scholarly journals Characteristics of Gamblers Who Use the French National Problem Gambling Helpline and Real-Time Chat Facility: Longitudinal Observational Study

10.2196/13388 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (5) ◽  
pp. e13388
Author(s):  
Stéphane Darbeda ◽  
Henri-Jean Aubin ◽  
Michel Lejoyeux ◽  
Amandine Luquiens
Keyword(s):  
Problem Gambling ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Suicide Attempts ◽  
Logistic Models ◽  
Target Population ◽  
Casino Gambling ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Web Based ◽  
History Of

Background Problem gambling is a growing public health issue that is characterized by low rates of face-to-face help seeking. Helplines and real-time chat services could reduce shortfalls in treatment. Objective This study aimed to (1) describe the characteristics of gamblers contacting a government-funded help service, (2) study the evolution of their characteristics over time, (3) evaluate the differences between subgroups (ie, gender, media used for gambling, and media used to contact the service), and (4) explore factors influencing referral to care. Methods From January 2011 to December 2015, a government-funded gambling helpline and real-time chat website in France received 9474 contacts from gamblers. Counselors filled in a form for each contact, collecting demographics, gambling characteristics, and referrals. Time-series analyses were performed. Univariate logistic models were used to assess differences across subgroups. A multivariate analysis was conducted to determine the variables related to an actual referral. Results Gamblers were predominantly men (7017/9474, 74.07%); the average age was 41 years (SD 14). Compared with the men, the women were older (mean 50.7 years, SD 14.0 vs mean 37.9 years, SD 13.0, respectively; P<.001), were more often solely offline gamblers (1922/2457, 78.23% vs 4386/7017, 62.51%, respectively; P<.001), and had different gambling patterns. Compared with helpline contacts, real-time chat contacts were more often men (124/150, 82.7% vs 3643/4881, 74.64%, respectively; P=.04), younger (mean 32.8 years, SD 12.9 vs mean 41.3 years, SD 14.3, respectively; P<.001), more often poker gamblers (41/150, 27.3% vs 592/4881, 12.13%, respectively; P<.001), and more often web-based gamblers (83/150, 55.3% vs 1462/4881, 29.95%, respectively; P<.001). Referral was positively associated with betting (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.46, 95% CI 1.27-1.67; P<.001), casino gambling (aOR 1.38, 95% CI 1.21-1.57; P<.001), scratch cards (aOR 1.83, 95% CI 1.58-2.12; P<.001), poker gambling (aOR 1.35, 95% CI 1.14-1.61; P<.001), lottery (aOR 1.27, 95% CI 1.03-1.56; P=.03), weekly gambling (aOR 1.73, 95% CI 1.40-2.15; P<.001), request for referral (aOR 17.76, 95% CI 14.92-21.13; P<.001), and a history of suicide attempts (aOR 2.13, 95% CI 1.51-3.02; P<.001), and it was negatively associated with web-based gambling (aOR 0.86, 95% CI 0.75-0.98; P=.030) and refusal to be referred (aOR 0.35, 95% CI 0.26-0.49; P<.001). Conclusions The governmental helpline and chat contacts included a broad range of sociodemographic profiles. Compared with the helpline, real-time chat exchanges reached a younger population of web-based gamblers, which was the target population. The development of the gambling helpline and help online website is a considerable challenge for the future.

scholarly journals Characteristics of Gamblers Who Use the French National Problem Gambling Helpline and Real-Time Chat Facility: Longitudinal Observational Study (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stéphane Darbeda ◽  
Henri-Jean Aubin ◽  
Michel Lejoyeux ◽  
Amandine Luquiens
Keyword(s):  
Problem Gambling ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Suicide Attempts ◽  
Logistic Models ◽  
Target Population ◽  
Casino Gambling ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Web Based ◽  
History Of

BACKGROUND Problem gambling is a growing public health issue that is characterized by low rates of face-to-face help seeking. Helplines and real-time chat services could reduce shortfalls in treatment. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to (1) describe the characteristics of gamblers contacting a government-funded help service, (2) study the evolution of their characteristics over time, (3) evaluate the differences between subgroups (ie, gender, media used for gambling, and media used to contact the service), and (4) explore factors influencing referral to care. METHODS From January 2011 to December 2015, a government-funded gambling helpline and real-time chat website in France received 9474 contacts from gamblers. Counselors filled in a form for each contact, collecting demographics, gambling characteristics, and referrals. Time-series analyses were performed. Univariate logistic models were used to assess differences across subgroups. A multivariate analysis was conducted to determine the variables related to an actual referral. RESULTS Gamblers were predominantly men (7017/9474, 74.07%); the average age was 41 years (SD 14). Compared with the men, the women were older (mean 50.7 years, SD 14.0 vs mean 37.9 years, SD 13.0, respectively; <i>P</i>&lt;.001), were more often solely offline gamblers (1922/2457, 78.23% vs 4386/7017, 62.51%, respectively; <i>P</i>&lt;.001), and had different gambling patterns. Compared with helpline contacts, real-time chat contacts were more often men (124/150, 82.7% vs 3643/4881, 74.64%, respectively; <i>P</i>=.04), younger (mean 32.8 years, SD 12.9 vs mean 41.3 years, SD 14.3, respectively; <i>P</i>&lt;.001), more often poker gamblers (41/150, 27.3% vs 592/4881, 12.13%, respectively; <i>P</i>&lt;.001), and more often web-based gamblers (83/150, 55.3% vs 1462/4881, 29.95%, respectively; <i>P</i>&lt;.001). Referral was positively associated with betting (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.46, 95% CI 1.27-1.67; <i>P</i>&lt;.001), casino gambling (aOR 1.38, 95% CI 1.21-1.57; <i>P</i>&lt;.001), scratch cards (aOR 1.83, 95% CI 1.58-2.12; <i>P</i>&lt;.001), poker gambling (aOR 1.35, 95% CI 1.14-1.61; <i>P</i>&lt;.001), lottery (aOR 1.27, 95% CI 1.03-1.56; <i>P</i>=.03), weekly gambling (aOR 1.73, 95% CI 1.40-2.15; <i>P</i>&lt;.001), request for referral (aOR 17.76, 95% CI 14.92-21.13; <i>P</i>&lt;.001), and a history of suicide attempts (aOR 2.13, 95% CI 1.51-3.02; <i>P</i>&lt;.001), and it was negatively associated with web-based gambling (aOR 0.86, 95% CI 0.75-0.98; <i>P</i>=.030) and refusal to be referred (aOR 0.35, 95% CI 0.26-0.49; <i>P</i>&lt;.001). CONCLUSIONS The governmental helpline and chat contacts included a broad range of sociodemographic profiles. Compared with the helpline, real-time chat exchanges reached a younger population of web-based gamblers, which was the target population. The development of the gambling helpline and help online website is a considerable challenge for the future.

Suicide Prevention Through Online Gatekeeping Using Search Advertising Techniques

Crisis ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 36 (4) ◽  
pp. 267-273 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hajime Sueki ◽  
Jiro Ito
Keyword(s):  
Suicidal Ideation ◽  
Suicide Prevention ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Service Use ◽  
Web Search ◽  
Suicide Attempts ◽  
Consultation Service ◽  
Search Advertising ◽  
Internet Users ◽  
History Of

Abstract. Background: Nurturing gatekeepers is an effective suicide prevention strategy. Internet-based methods to screen those at high risk of suicide have been developed in recent years but have not been used for online gatekeeping. Aims: A preliminary study was conducted to examine the feasibility and effects of online gatekeeping. Method: Advertisements to promote e-mail psychological consultation service use among Internet users were placed on web pages identified by searches using suicide-related keywords. We replied to all emails received between July and December 2013 and analyzed their contents. Results: A total of 139 consultation service users were analyzed. The mean age was 23.8 years (SD = 9.7), and female users accounted for 80% of the sample. Suicidal ideation was present in 74.1%, and 12.2% had a history of suicide attempts. After consultation, positive changes in mood were observed in 10.8%, 16.5% showed intentions to seek help from new supporters, and 10.1% of all 139 users actually took help-seeking actions. Conclusion: Online gatekeeping to prevent suicide by placing advertisements on web search pages to promote consultation service use among Internet users with suicidal ideation may be feasible.

Help-Seeking Behaviors of Men Sexual Assault Survivors

2009 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 237-242 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saba W. Masho ◽  
Anika Alvanzo
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Assault ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Physical Injury ◽  
Professional Help ◽  
Help Seeking Behaviors ◽  
Sexual Assault Survivors ◽  
History Of ◽  
Assault Survivors

Men sexual assault is a serious public health issue that is mostly underreported and unrecognized. Despite serious deleterious effects of sexual assault, most men victims do not seek professional help. This study was conducted to examine predictors of help-seeking practices among 91 men sexual assault survivors from a population-based survey. The study showed only 17.6% of the victims sought professional help. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that physical injury (OR = 6.58, 95% CI = 1.08-40.19), perpetration by family or friend (OR = 6.42, 95% CI = 1.47-28.04), history of rape before the age of 18 (OR = 0.43, 95% CI = 0.11-1.69), and threat at the time of incident (OR = 7.08, 95% CI = 1.52-33.03) were significant predictors of help-seeking practices. This study confirms that the majority of men sexual assault victims do not seek professional help. Victims with physical injury or threat were more likely to seek help. Further study should investigate barriers for help-seeking practices. Efforts should be made to reach men with a history of sexual assault.

scholarly journals Differences in Characteristics of Asian American and White Problem Gamblers Calling a Gambling Helpline

CNS Spectrums ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 83-91 ◽  
Author(s):  
Declan T. Barry ◽  
Marvin A. Steinberg ◽  
Ran Wu ◽  
Marc N. Potenza
Keyword(s):  
Family History ◽  
Problem Gambling ◽  
New England ◽  
Asian American ◽  
Suicide Attempts ◽  
Treatment Strategies ◽  
Casino Gambling ◽  
Gambling Problems ◽  
Problem Gamblers ◽  
Phone Calls

Introduction: The characteristics of Asian American and white problem gamblers using a gambling helpline were examined to identify race-related differences.Methods: Logistic regression analyses were conducted on data obtained from callers to a gambling helpline serving southern New England in 2000–2003, inclusive.Results: Of the 144 phone calls used in the analyses, 72 were from Asian American callers and 72 were from white callers who were matched on gender, education, income, marital/cohabitation status, and age. Race-related differences were observed in forms of gambling problems, psychiatric problems secondary to gambling, substance use problems, and family history. Asian American gamblers were more likely to report suicide attempts related to gambling and problems with non-strategic gambling. White gamblers were more likely to report both casino and non-casino gambling problems and personal and familial alcohol use problems. High proportions of both groups reported problems with strategic gambling, gambling-related anxiety, family and financial problems secondary to gambling, financial debt, daily tobacco use, and a family history of problem gambling.Conclusion: Race-related differences should be considered in optimizing prevention and treatment strategies related to problem gambling.

scholarly journals Gaming machine density is correlated with rates of help-seeking for problem gambling: a local area analysis in Victoria, Australia

2014 ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
Monica J. Barratt ◽  
Michael Livingston ◽  
Sharon Matthews ◽  
Susan L. Clemens
Keyword(s):  
Problem Gambling ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Local Environment ◽  
Local Area ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Ecological Design ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Proxy Measure ◽  
Gaming Machine

Local environment plays an important role in understanding gambling as a public health issue. This study uses help-seeking as an outcome measure for a local area analysis of problem gambling in Victoria, Australia. We used a cross-sectional ecological design to investigate the extent to which gaming industry and demographic, economic, and social factors are associated with rates of telephone and face-to-face counselling for problem gambling at the local government area level. Electronic gaming machine density was independently correlated with both types of help-seeking, with a range of local factors controlled. This study supports previous research that has consistently found an association between gaming machine density and problem gambling, using gaming machine expenditure as a proxy measure of harm. We build on previous work by confirming that this relationship exists when gambling harm is measured through two types of help-seeking.

Suicidal behavior in a medical professional with comorbid depression and substance use disorder: an educational case report

2015 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 231-233
Author(s):  
Drew D. Kiraly ◽  
Leo Sher
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Substance Abuse ◽  
Substance Use ◽  
Suicidal Behavior ◽  
Suicide Attempts ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Unmet Need ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
History Of

Abstract Here, we publish a report of a previously practicing nurse practitioner who presented to a community hospital with severely depressed mood and neurovegetative symptoms in the context of recent relapse to alcohol and cocaine abuse. This patient had a long history of depression and polysubstance abuse. Additionally, the patient had a history of multiple previous suicide attempts with a high possibility for lethality. All of his attempts occurred in the setting of depression, escalating substance use, and interpersonal difficulties. Due to his chronic struggles with mental health and substance abuse issues, the patient lost his marriage, many close friends, and, eventually, his license to practice medicine. In this report, we highlight the increased risk of suicidal behavior or completed suicide in patients with co-occurring depressive and substance abuse disorders. We also look to highlight the often unmet need of mental health and substance abuse treatment for healthcare professionals. Studies suggest that healthcare providers experience increasing rates of burnout, mood and anxiety disorders, and substance use disorders, but available treatment resources remain scarce. This is a serious public health issue that will require increased vigilance by the community at large to ensure the safety and wellbeing of both patients and their providers.

scholarly journals Programa de apoio à vida (PRAVIDA): integrando pesquisa, intervenção e ensino para a prevenção do suicídio / Program to Support Life (PRAVIDA): Integrating Research, Intervention and Education for Suicide Prevention

2014 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nathalia Ribeiro Pinho de Sousa ◽  
Barbara Carvalho de Souza ◽  
José Mourão de Aquino Neto ◽  
Maria Hortencia Ribeiro Gomes ◽  
Inis Stella Lacerda Borges de Sá ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Suicide Prevention ◽  
Suicide Rate ◽  
Suicide Attempts ◽  
World Health ◽  
Suicide Mortality ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Global Public Health ◽  
History Of ◽  
Therapeutic Assistance ◽  
Health Organization

ABSTRACTSuicide constitutes an important global public health issue. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that global suicide mortality increased about 60% in the last 45 years. In Brazil, the suicide rate increased 29.5% from 1980 to 2006. Among all 27 Brazilian states, Ceará occupies the 9th position in rates of suicide and Fortaleza, its state capital, had the 4th highest suicide rate among Brazilian capitals, between entre 2004 and 2006. The aim of PRAVIDA (Programa de apoio à vida - Program to support life) is to prevent suicide through therapeutic assistance, dissemination of information and research about suicide. PRAVIDA was created in Fortaleza (CE), in 2004. This program is part of the Federal University of Ceará constitute by medical doctors, professors of psychiatry and psychology, as well as students undergraduates of medicine and psychology. The objective of this work is to present the pioneering experience of PRAVIDA regarding the therapeutic care of patients with suicidal ideation or attempted suicide, as well as to present other suicide prevention strategies used in the program. PRAVIDA follow up subjects for at least three months - 345 people with a history of suicide attempts we followed from 2010 to 2013. No cases of suicide occurred during this thee month period. Furthermore, there is a need of expansion of the program activities in other institutions to allow for a more representative range of their interventions in the city of Fortaleza. Therefore, PRAVIDA intends to establish partnerships to facilitate new strategies to prevent suicide and improve the knowledge on the topic, stimulating appreciation of life, the host and the listening subject who seek medical treatment in the program.RESUMOO suicídio constitui um importante problema de saúde pública no mundo. A Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS) estima que a mortalidade global de suicídio aumentou cerca de 60% nos últimos 45 anos. No Brasil, a taxa de suicídio cresceu 29,5% entre 1980 e 2006. Entre os 27 estados brasileiros, o Ceará ocupa a 9ª posição nos índices de suicídio, e Fortaleza, capital do estado, teve a 4ª maior taxa de suicídio entre as capitais brasileiras, entre 2004 e 2006. O objetivo do PRAVIDA (Programa de Apoio à Vida) é prevenir o suicídio por meio de assistência terapêutica, divulgação de informações e pesquisas sobre o tema. O PRAVIDA foi criado em Fortaleza (CE), em 2004, e faz parte da Universidade Federal do Ceará, sendo constituído por médicos, professores de psiquiatria e psicologia, bem como alunos de graduação de medicina e psicologia. O objetivo deste trabalho é apresentar a experiência pioneira de PRAVIDA sobre o cuidado terapêutico de pacientes com ideação suicida ou tentativa de suicídio, além de apresentar outras estratégias utilizadas no programa. O PRAVIDA acompanhou, por no mínimo três meses, 345 pessoas com histórico de tentativa de suicídio de 2010 a 2013, não ocorrendo casos de suicídio durante esse período. Existe ainda a necessidade de expansão das atividades do programa em outras instituições para permitir uma ação mais representativa na cidade de Fortaleza. Portanto, o PRAVIDA pretende estabelecer parcerias para facilitar novas estratégias de prevenção do suicídio e melhorar o conhecimento sobre o tema, estimulando a valorização da vida, o acolhimento e a escuta do sujeito que busca atendimento no Programa.

Suicidal Behavior in German Adolescents

2015 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 39-45 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joana Straub ◽  
Ferdinand Keller ◽  
Nina Sproeber ◽  
Michael G. Koelch ◽  
Paul L. Plener
Keyword(s):  
Suicidal Behavior ◽  
Suicide Attempts ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Present Sample ◽  
Manic Symptoms ◽  
Symptoms Of Depression ◽  
Adolescent Sample ◽  
History Of ◽  
Sum Scores

Objective: Research in adults has identified an association between bipolar disorder and suicidal behavior. This relationship, however, has been insufficiently investigated in adolescents to date. Methods: 1,117 adolescents from 13 German schools (mean age = 14.83, SD = .63; 52.7% females) completed an extended German version of the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), which assesses depressive and manic symptoms during the last week, as well as the Self-Harm Behavior Questionnaire (SHBQ) for the assessment of lifetime suicidal behavior. Results: In the present sample 39.4% of the girls and 23.1% of the boys reported lifetime suicidal thoughts and 7.1% of the girls as well as 3.9% of the boys a lifetime history of suicide attempts. 18.7% of the adolescent sample revealed elevated symptoms of depression and 9% elevated levels of mania symptoms. Elevated sum scores of depression and mania were associated with a higher number of suicidal ideations and suicide attempts. A block-wise regression analysis revealed that sum scores of depression and mania predicted suicidal ideations best. Concerning suicide attempts, the best predictors were age as well as depression and mania sum scores. Conclusions: Suicidal behavior was reported more often when adolescents demonstrate symptoms of mania as well as symptoms of depression than when they demonstrate only depressive symptoms. The presence of bipolar symptoms in adolescents should alert clinicians to the heightened possibility of suicidal behavior.

Investigating the Relationship Between Self-Esteem and Stigma Among Young Adults With History of Suicide Attempts

Crisis ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 37 (4) ◽  
pp. 265-270 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meshan Lehmann ◽  
Matthew R. Hilimire ◽  
Lawrence H. Yang ◽  
Bruce G. Link ◽  
Jordan E. DeVylder
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Suicide Attempts ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
High Risk Population ◽  
High Functioning ◽  
People With Mental Illness ◽  
History Of ◽  
The Individual ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract. Background: Self-esteem is a major contributor to risk for repeated suicide attempts. Prior research has shown that awareness of stigma is associated with reduced self-esteem among people with mental illness. No prior studies have examined the association between self-esteem and stereotype awareness among individuals with past suicide attempts. Aims: To understand the relationship between stereotype awareness and self-esteem among young adults who have and have not attempted suicide. Method: Computerized surveys were administered to college students (N = 637). Linear regression analyses were used to test associations between self-esteem and stereotype awareness, attempt history, and their interaction. Results: There was a significant stereotype awareness by attempt interaction (β = –.74, p = .006) in the regression analysis. The interaction was explained by a stronger negative association between stereotype awareness and self-esteem among individuals with past suicide attempts (β = –.50, p = .013) compared with those without attempts (β = –.09, p = .037). Conclusion: Stigma is associated with lower self-esteem within this high-functioning sample of young adults with histories of suicide attempts. Alleviating the impact of stigma at the individual (clinical) or community (public health) levels may improve self-esteem among this high-risk population, which could potentially influence subsequent suicide risk.

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