yai, Songkhla Province, Thailand
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10
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Clinical Features of Gambling Disorder Patients with and Without Food Addiction: Gender-Related Considerations. J Gambl Stud 2021; 38:843-862. [PMID: 34585341 DOI: 10.1007/s10899-021-10071-w] [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] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Although food addiction (FA) is a debated condition and it is not currently recognized as a formal diagnosis, it shares features with other addictions, such as gambling disorder (GD). However, the prevalence of FA in GD and the clinical correlates are incompletely understood, especially within women versus men. To investigate FA in patients presenting with GD. The sample included 867 patients diagnosed with GD (798 males and 69 females) attending a specialized behavioral addictions unit. FA was observed in 8.3% of GD patients (18.8% of women, 7.4% of men). More psychopathology and harm avoidance, greater body mass indices and less self-directedness and cooperativeness were associated with FA. In women, FA was associated with a longer GD duration. In men, FA was associated with earlier GD onset, greater GD and problematic alcohol use severities. Among patients with GD, FA was associated with more psychopathology and gambling patterns suggestive of more protracted or severe GD. Screening for and addressing FA condition in patients with GD may help optimize preventive and therapeutic approaches. Future studies should consider testing guidelines to improve healthy eating habits, increase physical exercise and better manage stress and other negative emotions in order to target FA in GD.
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11
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Prevalence and Determinants of Problem Gambling among Internal Migrants in Muse, Myanmar, near the Border with China. Int J Ment Health Addict 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s11469-019-00061-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
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12
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Abstract
Abstract
Old age constitutes a vulnerable stage for developing gambling-related problems. The aims of the study were to identify patterns of gambling habits in elderly participants from the general population, and to assess socio-demographic and clinical variables related to the severity of the gambling behaviours. The sample included N = 361 participants aged in the 50–90 years range. A broad assessment included socio-demographic variables, gambling profile and psychopathological state. The percentage of participants who reported an absence of gambling activities was 35.5 per cent, while 46.0 per cent reported only non-strategic gambling, 2.2 per cent only strategic gambling and 16.3 per cent both non-strategic plus strategic gambling. Gambling form with highest prevalence was lotteries (60.4%), followed by pools (13.9%) and bingo (11.9%). The prevalence of gambling disorder was 1.4 per cent, and 8.0 per cent of participants were at a problematic gambling level. Onset of gambling activities was younger for men, and male participants also reached a higher mean for the bets per gambling-episode and the number of total gambling activities. Risk factors for gambling severity in the sample were not being born in Spain and a higher number of cumulative lifetime life events, and gambling severity was associated with a higher prevalence of tobacco and alcohol abuse and with worse psychopathological state. Results are particularly useful for the development of reliable screening tools and for the design of effective prevention programmes.
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13
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Abstract
Abstract
Older subjects are susceptible to develop gambling problems, and researchers have attempted to assess the mechanisms underlying the gambling profile in later life. The objective of this study was to identify the main stressful life events (SLE) across the lifespan which have discriminative capacity for detecting the presence of gambling disorder (GD) in older adults. Data from two independent samples of individuals aged 50+ were analysed: N = 47 patients seeking treatment at a Pathological Gambling Outpatient Unit and N = 361 participants recruited from the general population. Sexual problems (p < 0.001), exposure to domestic violent behaviour (p < 0.001), severe financial problems (p = 0.002), alcohol or drug-related problems (p = 0.004) and extramarital sex (p < 0.001) were related to a higher risk of GD, while getting married (p = 0.005), moving to a new home (p = 0.003) and moving to a new city (p = 0.006) decreased the likelihood of disordered gambling. The accumulated number of SLE was not a predictor of the presence of GD (p = 0.732), but patients who met clinical criteria for GD reported higher concurrence of SLE in time than control individuals (p < 0.001). Empirical research highlights the need to include older age groups in evidence-based policies for gambling prevention, because these individuals are at high risk of onset and/or progression of behavioural addiction-related problems such as GD. The results of this study may be useful for developing reliable screening/diagnostic tools and for planning effective early intervention programmes aimed to reduce the harm related to the onset and evolution of problem gambling in older adults.
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Health-Risk Behaviours and Injuries among Youth and Young Adults in Chiang Mai, Thailand: A Population-Based Survey. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17103696. [PMID: 32456279 PMCID: PMC7277339 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17103696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to identify the prevalence of health-risk behaviours (alcohol use, tobacco smoking and gambling) and the associations between health-risk behaviours and injuries among youth (15–24 years) and young adults (25–39 years). A multi-stage cluster sampling survey was conducted in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The associations between health-risk behaviours and injuries were analysed using logistic regression and adjusted for potential confounders. Sample weights were applied in all analyses. Six-hundred-and-thirty participants were included. Fifty-three percent of males and 12.3% of females drank in the past three months. Smoking in the past three months was higher among males (38.5%) than females (0.7%). About a quarter of men and a fifth of the women had gambled in the past year. A total of 6.4% of males and 4.8% of females sought medical attention in the past year due to injuries. Compared to those without any of the three health-risk behaviours, the odds ratio for injuries requiring medical attention was 3.81 (95% CI: 1.33 to 10.90, p = 0.013) for those with two health-risk behaviours and 13.8 (95% CI: 4.24 to 45.10, p < 0.001) for those with all three health-risk behaviours. Injury prevention policies may need to incorporate interventions designed to assess multiple health-risk behaviours.
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15
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Granero R, Jiménez-Murcia S, Fernández-Aranda F, del Pino-Gutiérrez A, Mena-Moreno T, Mestre-Bach G, Gómez-Peña M, Moragas L, Aymamí N, Giroux I, Grall-Bronnec M, Sauvaget A, Codina E, Vintró-Alcaraz C, Lozano-Madrid M, Camozzi M, Agüera Z, Sánchez-González J, Casalé-Salayet G, Sánchez I, López-González H, Valenciano-Mendoza E, Mora B, Baenas I, Menchón JM. Presence of problematic and disordered gambling in older age and validation of the South Oaks Gambling Scale. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0233222. [PMID: 32428026 PMCID: PMC7237015 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0233222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of instruments originally developed for measuring gambling activity in younger populations may not be appropriate in older age individuals. The aim of this study was to examine the presence of problematic and disordered gambling in seniors aged 50 or over, and study the reliability and validity properties of the SOGS (a screening measure to identify gambling related problems). Two independent samples were recruited: a clinical group of n = 47 patients seeking treatment at a Pathological Gambling Outpatient Unit, and a population-based group of n = 361 participants recruited from the same geographical area. Confirmatory factor analysis verified the bifactor structure for the SOGS with two correlated underlying dimensions [measuring the impact of gambling on the self primarily (Cronbach's alpha α = 0.87) or on both the self and others also (α = 0.82)], and a global dimension of gambling severity (also with excellent internal consistency, α = 0.90). The SOG obtained excellent accuracy/validity for identifying gambling severity based on the DSM-5 criteria (area under the ROC curve AUC = 0.97 for discriminating disordered gambling and AUC = 0.91 for discriminating problem gambling), and good convergent validity with external measures of gambling (Pearson's correlation R = 0.91 with the total number of DSM-5 criteria for gambling disorder, and R = 0.55 with the debts accumulated due to gambling) and psychopathology (R = 0.50, 0.43 and 0.44 with the SCL-90R depression, anxiety and GSI scales). The optimal cutoff point for identifying gambling disorder was 4 (sensitivity Se = 92.3% and specificity Sp = 98.6%) and 2 for identifying problem gambling (Se = 78.8% and Sp = 96.7%). This study provides empirical support for the reliability and validity of the SOGS for assessing problem gambling in elders, and identifies two specific factors that could help both research and clinical decision-making, based on the severity and consequences of the gambling activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- 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
| | - Susana Jiménez-Murcia
- Ciber Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto de Salud Carlos III. Madrid, Spain
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital of Bellvitge-IDIBELL, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- * E-mail:
| | - Fernando Fernández-Aranda
- Ciber Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto de Salud Carlos III. Madrid, Spain
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital of Bellvitge-IDIBELL, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Amparo del Pino-Gutiérrez
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital of Bellvitge-IDIBELL, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Public Health, Mental Health and Perinatal Nursing, School of Nursing, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Teresa Mena-Moreno
- Ciber Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto de Salud Carlos III. Madrid, Spain
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital of Bellvitge-IDIBELL, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gemma Mestre-Bach
- Ciber Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto de Salud Carlos III. Madrid, Spain
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital of Bellvitge-IDIBELL, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mónica Gómez-Peña
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital of Bellvitge-IDIBELL, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Moragas
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital of Bellvitge-IDIBELL, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Neus Aymamí
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital of Bellvitge-IDIBELL, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Isabelle Giroux
- Centre d'Excellence pour la Prévention et le Traitement du Jeu, Faculté de Sciencies Sociales, Université Laval, Pavillon Félix-Antoine-Savard, Quebec, QC, Canada
| | | | - Anne Sauvaget
- CHU Nantes, Movement—Interactions—Performance, University of Nantes, MIP, EA 4334, Nantes, France
| | - Ester Codina
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital of Bellvitge-IDIBELL, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristina Vintró-Alcaraz
- Ciber Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto de Salud Carlos III. Madrid, Spain
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital of Bellvitge-IDIBELL, Barcelona, Spain
| | - María Lozano-Madrid
- Ciber Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto de Salud Carlos III. Madrid, Spain
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital of Bellvitge-IDIBELL, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marco Camozzi
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital of Bellvitge-IDIBELL, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Zaida Agüera
- Ciber Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto de Salud Carlos III. Madrid, Spain
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital of Bellvitge-IDIBELL, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Gemma Casalé-Salayet
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital of Bellvitge-IDIBELL, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Isabel Sánchez
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital of Bellvitge-IDIBELL, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Hibai López-González
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital of Bellvitge-IDIBELL, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eduardo Valenciano-Mendoza
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital of Bellvitge-IDIBELL, Barcelona, Spain
- Ciber Salut Mental (CIBERSam), Instituto de Salud Carlos III. Madrid, Spain
| | - Bernat Mora
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital of Bellvitge-IDIBELL, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Isabel Baenas
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital of Bellvitge-IDIBELL, Barcelona, Spain
| | - José M. Menchón
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital of Bellvitge-IDIBELL, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Ciber Salut Mental (CIBERSam), Instituto de Salud Carlos III. Madrid, Spain
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Abstract
Participation in gambling is rising in older adults. Indeed, in the coming years, engagement in gambling as a social activity is expected to increase more sharply in the elderly than in any other age group. Due to their exposure to powerful age-specific risk factors such as isolation, inactivity and failing health, older people are highly vulnerable to gambling-related problems. This study aimed to explore the existence of empirical clusters related to gambling habits in a sample of elderly participants from the general population. The sample included n = 361 participants, age range 50-90 years (mean 73.8, SD 8.4). Empirical clusters were identified through a two-step clustering analysis based on a broad set of indicators, including sociodemographic features, psychopathological state, substance use, life events, gambling preferences and scores on screening measures of gambling severity. The prevalence of GD in the study was 1.4%. Two clusters were identified: (a) cluster 1 (labeled as "low risk of gambling problems", n = 265, 73.4%), which included the higher proportion of non-gamblers or individuals who engage only in non-strategic gambling, women, widowed, and lower levels of education (no individual into this group met criteria for GD); and (b) cluster 2 (labeled as "higher risk of gambling problems", n = 96, 26.6%), which included the higher proportion of men, who reported both non-strategic and strategic gambling preferences (all participants diagnosed of GD were grouped into this cluster), older age, longer history of gambling, higher gambling severity, higher use of substances and worse psychopathological state. The elderly constitute a heterogeneous group with regard to gambling phenotypes. The results of this study may prove particularly useful for developing reliable screening tools able to identify older patients at a high risk of gambling problems, and for designing effective prevention and intervention programs.
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Latvala T, Lintonen T, Konu A. Public health effects of gambling - debate on a conceptual model. BMC Public Health 2019; 19:1077. [PMID: 31399026 PMCID: PMC6688345 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-7391-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2018] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gambling for money is a popular leisure time activity in most countries, which has major social and economic impacts not only affecting the gambler, but his/her significant others, and the society. Gambling impact studies can help researchers and policymakers compare the health and social costs and benefits of different gambling policies and can be used when considering which gambling policies will reduce or increase costs or benefits the most. In a public health approach, the impacts of gambling, negative and positive, are assessed across the entire severity spectrum of the activity. Although some studies have created basic principles for conducting impact studies, a theoretical model is currently lacking. The aim of this debate is to review complementing and contrasting views on the effects of gambling to create a conceptual model, where a public health perspective is applied. MAIN TEXT The effects of gambling can be structuralized using a conceptual model, where impacts are divided into negative and positive; costs and benefits. Costs and benefits are categorized into three classes: financial, labor and health, and well-being. These classes manifest in personal, interpersonal, and societal levels. Individual impacts cause effects on a personal level to gamblers themselves. External impacts influence the interpersonal and society/community levels and concern other people. The temporal level refers to the development, severity and scope of the gambling impact. These include general impacts, impacts of problem gambling and long-term impacts of gambling. CONCLUSIONS The conceptual model offers a base on which to start building common methodology for assessing the impact of gambling on the society. While measuring monetary impacts is not always straightforward, the main issue is how to measure the social impacts, which are typically ignored in calculations, as are personal and interpersonal impacts. The reviewed empirical work largely concentrated on the costs of gambling, especially costs on the community level. The Model can be used to identify areas where research is scarce. Filling the gaps in knowledge is essential in forming a balanced evidence base on the impacts of gambling. Ideally, this evidence could be the starting point in formulating public policies on gambling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiina Latvala
- Finnish Foundation for Alcohol Studies, P.O. Box 30, FI-00271 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tomi Lintonen
- Finnish Foundation for Alcohol Studies, P.O. Box 30, FI-00271 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anne Konu
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Health Sciences, Tampere University, FI-33014 Tampere, Finland
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Aung LS, Hong SA, Tiraphat S. A descriptive study of gambling practices and problem gambling among internal migrants in Muse, Northern Shan, Myanmar. NAGOYA JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCE 2019; 81:133-141. [PMID: 30962662 PMCID: PMC6433638 DOI: 10.18999/nagjms.81.1.133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Due to rapid economic growth in China, many gambling sites have emerged along the neighboring countries, including Myanmar, which place migrants at risk of developing gambling problems. This study aimed at identifying: i) types of gambling, ii) gambling involvement and intensity, and iii) the associations with problem gambling. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Muse, Myanmar. A convenience sample of 273 internal migrants (18-49 years) filled a self-administered questionnaire. Chi-square tests and multiple logistic regression explored associations between gambling practices and problem gambling. Among the categories of gambling, the popular gambling types were lottery games (Aung Bar Lay, Thone-Lone and Nhit-Lone) and card games, as well as the use of Electronic Gambling Machines (EGMs). An average number of past-year gambling types involved and of gambling types engaged in regularly were 1.61 (SD=0.95) and 1.22 (SD=0.70), respectively. In association with PG, Nhit-Lone, EGMs, cards, and dice games were strongly associated among the gambling types. Those with PG had a higher number of involvement by past-year gambling types (1.92 vs. 1.18 for no PG) and spent 5 times higher amount of money on gambling. In conclusion, this study showed that types of gambling, such as Nhit-Lone, cards and dice games and higher involvement and intensity were associated with problem gambling. The findings provide new and important insights into gambling behavior among internal migrant workers in the border area with China and highlight the need for culturally specific preventive measures for the Myanmar population, with preference to gambling types.
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Affiliation(s)
- La Seng Aung
- ASEAN Institute for Health Development, Mahidol University, Phutthamonthon, Thailand
| | - Seo Ah Hong
- ASEAN Institute for Health Development, Mahidol University, Phutthamonthon, Thailand
| | - Sariyamon Tiraphat
- ASEAN Institute for Health Development, Mahidol University, Phutthamonthon, Thailand
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Profiling Online Poker Players: Are Executive Functions Correlated with Poker Ability and Problem Gambling? J Gambl Stud 2018; 34:823-851. [PMID: 29330827 DOI: 10.1007/s10899-017-9741-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Poker playing and responsible gambling both entail the use of the executive functions (EF), which are higher-level cognitive abilities. This study investigated if online poker players of different ability showed different performances in their EF and if so, which functions were the most discriminating for their playing ability. Furthermore, it assessed if the EF performance was correlated to the quality of gambling, according to self-reported questionnaires (PGSI, SOGS, GRCS). Three poker experts evaluated anonymized poker hand history files and, then, a trained professional administered an extensive neuropsychological test battery. Data analysis determined which variables of the tests correlated with poker ability and gambling quality scores. The highest correlations between EF test results and poker ability and between EF test results and gambling quality assessment showed that mostly different clusters of executive functions characterize the profile of the strong(er) poker player and those ones of the problem gamblers (PGSI and SOGS) and the one of the cognitions related to gambling (GRCS). Taking into consideration only the variables overlapping between PGSI and SOGS, we found some key predictive factors for a more risky and harmful online poker playing: a lower performance in the emotional intelligence competences (Emotional Quotient inventory Short) and, in particular, those grouped in the Intrapersonal scale (emotional self-awareness, assertiveness, self-regard, independence and self-actualization).
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