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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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Sirola A, Nyrhinen J, Wilska TA. Psychosocial Perspective on Problem Gambling: The role of Social Relationships, Resilience, and COVID-19 Worry. J Gambl Stud 2023; 39:1467-1485. [PMID: 36622471 PMCID: PMC9827443 DOI: 10.1007/s10899-022-10185-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has amplified several psychosocial risks and problem behaviors among vulnerable individuals. Given that gambling has high addictive potential, it is important to consider the underlying mechanisms of problem gambling. This study examined psychosocial factors associated with pandemic-time problem gambling.Cross-sectional data were gathered via an online survey of 18-75-year-old Finnish, Swedish, and British respondents (n = 2,022) who reported having gambled at least occasionally during the pandemic. Measures included problem gambling, loneliness, COVID-19 worry, social support, and psychological resilience. Control variables included gender, age, and education. Structural equation modeling was used as an analytical technique.Loneliness was found to be associated with problem gambling. While COVID-19 worry was not directly associated with problem gambling, it predicted higher loneliness, which in turn was associated with problem gambling. Evidence was not found regarding the protective role of resilience or social support in problem gambling. However, social support was found to be associated with higher problem gambling severity. Male gender and younger age were associated with problem gambling.The results bring insight into underlying vulnerabilities regarding problem gambling during the pandemic. More focus should be placed on the quality and sources of social support, as well as on how psychosocial risk and protective factors might work differently among different populations of gamblers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anu Sirola
- Department of Social Sciences and Philosophy, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland.
| | - Jussi Nyrhinen
- Department of Social Sciences and Philosophy, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Terhi-Anna Wilska
- Department of Social Sciences and Philosophy, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
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Renard M, Audette-Chapdelaine S, Savard AC, Kairouz S, Brodeur M. Gamblers' Perceptions of the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Their Gambling Behaviours: Analysis of Free-Text Responses Collected through a Cross-Sectional Online Survey. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:16603. [PMID: 36554483 PMCID: PMC9778834 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192416603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought drastic changes to the lives of a substantial portion of the world's population. Many stakeholders have expressed concern about the impact of the pandemic on gambling practices, which have historically increased during times of crisis. The purpose of this study was to provide a snapshot of the impact of the pandemic on gambling practices, focusing on the lived experiences of people who gamble. An online cross-sectional survey was conducted between 16 February and 15 March 2021. An open-ended question allowed the participants to describe in their own words the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their gambling practices. A qualitative analysis was conducted based on 724 responses to this question. Among the participants, 57% were problem gamblers, according to their Problem Gambling Severity Index score. Three themes were identified: (1) changes in gambling practices perceived by the respondents during the pandemic, (2) the impacts of these changes, and (3) the factors that influenced the changes in their gambling practices. A meaningful proportion of the sample of gamblers felt that their gambling practices had increased during the pandemic. Many of them did not report the deleterious effects of this increase, whereas others were devastated. Thus, variations in gambling practices during the pandemic must be interpreted with caution, as they may reflect a variety of realities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianne Renard
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, QC H2X 3P2, Canada
| | - Sophie Audette-Chapdelaine
- Department of Family Medicine and Emergency Medicine, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1K 2R1, Canada
| | - Annie-Claude Savard
- School of Social Work and Criminology, Université Laval, Quebec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Sylvia Kairouz
- Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H3G 1M8, Canada
| | - Magaly Brodeur
- Department of Family Medicine and Emergency Medicine, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1K 2R1, Canada
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Quinn A, Grant JE, Chamberlain SR. COVID-19 and resultant restrictions on gambling behaviour. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 143:104932. [PMID: 36341942 PMCID: PMC9617674 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Since the onset of COVID-19, studies suggest a significant increase in online gambling, potentially facilitated by increased time at home, social isolation and boredom. This study aimed to address what is known about the impact of the pandemic on gambling behaviour by conducting a mapping review. A systematic literature search was conducted using four online databases. Additional studies were identified using reference lists. Relevant studies were quality scored and their findings synthesised in terms of overall changes at the population level and potentially vulnerable groups. The weight of evidence from 35 relevant reports across 12 countries indicated reductions of gambling during the pandemic at the level of the general population. However, marked increases in gambling amongst vulnerable sub-populations including amongst young adults and people with pre-existing at-risk gambling were also noted. The impact of COVID-19 on gambling is highly contingent on context. If policy makers examine only population level data, this could overlook profound negative effects identified in those with at-risk gambling, gambling disorder, and amongst young adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Quinn
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, UK,Correspondence to: Academic Centre, College Keep, 4-12 Terminus Terrace, Southampton, Hampshire, SO14 3DT, UK
| | - Jon E. Grant
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Chicago, USA
| | - Samuel R. Chamberlain
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, UK,Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
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Salanti G, Peter N, Tonia T, Holloway A, White IR, Darwish L, Low N, Egger M, Haas AD, Fazel S, Kessler RC, Herrman H, Kieling C, De Quervain DJF, Vigod SN, Patel V, Li T, Cuijpers P, Cipriani A, Furukawa TA, Leucht S, Sambo AU, Onishi A, Sato A, Rodolico A, Oliveira Solis ACD, Antoniou A, Kapfhammer A, Ceraso A, O'Mahony A, Lasserre AM, Ipekci AM, Concerto C, Zangani C, Igwesi-Chidobe C, Diehm C, Demir DD, Wang D, Ostinelli EG, Sahker E, Beraldi GH, Erzin G, Nelson H, Elkis H, Imai H, Wu H, Kamitsis I, Filis I, Michopoulos I, Bighelli I, Hong JSW, Ballesteros J, Smith KA, Yoshida K, Omae K, Trivella M, Tada M, Reinhard MA, Ostacher MJ, Müller M, Jaramillo NG, Ferentinos PP, Toyomoto R, Cortese S, Kishimoto S, Covarrubias-Castillo SA, Siafis S, Thompson T, Karageorgiou V, Chiocchia V, Zhu Y, Honda Y. The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic and Associated Control Measures on the Mental Health of the General Population : A Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta-analysis. Ann Intern Med 2022; 175:1560-1571. [PMID: 36252247 PMCID: PMC9579966 DOI: 10.7326/m22-1507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To what extent the COVID-19 pandemic and its containment measures influenced mental health in the general population is still unclear. PURPOSE To assess the trajectory of mental health symptoms during the first year of the pandemic and examine dose-response relations with characteristics of the pandemic and its containment. DATA SOURCES Relevant articles were identified from the living evidence database of the COVID-19 Open Access Project, which indexes COVID-19-related publications from MEDLINE via PubMed, Embase via Ovid, and PsycInfo. Preprint publications were not considered. STUDY SELECTION Longitudinal studies that reported data on the general population's mental health using validated scales and that were published before 31 March 2021 were eligible. DATA EXTRACTION An international crowd of 109 trained reviewers screened references and extracted study characteristics, participant characteristics, and symptom scores at each timepoint. Data were also included for the following country-specific variables: days since the first case of SARS-CoV-2 infection, the stringency of governmental containment measures, and the cumulative numbers of cases and deaths. DATA SYNTHESIS In a total of 43 studies (331 628 participants), changes in symptoms of psychological distress, sleep disturbances, and mental well-being varied substantially across studies. On average, depression and anxiety symptoms worsened in the first 2 months of the pandemic (standardized mean difference at 60 days, -0.39 [95% credible interval, -0.76 to -0.03]); thereafter, the trajectories were heterogeneous. There was a linear association of worsening depression and anxiety with increasing numbers of reported cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection and increasing stringency in governmental measures. Gender, age, country, deprivation, inequalities, risk of bias, and study design did not modify these associations. LIMITATIONS The certainty of the evidence was low because of the high risk of bias in included studies and the large amount of heterogeneity. Stringency measures and surges in cases were strongly correlated and changed over time. The observed associations should not be interpreted as causal relationships. CONCLUSION Although an initial increase in average symptoms of depression and anxiety and an association between higher numbers of reported cases and more stringent measures were found, changes in mental health symptoms varied substantially across studies after the first 2 months of the pandemic. This suggests that different populations responded differently to the psychological stress generated by the pandemic and its containment measures. PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE Swiss National Science Foundation. (PROSPERO: CRD42020180049).
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia Salanti
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland (G.S., T.T., A.H., N.L., A.D.H.)
| | - Natalie Peter
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany (N.P., L.D., S.L.)
| | - Thomy Tonia
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland (G.S., T.T., A.H., N.L., A.D.H.)
| | - Alexander Holloway
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland (G.S., T.T., A.H., N.L., A.D.H.)
| | - Ian R White
- University College London, London, United Kingdom (I.R.W.)
| | - Leila Darwish
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany (N.P., L.D., S.L.)
| | - Nicola Low
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland (G.S., T.T., A.H., N.L., A.D.H.)
| | - Matthias Egger
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland, and Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom (M.E.)
| | - Andreas D Haas
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland (G.S., T.T., A.H., N.L., A.D.H.)
| | - Seena Fazel
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford Precision Psychiatry Lab, National Institute for Health and Care Research Oxford Health Biomedical Research Centre, and Oxford Health National Health Service Foundation Trust, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom (A.C., S.F.)
| | - Ronald C Kessler
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts (R.C.K.)
| | - Helen Herrman
- Orygen National Centre for Excellence in Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia (H.H.)
| | - Christian Kieling
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Division, Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil (C.K.)
| | | | - Simone N Vigod
- Women's College Hospital, Women's College Research Institute and Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (S.N.V.)
| | - Vikram Patel
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts (V.P.)
| | - Tianjing Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado (T.L.)
| | - Pim Cuijpers
- Department of Clinical, Neuro- and Developmental Psychology, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, and World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Research and Dissemination of Psychological Interventions, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands (P.C.)
| | - Andrea Cipriani
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford Precision Psychiatry Lab, National Institute for Health and Care Research Oxford Health Biomedical Research Centre, and Oxford Health National Health Service Foundation Trust, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom (A.C., S.F.)
| | - Toshi A Furukawa
- Department of Health Promotion and Human Behaviour, Graduate School of Medicine and School of Public Health, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan (T.A.F.)
| | - Stefan Leucht
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany (N.P., L.D., S.L.)
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Estimation of Behavioral Addiction Prevalence During COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. CURRENT ADDICTION REPORTS 2022; 9:486-517. [PMID: 36118286 PMCID: PMC9465150 DOI: 10.1007/s40429-022-00435-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of Review The COVID-19 pandemic changed people’s lifestyles and such changed lifestyles included the potential of increasing addictive behaviors. The present systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the prevalence of different behavioral addictions (i.e., internet addiction, smartphone addiction, gaming addiction, social media addiction, food addiction, exercise addiction, gambling addiction, and shopping addiction) both overall and separately. Recent Findings Four databases (PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of Knowledge, and ProQuest) were searched. Peer-reviewed papers published in English between December 2019 and July 2022 were reviewed and analyzed. Search terms were selected using PECO-S criteria: population (no limitation in participants’ characteristics), exposure (COVID-19 pandemic), comparison (healthy populations), outcome (frequency or prevalence of behavioral addiction), and study design (observational study). A total of 94 studies with 237,657 participants from 40 different countries (mean age 25.02 years; 57.41% females). The overall prevalence of behavioral addiction irrespective of addiction type (after correcting for publication bias) was 11.1% (95% CI: 5.4 to 16.8%). The prevalence rates for each separate behavioral addiction (after correcting for publication bias) were 10.6% for internet addiction, 30.7% for smartphone addiction, 5.3% for gaming addiction, 15.1% for social media addiction, 21% for food addiction, 9.4% for sex addiction, 7% for exercise addiction, 7.2% for gambling addiction, and 7.2% for shopping addiction. In the lockdown periods, prevalence of food addiction, gaming addiction, and social media addiction was higher compared to non-lockdown periods. Smartphone and social media addiction was associated with methodological quality of studies (i.e., the higher the risk of boas, the higher the prevalence rate). Other associated factors of social media addiction were the percentage of female participants, mean age of participants, percentage of individuals using the internet in country, and developing status of country. The percentage of individuals in the population using the internet was associated with all the prevalence of behavioral addiction overall and the prevalence of sex addiction and gambling addiction. Gaming addiction prevalence was associated with data collection method (online vs. other methods) that is gaming addiction prevalence was much lower using online methods to collect the data. Summary Behavioral addictions appeared to be potential health issues during the COVID-19 pandemic. Healthcare providers and government authorities should foster some campaigns that assist people in coping with stress during COVID-19 pandemics to prevent them from developing behavioral addictions during COVID-19 and subsequent pandemics. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40429-022-00435-6.
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Dowd B, Hein K, Diez SL, Prokofieva M, Kannis-Dymand L, Stavropoulos V. Cross-Addiction Risk Profile Associations with COVID-19 Anxiety: a Preliminary Exploratory Study. Int J Ment Health Addict 2022:1-24. [PMID: 35818622 PMCID: PMC9261223 DOI: 10.1007/s11469-022-00862-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
"Cross-addiction" involves a person substituting one form of addictive behaviour for another. Indeed, cross-additive presentations have been frequently described (e.g. from drugs to alcohol, gambling to sex), and risk profiles have been assumed. Nevertheless, there has been a dearth of evidence considering the occurrence of cross-addiction risk profiles in the community. This research is imperative for informing effective prevention/intervention policies, especially under anxiety-provoking conditions, such as the current coronavirus pandemic. To address this need, a cross-sectional exploratory research design was utilized, with quantitative survey data obtained from 968 respondents (18-64; M age = 29.5 years, SD = 9.36), who completed an online survey regarding a range of addictive behaviours (i.e. abuse of alcohol, drug, smoking, online gaming, shopping, internet, exercise, online gambling, sex, and social media) and their anxiety about the coronavirus. Latent class/profiling analyses were implemented to (a) explore profiles of cross-addiction risk, (b) describe the characteristics and the proportions of these profiles, and (c) identify their differential associations with the pandemic precipitated anxiety. Findings revealed two distinct profiles/types, the "cross-addiction low risk" (57.4%) and the "cross-addiction high risk" (42.6%). Those in the latter scored consistently higher across all behaviours assessed, were more likely to suffer from concurrent addictive problems, and reported significantly higher levels of pandemic-related anxiety. Implications for prevention, assessment, and treatment and future research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendan Dowd
- College of Health and Biomedicine, Victoria University, Footscray, Australia
| | - Kaiden Hein
- College of Health and Biomedicine, Victoria University, Footscray, Australia
| | | | - Maria Prokofieva
- College of Health and Biomedicine, Victoria University, Footscray, Australia
| | - Lee Kannis-Dymand
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Sunshine Coast, Queensland Australia
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Gambling problems and associated harms in United Kingdom Royal Air Force personnel. Addict Behav 2022; 126:107200. [PMID: 34906882 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2021.107200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
International evidence indicates that currently serving and former military personnel may be at heightened vulnerability to problem gambling. The aim of the present study was to undertake the first survey of gambling experience and potential problems among serving United Kingdom Royal Air Force (RAF) personnel. Our objectives were to survey the frequency of gambling problems, types of gambling activities, examine mental health, alcohol use, and COVID-19-related associations with gambling, and identify potential risk factors for problem gambling among RAF personnel. A cross-sectional online survey was distributed to all serving RAF personnel in January 2021 and the final dataset consisted of n = 2119 responses. The Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) identified gambling severity, the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) assessed depression, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder assessment (GAD-7) measured anxiety, and alcohol use was assessed with the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). Questions relating to COVID-19 asked whether the pandemic had impacted one's gambling, mental health, and alcohol use. Findings indicated that 12.5% of personnel reported gambling problems, which included 8.0% with PGSI scores indicating low-risk gambling (1-2), 2.9% with moderate-risk gambling scores (3-4), and 1.6% with scores indicating problem gambling (≥8). Most personnel had no symptoms of depression or anxiety, and most experienced lower risk drinking levels. The likelihood of any gambling problem (PGSI ≥ 1) in RAF personnel was associated with age (18-24 years old), male gender, and Non-Commissioned ranks. Most participants reported a deterioration in their mental health due to COVID-19 and increased risky gambling. These findings indicate that gambling problems and associated harms are significant concerns for serving RAF personnel.
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Dettmann LM, Adams S, Taylor G. Investigating the prevalence of anxiety and depression during the first COVID-19 lockdown in the United Kingdom: Systematic review and meta-analyses. BRITISH JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY 2022; 61:757-780. [PMID: 35137427 PMCID: PMC9111383 DOI: 10.1111/bjc.12360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Background The COVID‐19 pandemic has had a significant impact on mental health. Specifically, the stringent lockdown restrictions have heightened anxiety and depression. Therefore, monitoring and supporting the mental health of the population during these unprecedented times is an immediate priority. Methods In this systematic review and meta‐analyses, articles that explored the prevalence of anxiety and depression during the first COVID‐19 lockdown in the United Kingdom were included. We searched the databases Embase, Medline (PubMed), Web of Science, and PsycINFO for cross‐sectional studies. We conducted meta‐analyses of prevalence rates using a random‐effects model, and the heterogeneity of studies was examined using the I2 index. Results Fourteen studies involving 46,158 participants were included in the review. The studies use clinical cut‐off scores on anxiety and depression measures to define cases. While the prevalence of anxiety was 31.00% (95% CI = 26.00 to 35.00), the prevalence of depression was 32.00% (95% CI = 29.00 to 35.00). The prevalence of anxiety pre‐pandemic was 4.65%, indicating a 26.35% increase. Whereas the prevalence of depression pre‐pandemic was 4.12%, indicating a 27.88% increase. Moreover, participants experienced a slightly greater prevalence of depression than anxiety by 1.00%. Conclusions To conclude, the first COVID‐19 lockdown in the United Kingdom increased the prevalence of anxiety and depression among the general population, compared to pre‐pandemic data. Hence, it is vital that policymakers and mental health services maximize their efforts to monitor mental health and provide interventions to support those in need. Practitioner points Clinical implicationsAwareness of the high prevalence of anxiety and depression during the first lockdown in the United Kingdom can inform policy development that substantial effort, time, and funding of mental health services are required to support those in need. Similarly, awareness of the prevalence of anxiety and depression in the United Kingdom can contribute to the development of nation‐specific interventions and initiatives.
LimitationsThe current review focuses on the UK general population which does not allow the findings to be generalized to the global population. The indirect comparison of the current prevalence rates with the corresponding pre‐pandemic prevalence rates obtained from a different study sample increases individual differences, weakening the reliability of the findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Marie Dettmann
- Addiction and Mental Health Group, Department of Psychology, University of Bath, UK
| | - Sally Adams
- Addiction and Mental Health Group, Department of Psychology, University of Bath, UK
| | - Gemma Taylor
- Addiction and Mental Health Group, Department of Psychology, University of Bath, UK
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Cataldo I, Casonato E, Levari E, Negri A, Simonato P, Tomasi G, Branz G, Coppola A, Gianfranceschi P, Leoni E, Mistretta P, Stefani M, Vanzetta M, Franceschini A, Esposito G, Corazza O. Gambling at the time of COVID-19: Results from interviews in an Italian sample of gamblers. EMERGING TRENDS IN DRUGS, ADDICTIONS, AND HEALTH 2022; 2:100032. [PMID: 35128510 PMCID: PMC8806400 DOI: 10.1016/j.etdah.2022.100032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The coronavirus pandemic affected the life of those suffering from addictive behaviors often confined to prolonged periods of self-isolation. To explore the variation of symptoms related to gambling, 46 outpatients of the mental health services in the Trento Province were invited to take part in a phone interview at the start of the national lockdown. Although only 2.17% increased gambling activity during this period, half of the sample (50.00%) experienced irritability, mood fluctuation (43.48%) and anxiety (39.13%). Follow-up studies should assess modifications in their behaviors that occurred after the reopening of gambling venues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Cataldo
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, Rovereto, Italy
| | - Eleonora Casonato
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, Rovereto, Italy
| | - Ermelinda Levari
- Local Public Health Authority, Addiction Treatment Unit (SERD), Trento, Italy
| | - Attilio Negri
- School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, United Kingdom
| | - Pierluigi Simonato
- School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, United Kingdom
- Clinic "Parco dei Tigli", Padova, Teolo, Italy
| | - Giulia Tomasi
- Self-help mutual aid association "AMA", Trento, Italy
| | - Giovanna Branz
- Local Public Health Authority, Addiction Treatment Unit (SERD), Trento, Italy
| | - Aurora Coppola
- Local Public Health Authority, Addiction Treatment Unit (SERD), Trento, Italy
| | | | - Eva Leoni
- Local Public Health Authority, Addiction Treatment Unit (SERD), Trento, Italy
| | - Pietro Mistretta
- Local Public Health Authority, Addiction Treatment Unit (SERD), Trento, Italy
| | - Martina Stefani
- Local Public Health Authority, Addiction Treatment Unit (SERD), Trento, Italy
| | | | - Anna Franceschini
- Local Public Health Authority, Addiction Treatment Unit (SERD), Trento, Italy
| | - Gianluca Esposito
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, Rovereto, Italy
- Psychology Program, School of Social Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ornella Corazza
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, Rovereto, Italy
- School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, United Kingdom
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11
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Gjoneska B, Potenza MN, Jones J, Corazza O, Hall N, Sales CMD, Grünblatt E, Martinotti G, Burkauskas J, Werling AM, Walitza S, Zohar J, Menchón JM, Király O, Chamberlain SR, Fineberg NA, Demetrovics Z. Problematic use of the internet during the COVID-19 pandemic: Good practices and mental health recommendations. Compr Psychiatry 2022; 112:152279. [PMID: 34700188 PMCID: PMC8529894 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2021.152279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the accelerated spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus came jurisdictional limitations on mobility of citizens and distinct alterations in their daily routines. Confined to their homes, many people increased their overall internet use, with problematic use of the internet (PUI) becoming a potential reason for increased mental health concerns. Our narrative review summarizes information on the extent of PUI during the pandemic, by focusing on three types: online gaming, gambling and pornography viewing. We conclude by providing guidance for mental health professionals and those affected by PUI (with an outline of immediate research priorities and best therapeutic approaches), as well as for the general public (with an overview of safe and preventative practices).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marc N Potenza
- Department of Psychiatry and Child Study Centre, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA; Connecticut Mental Health Centre, New Haven, CT, USA; Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling, Wethersfield, CT, USA.
| | - Julia Jones
- Centre for Research in Public Health and Community Care, University of Hertfordshire, UK.
| | - Ornella Corazza
- Department of Clinical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, UK; Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy.
| | - Natalie Hall
- Centre for Health Services and Clinical Research, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK.
| | - Célia M D Sales
- Centre for Psychology, University of Porto, Portugal; Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Porto, Portugal.
| | - Edna Grünblatt
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and the ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Giovanni Martinotti
- Department of Clinical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, UK; Department of Neuroscience, Imaging, Clinical Sciences, University "Gabriele d'Annunzio", Chieti-Pescara, Italy.
| | - Julius Burkauskas
- Laboratory of Behavioral Medicine, Neuroscience Institute, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Palanga, Lithuania.
| | - Anna Maria Werling
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Susanne Walitza
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and the ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Joseph Zohar
- Sackler Medical School, Tel Aviv University, Chaim Sheba Medical Center Tel Hashomer, Tel Aviv, Israel.
| | - José M Menchón
- Department of Psychiatry, Bellvitge University Hospital-IDIBELL, University of Barcelona, Cibersam, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Orsolya Király
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Samuel R Chamberlain
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK; Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK.
| | - Naomi A Fineberg
- University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK; Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, UK; University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge, UK
| | - Zsolt Demetrovics
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary; Centre of Excellence in Responsible Gaming, University of Gibraltar, Gibraltar.
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12
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Brodeur M, Audette-Chapdelaine S, Savard AC, Kairouz S. Gambling and the COVID-19 pandemic: A scoping review. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2021; 111:110389. [PMID: 34146652 PMCID: PMC8643271 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2021.110389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2020] [Revised: 04/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The impact of COVID-19 on mental health is tremendous. Since the beginning of the pandemic, several actors have raised concerns about the impact of the pandemic on gambling. Many actors fear a switch to online gambling in the context of the closure of many land-based gambling activities due to the restrictions imposed by public health authorities, such as physical distancing and lockdowns. This switch is worrisome because online gambling is considered a high-risk game. In that context, we need to know more about the impacts of the pandemic on gambling. This scoping review aims to summarize the literature that addresses the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on gambling. To our knowledge, this is the first review to focus on this subject. METHODS An electronic literature search involving a strategy using keywords related to COVID-19 and gambling was conducted using MEDLINE, Academic Search Complete, CINAHL, PsychINFO, Social Works Abstract, and Socio Index databases on February 25th 2021. This search was combined with a manual search in Google Scholar. To be included, studies had to discuss gambling and COVID-19 as a primary theme, be written in English, and be published in a peer-reviewed journal. After collecting the information, we collated, summarized, and reported the results using narrative synthesis. RESULTS The search identified 181 articles. After the removal of duplicates and screening, 24 full-text articles were reviewed and included in this study: 14 original articles, 8 commentaries or editorials, and 2 protocols. Contrary to expectations, preliminary evidence suggested that gambling behavior often either decreased or stayed the same for most gamblers during the pandemic. However, for the minority who showed increased gambling behavior, there was frequently an association with problem gambling. CONCLUSION The available literature on COVID-19 and gambling is limited and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on gambling behavior and gambling problems is still unclear. Therefore, there is a need for more research on this topic, both qualitative and mixed methods studies, to better understand the impact of the pandemic on gambling. Considering the results, we need to be careful, particularly with problem gamblers and other subgroups of the population who seem to be more vulnerable to increased gambling habits during this pandemic period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magaly Brodeur
- Département de médecine de famille et de médecine d'urgence, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada.
| | - Sophie Audette-Chapdelaine
- Département de médecine de famille et de médecine d'urgence, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Annie-Claude Savard
- École de travail social et de criminologie, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Sylvia Kairouz
- Département de sociologie et d'anthropologie, Université Concordia, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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13
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Månsson V, Wall H, Berman AH, Jayaram-Lindström N, Rosendahl I. A Longitudinal Study of Gambling Behaviors During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Sweden. Front Psychol 2021; 12:708037. [PMID: 34721154 PMCID: PMC8552012 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.708037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate changes in gambling behaviors during the first and second waves of the COVID-19 pandemic in Sweden. Participants who had gambled within the past year were recruited from social media and the Swedish National Helpline (n = 325, mean age 39.8 years, 64.8% males, 31.3% with problem gambling) and completed an online survey measuring gambling behaviors, consequences of the pandemic in general and worries related to the pandemic. A sub-sample (n = 139) completed a follow-up survey, during the second wave. The results showed no significant associations between COVID-19 consequences (financial or increased isolation) and increased monthly gambling behavior. No major migrations were observed between game types. However, gambling on a high-risk game (OR = 7.44, p < 0.001) and worrying about mental health due to the pandemic (OR = 2.85, p < 0.001) were significantly associated with past year gambling problems and increased monthly gambling problems from the first to the second wave. More longitudinal research is needed in vulnerable populations, to fully understand the long-term consequences of the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktor Månsson
- Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Håkan Wall
- Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anne H Berman
- Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Psychology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Nitya Jayaram-Lindström
- Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ingvar Rosendahl
- Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
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14
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Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has ushered the world into unforeseen circumstances, prompting the authorities to impose restrictions and cut back various events including many gambling avenues. Professional sports have been postponed, land casinos are closed, and social distancing has shut home games down. The present narrative overview has addressed the following changes in gambling behavior since the start of the pandemic: - a) Change in the number of gamblers and intensity of gambling b) differences among various types of gambling modalities (land-based, horse betting, casino, online). and transitioning between them. c) Psychosocial effects on gamblers owing to the shutdown of gambling avenues in the early phase of COVID-19 lockdown. It alludes to several survey studies conducted so far in Northern Europe (Sweden, UK, Italy), North America (Canada, USA), and Australia on the potential impact of the SARS-Cov2 pandemic on gambling figures. Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) scale is used by most of the studies to demonstrate the severity among gamblers i.e., low-risk, high-risk, and problem gamblers respectively. The majority of studies are based on self-reported questionnaires, few tracked data from online gambling operators, and one study used revenue-based taxation of land-based and online gambling as its information source. The decline in the overall gambling activity attributable to the situational changes was predominant in a majority of surveys. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on gambling is diverse - possibly causing a reduction in current or future problems in some, but also promoting increased problematic gambling in others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vishi Sachdeva
- Adesh Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Bathinda, Punjab, India
| | - Sucheta Sharma
- Punjab Institute of Medical Sciences, Jalandhar, Punjab, India
| | - Ashish Sarangi
- Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
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15
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Marionneau V, Järvinen-Tassopoulos J. Treatment and help services for gambling during COVID-19: Experiences of gamblers and their concerned significant others. NORDIC STUDIES ON ALCOHOL AND DRUGS 2021; 39:10-24. [PMID: 35308471 PMCID: PMC8899269 DOI: 10.1177/14550725211030727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Aims: During the COVID-19 pandemic, many treatment or help services for gambling were closed or moved online. At the same time, closures of gambling opportunities impacted gambling availability and practices. This study investigates gamblers’ and their concerned significant others’ (CSOs) experiences and views on treatment and help services during this exceptional time and perceptions on how to develop services further after the pandemic. Design: Three online questionnaires to elicit gambler and CSO experiences were conducted during the spring 2020 in Finland. In total, 847 respondents answered and shared experiences on how the situation had impacted their gambling behaviour and service needs, how service closures or the moving of services online had impacted them, and how they thought the prevention and treatment of gambling harms should be organised during and after COVID-19. Results: Changed gambling practices reduced overall service needs. Service closures had negative impacts, but online services were considered positively, as these provided a low-threshold option. Respondents also shared insights into how the service provision for gamblers should further be developed during and after COVID-19.
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16
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Fino E, Hanna-Khalil B, Griffiths MD. Exploring the public's perception of gambling addiction on Twitter during the COVID-19 pandemic: Topic modelling and sentiment analysis. J Addict Dis 2021; 39:489-503. [PMID: 33781174 DOI: 10.1080/10550887.2021.1897064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The present study explored the topics and sentiment associated with gambling addiction during the COVID-19 pandemic, using topic modeling and sentiment analysis on tweets in English posted between 17-24th April 2020. The study was exploratory in nature, with its main objective consisting of inductively identifying topics embedded in user-generated content. We found that a five-topic model was the best in representing the data corpus, including: (i) the public's perception of gambling addiction amid the COVID-19 outbreak, (ii) risks and support available for those who stay at home, (iii) the users' interpretation of gambling addiction, (iv) forms of gambling during the pandemic, and (v) gambling advertising and impact on families. Sentiment analysis showed a prevalence of underlying fear, trust, sadness, and anger, across the corpus. Users viewed the pandemic as a driver of problematic gambling behaviors, possibly exposing unprepared individuals and communities to forms of online gambling, with potential long-term consequences and a significant impact on health systems. Despite the limitations of the study, we hypothesize that enhancing the presence of mental health operators and practitioners treating problem gambling on social media might positively impact public mental health and help prevent health services from being overwhelmed, in times when healthcare resources are limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuele Fino
- Department of Psychology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK
| | - Bishoy Hanna-Khalil
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Mark D Griffiths
- Department of Psychology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK
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17
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The Influence of Lockdown on the Gambling Pattern of Swiss Casinos Players. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18041973. [PMID: 33670652 PMCID: PMC7922736 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18041973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) has had a major impact on most societies worldwide, including the closure of non-essential businesses in spring 2020. The present study considers its impact upon gambling behavior. Particularly, changes in self-reported gambling by Swiss, land-based casino players are examined. The main characteristics of respondents who played or did not play during lockdown are also investigated. This study is embedded in an ongoing longitudinal study that examines the gambling behavior of casino players at three points in time. All respondents who had participated in the first wave of the longitudinal study by the cut-off date (15th March 2020) were asked about their gambling behavior during lockdown in a supplementary online survey three weeks after the end of lockdown. A total of 55% of the 110 respondents reported having played during lockdown. Gambling intensity significantly decreased (p < 0.001) in our sample. Considering only those respondents (n = 66) who reported having gambled during lockdown, gambling intensity also decreased (p < 0.001), but online gambling significantly increased (p < 0.002). Those players who have increased their gambling activity require particular attention. It is important that casinos respond with appropriate player protection measures to those who have increased their gambling activity during the pandemic.
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