GAMBLINGLESS: FOR LIFE study protocol: a pragmatic randomised trial of an online cognitive-behavioural programme for...

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Public Health
• Digital Therapeutics

Background:

• Disordered gambling affects 2.3% globally, with few seeking traditional treatment.
• There's a need for accessible, technology-driven interventions for gambling disorder.
• Online self-directed programs can complement existing face-to-face services.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of an online self-directed cognitive-behavioural program (GamblingLess: For Life) for disordered gambling.
• To compare a purely self-directed (PSD) approach with a guided self-directed (GSD) approach.

Main Methods:

• A pragmatic, 2-arm, parallel-group randomized trial involving 200 Australian participants.
• Participants completed 4 online modules over 8 weeks, with the GSD group receiving weekly counselor support.
• Assessments of gambling severity (primary outcome), frequency, expenditure, distress, and quality of life occurred at baseline and 2, 3, and 12 months.

Main Results:

• The study is designed to assess the primary outcome of gambling severity using the Gambling Symptom Assessment Scale.
• Secondary outcomes include changes in gambling frequency, expenditure, psychological distress, quality of life, and help-seeking behavior.
• Qualitative interviews will explore participant and counselor experiences.

Conclusions:

• The findings will inform the development and implementation of digital mental health interventions for gambling disorder.
• This research contributes to understanding the effectiveness of online, self-directed cognitive-behavioural therapy for gambling problems.
• Dissemination will occur through reports, publications, and conference presentations.