scholarly journals Epidemiology of Youth Gambling Problems in Canada: A National Prevalence Study

2007 ◽  
Vol 52 (10) ◽  
pp. 657-665 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiun-Hau Huang ◽  
Richard Boyer

Objectives: To describe the epidemiology of gambling problems among youth aged 15 to 24 years in Canada and to examine whether these gambling prevalence patterns differ by sex and (or) by geographic region. Method: We used data from The Canadian Community Health Survey: Mental Health and Well-Being. Gambling problems were determined according to the Canadian Problem Gambling Index. All prevalence estimates used appropriate sampling weights and bootstrap variance estimation procedures developed by Statistics Canada. Multivariate logistic regression modelling was also employed to supplement the above prevalence comparisons by age, sex, and region. Results: Among Canadian youth aged 15 to 24 years ( n = 5666), 61.35% gambled in the past 12 months and the national prevalence of moderate-risk or problem gambling was 2.22% (3.30% in male respondents and 1.10% in female respondents). Male respondents had significantly higher prevalence of gambling problems than female respondents. Regional prevalence estimates of youth moderate-risk or problem gambling were 1.37% in British Columbia, 2.17% in the Prairie provinces, 2.75% in Ontario, 2.12% in Quebec, and 1.71% in the Atlantic provinces. Conclusions: Youth, particularly young men, are at greater risk for gambling problems than adults. More prevention and research efforts are also needed to address the observed sex differences and interregional variability in the prevalence of gambling problems among youth. The national prevalence estimates from this study provide important baseline data against which future cohorts of Canadians can be monitored and measured.

2019 ◽  
Vol 42 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nerilee Hing ◽  
Alex MT Russell ◽  
Anna Thomas ◽  
Rebecca Jenkinson

A major obstacle to understanding how expenditure varies amongst people who gamble is the difficulty of obtaining accurate expenditure data from individual gamblers. To overcome the shortcomings of retrospective self-reports, this study used a prospective ecological momentary assessment (EMA) design to capture these data every 24/48 hours. It aimed to examine 1) demographic, psychological, behavioural and contextual characteristics of high-spending sports and race bettors, and 2) the relationship between betting outlay and problem gambling severity. A baseline survey was completed by 320 regular sports bettors and 402 regular race bettors, followed by 15 EMA surveys over three non-consecutive weeks. Higher spending bettors were more likely to: be male, place more of their bets online, have higher disposable incomes, have commenced betting at a younger age, have more accounts with betting operators, and bet when affected by alcohol. The analyses confirmed the strong link between problem gambling severity and financial outlay on betting. Regular sports bettors experiencing gambling problems spent four times more, and those at moderate-risk spent three times more, than their non-problem gambling counterparts. Regular race bettors experiencing gambling problems spent three times more, and those at moderate-risk spent twice as much, as the non-problem gambling race bettors. These results suggest that regulatory and other initiatives that help bettors to limit or reduce their financial outlay on betting should be central to harm minimisation efforts, in order to reduce the growing number of bettors experiencing gambling problems and harm. Résumé Un des principaux obstacles à la compréhension de la variation des dépenses entre les joueurs est la difficulté d’obtenir des données précises sur les dépenses de la part de joueurs individuels. Pour pallier les faiblesses d’auto-évaluations rétrospectives, cette étude visait à utiliser un modèle d’évaluation écologique momentanée (EMA) prospective pour saisir ces données toutes les 24 à 48 heures, afin d’examiner 1) les caractéristiques démographiques, psychologiques, comportementales et contextuelles de gros parieurs de course et de paris sportifs et 2) la relation entre les dépenses de paris et la gravité du jeu problématique. Une enquête initiale a été réalisée auprès de 320 parieurs sportifs et de 402 parieurs de course réguliers, suivie de 15 sondages EMA sur trois semaines non consécutives. Les plus gros parieurs étaient plus susceptibles de: placer davantage de paris en ligne, d’avoir un revenu disponible plus élevé, d’avoir commencé à parier à un plus jeune âge, d’avoir davantage de comptes auprès d’opérateurs de paris et de parier sous l’influence de l’alcool. Les analyses ont confirmé le lien étroit qui existe entre la gravité du jeu problématique et les dépenses financières consacrées aux paris. Les parieurs sportifs réguliers aux prises avec des problèmes de jeu dépensaient quatre fois plus et ceux à risque modéré, trois fois plus, que leurs homologues sans problème de jeu. Les parieurs de course réguliers aux prises avec des problèmes de jeu dépensaient trois fois plus et ceux à risque modéré, deux fois plus, que leurs homologues sans problème de jeu. Ces résultats laissent entrevoir que les initiatives réglementaires et autres initiatives qui aident les parieurs à limiter ou à réduire leurs dépenses en paris devraient être au cœur des efforts de minimisation des préjudices, afin de réduire le nombre croissant de parieurs ayant des problèmes de jeu et de préjudices.


2011 ◽  
pp. 4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nerilee Hing ◽  
Sally Gainsbury

This study examines gambling and problem gambling among gaming venue staff and provides a quantitative analysis that is directly comparable to the general population. A sample of 511 staff from casinos, hotels, and clubs in Queensland, Australia completed a questionnaire. Results indicate that employees exceed the average for gambling participation, regular gambling, and usual gambling duration for every type of gambling for which comparisons could be made. Problem gambling rates amongst staff were 9.6 times higher than for the Queensland population. Problem and moderate-risk gamblers were typically males who worked around gambling facilities and assisted patrons with gambling. A substantial proportion of problem and moderate-risk gamblers report increasing their gambling since commencing work. These results are of interest, given the importance of understanding how exposure interacts with gambling behaviour, of debates about the nature of this interaction, and of industry-based responsible gambling policies that particularly focus on gaming venue employees.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-16
Author(s):  
Dylan J. Jester ◽  
Victor Molinari ◽  
Janice C. Zgibor ◽  
Ladislav Volicer

ABSTRACT Objectives: Nursing home (NH) residents with dementia is exposed to high rates of psychotropic prescriptions. Our objectives were to: (1) pool the prevalence estimates of psychotropic polypharmacy from the existing literature and (2) examine potentially influential factors that are related to a higher or lower prevalence. Design: Meta-analysis of data collected from randomized trials, quasi-experimental, prospective or retrospective cohort, and cross-sectional studies. English-language searches of PubMed and PsycINFO were completed by November 2020. Included studies reported prevalence estimates of psychotropic polypharmacy (i.e. defined as either two-or-more or three-or-more medications concurrently) in NH residents with dementia. Setting and Participants: NH residents with dementia. Measurements: Random-effects models were used to pool the prevalence of psychotropic polypharmacy in NH residents with dementia across studies. Estimates were provided for both two-or-more and three-or-more concurrent medications. Heterogeneity and publication bias were measured. Meta-regression examined the influence of the percentage of the sample who were male, mean age of the sample, geographic region (continent), sample size, and study year on the prevalence of psychotropic polypharmacy. Results: Twenty-five unique articles were included comprising medications data from 92,370 NH residents with dementia in 12 countries. One-in-three (33%, [95% CI: 28%, 39%]) NH residents with dementia received two-or-more psychotropic medications concurrently. One-in-eight (13%, [95% CI: 10%, 17%]) received three-or-more psychotropic medications concurrently. Estimates were highly variable across both definitions of psychotropic polypharmacy (p < 0.001). Among study-level demographics, geographic region, sample size, or study year, only male sex was associated with greater use of two-or-more psychotropic medications (Unadjusted OR = 1.02, p = 0.006; Adjusted OR = 1.04, p = 0.07). Conclusions: Psychotropic polypharmacy is common among NH residents with dementia. Identifying the causes of utilization and the effects on resident health and well-being should be prioritized by federal entities seeking to improve NH quality.


2001 ◽  
Vol 13 (S1) ◽  
pp. 19-28 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ian McDowell ◽  
Richard Aylesworth ◽  
Margaret Stewart ◽  
Gerry Hill ◽  
Joan Lindsay

The Canadian Study of Health and Aging drew representative samples of people aged 65 or over from the community and institutions across Canada. The sample was designed to provide regional and national prevalence estimates for dementia by age and sex. Thirty-six sampling areas were used in a stratified cluster design with optimal allocation; sampling weights were developed to provide population estimates. The sample included 9,008 people aged 65 or over from the community, and 1,255 from institutions. This report describes the sampling procedures, the methods used to recruit people to the study and participation rates, the characteristics of the resulting sample, and the way in which sample weights should be used.


2008 ◽  
pp. 174 ◽  
Author(s):  
John McCready ◽  
Robert E. Mann ◽  
Jinhui Zhao ◽  
Robert Eves

Although the literature suggests that gambling among older adults is influenced by unique age-related factors, there is little information on the factors associated with the experience of gambling-related problems among older adults. The purpose of this study was to identify the sociodemographic health determinants and mental health-related problems, including alcohol and drug dependence, that are associated with the experience of gambling problems among older adults in Ontario. The research was an exploratory analysis of data from Ontario adults, aged 55 and over, who completed the Canadian Community Health Survey -Mental Health and Well-being, Cycle 1.2 (1,904 males and 2,622 females). Logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify sociodemographic, gambling behaviour, and mental health correlates of the experience of any gambling-related problems, as identified by responses to the Canadian Problem Gambling Index. Being married or living common law and having a higher education level were associated with reduced risk of gambling problems. Among mental health variables, alcohol dependence and any substance dependence significantly increased the odds of reporting a gambling problem. Gambling behaviour measures, such as more frequent gambling, participating in more types of gambling, and spending more on gambling were significant correlates of gambling problems.


Author(s):  
Claudia Venuleo ◽  
Tiziana Marinaci ◽  
Piergiorgio Mossi

Gambling participation among older people has grown over the years. Elders constitute a large and fast-growing population in Italy, but little empirical evidence describes gambling patterns among older Italian adults and the problem gambling (PG)’s psychosocial determinants, so a range of questions which are crucial to orient prevention strategies remain unanswered. The present study aims to investigate habits, representations, levels of engagement in gambling among Italian elders and the role of loneliness, social support and well-being in explaining their problem with gambling. A convenience sample of 165 participants (mean age: 66.93; SD = 5.73; women: 43.1%) was involved. Gambling activities, habits, representations and PG rates were examined. A group “at moderate risk/problem gambling” (scoring >7 on PGSI, n = 40) and a control group (scoring 0 on PGSI, n = 40) were selected from the whole sample, balanced on socio-demographic characteristics; a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the two groups on the target psychosocial variables. 11.5% of the sample was found to meet the PGSI criteria for PG; 26.7% for moderate risk; 11.5% for problem gambling; 50.3% were classified as no-problem gamblers. Scratch cards were the main form of gambling among all groups; the chance to make more money and to distract oneself from other problems were the main reasons to gamble. Finally, the group “at moderate risk/problem gambling,” compared to the control group, expressed higher loneliness, as well as lower perceived social support and well-being.RésuméLa pratique des jeux de hasard chez les personnes plus âgées augmente au fil des années. Les aînés représentent un segment important et à croissance rapide de la population en Italie, mais peu de données empiriques décrivent les habitudes de pratique de jeux de hasard des adultes italiens plus âgés et les déterminants psychosociaux du jeu compulsif. Tout un éventail de questions essentielles à l’orientation des stratégies de prévention reste sans réponse. La présente étude se penche sur les habitudes, les représentations et les niveaux de pratique de jeux de hasard chez les aînés italiens, ainsi que le rôle de la solitude, du soutien social et du bien-être pour expliquer leurs problèmes liés au jeu, à l’aide d’un échantillon de commodité de 165 participants (moyenne d’âge : 66,93; écart-type de la population = 5.73; femmes : 43,1 %). La pratique des jeux de hasard, les habitudes, les représentations et le jeu compulsif ont été examinés. Un groupe « à risque moyen/jeu compulsif » (pointage >7 sur l’indice de gravité de jeu compulsif (IGJC), n = 40) et un groupe témoin (pointage de 0 sur l’IGJC, n = 40) ont été choisis parmi l’ensemble de l’échantillon, équilibrés du point de vue des caractéristiques sociodémographiques; une analyse de variance à un critère de classification (ANOVA) a été utilisée pour comparer les deux groupes par rapport aux variables psychosociales cibles. On a constaté que 11,5 % de l’échantillon répondaient aux critères de jeu compulsif de l’IGJC; 26,7 % répondaient aux critères de risque modéré; 11,5 %, aux critères de jeu compulsif; et 50,3 % étaient classés comme des joueurs ne présentant pas de problème. Les cartes à gratter constituaient la forme principale de jeu de hasard dans tous les groupes; les principales raisons de jouer étaient la possibilité de faire plus d’argent et d’oublier d’autres problèmes. Enfin, par rapport au groupe témoin, le groupe « à risque moyen/jeu compulsif » a exprimé un plus grand sentiment de solitude et percevait un moins grand soutien social et un moins grand bien-être.


2015 ◽  
Vol 207 (4) ◽  
pp. 328-333 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa Jones ◽  
Alice Metcalf ◽  
Katherine Gordon-Smith ◽  
Liz Forty ◽  
Amy Perry ◽  
...  

BackgroundNorth American studies show bipolar disorder is associated with elevated rates of problem gambling; however, little is known about rates in the different presentations of bipolar illness.AimsTo determine the prevalence and distribution of problem gambling in people with bipolar disorder in the UK.MethodThe Problem Gambling Severity Index was used to measure gambling problems in 635 participants with bipolar disorder.ResultsModerate to severe gambling problems were four times higher in people with bipolar disorder than in the general population, and were associated with type 2 disorder (OR = 1.74, P = 0.036), history of suicidal ideation or attempt (OR = 3.44, P = 0.02) and rapid cycling (OR = 2.63, P = 0.008).ConclusionsApproximately 1 in 10 patients with bipolar disorder may be at moderate to severe risk of problem gambling, possibly associated with suicidal behaviour and a rapid cycling course. Elevated rates of gambling problems in type 2 disorder highlight the probable significance of modest but unstable mood disturbance in the development and maintenance of such problems.


Author(s):  
Hannah Briony Thorne ◽  
Matthew Justus Rockloff ◽  
Sally Anne Ferguson ◽  
Grace Elizabeth Vincent ◽  
Matthew Browne

Gambling has significant costs to the community, with a health burden similar in scale to major depression. To reduce its impact, it is necessary to understand factors that may exacerbate harm from gambling. The gambling environment of late-night licensed venues and 24/7 online gambling has the potential to negatively impact sleep and increase alcohol consumption. This study explored gambling, alcohol, and sleep problems to understand whether there is a relationship between these three factors. Telephone interviews were conducted with a representative sample of Australian adults (n = 3760) combined across three waves of the National Social Survey. Participants completed screening measures for at-risk gambling, at-risk alcohol consumption, insomnia (2015 wave only), and sleep quality. There were small but significant positive correlations between problem gambling and alcohol misuse, problem gambling and insomnia, and problem gambling and poor sleep quality. A regression model showed that gambling problems and alcohol misuse were significant independent predictors of insomnia. A separate regression showed gambling problems (and not alcohol misuse) were a significant predictor of poor sleep quality, but only in one survey wave. Findings suggest that gambling, alcohol, and sleep problems are related within persons. Further research should examine the mechanisms through which this relationship exists.


2016 ◽  
Vol 44 (8) ◽  
pp. 799-804 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne H. Salonen ◽  
Hannu Alho ◽  
Sari Castrén

Aims: This study investigates the proportion of concerned significant others (CSOs) of problem gamblers at population level and describes the extent and type of gambling harms for CSOs. Methods: Cross-sectional random sample data ( n = 4515) were collected in 2015. The data were weighted based on age, gender and residence. CSOs were identified using a question including seven options. Gambling harms were inquired using structured questions. Descriptive statistics and Chi-Squared and Fischer’s exact tests were used. Results: Overall, the proportion of CSOs was 19.3%. Males had close friends with gambling problems more often than females, while females had family members with gambling problems more often than males. Of the CSOs, 59.5% had experienced one or more harms. Females experienced more harms than males. Typical harms were worry about health or well-being of close ones, emotional distress and problems in interpersonal relationships. CSOs with a problem gambler in the family, particularly a partner, child/children or mother, experienced harms more often than CSOs with a problem gambler as a close friend. Conclusions: Female gender was associated with a larger extent of harms. The extent of harms was greatest if the problem gambler was a family member; however, a substantial amount of harms were experienced when the problem gambler was a close friend. CSOs and their position in evaluating gambling harms in general should be acknowledged. Persons beyond the nuclear family and the harms they encounter should be better acknowledged in prevention and harm minimisation. Early identification and a clear referral path to tailored support in occupational, social and healthcare settings may be considered.


2006 ◽  
Vol 40 (6-7) ◽  
pp. 587-595 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Delfabbro ◽  
Julie Lahn ◽  
Peter Grabosky

Objective: This study examined the relationship between problem gambling and psychological and social adjustment in Australian adolescents. Method: A sample of 926 adolescents (mean age=14.46 years) in the Australian Capital Territory were administered a standardized series of measures relating to gambling and psychosocial adjustment. Young people were asked to indicate how often they gambled, to report any difficulties that they might have been experiencing with gambling, and to complete a variety of measures of psychosocial health, including: the GHQ-12, Rosenberg's self-esteem scale and other measures of social functioning. Results: The results were generally consistent with previous international studies. Those adolescents classified as problem gamblers were found to have poorer scores on all psychosocial measures. Although many in the problem gambling group reported being part of a socially active peer group, they also reported being more alienated and unpopular among their classmates. Conclusions: The results suggest that problem gambling appears to be a significant risk factor for poorer mental health among Australia adolescents. Given previous adult research indicating a link between early gambling and long-term gambling problems and poorer life outcomes (e.g. Abbott, McKenna and Giles, 2000 in New Zealand), these findings suggest a need to enhance existing educational initiatives and services specifically designed to assist adolescents with gambling problems.


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