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Prevalence and implications of gambling problems among firefighters
S Cowlishaw1, J Little2, A Sbisa2
1Phoenix Australia Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Australia; Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, United Kingdom.
Addictive Behaviors
|February 1, 2020
Summary
Firefighters experience significant gambling problems, with 12.3% reporting issues. These gambling problems are linked to poor mental health and wellbeing, highlighting a need for organizational support.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Psychology
- Addiction Research
Background:
- Firefighting is a high-risk profession associated with mental health issues and addictive behaviors.
- Limited research exists on gambling problems within the firefighting community.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the frequency and implications of gambling problems among firefighters.
- To assess the association between gambling problems and other mental health conditions and addictive behaviors.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional survey of 566 firefighters in an Australian metropolitan fire service.
- Utilized the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) to assess gambling severity.
- Included measures for depression (PHQ-9), anxiety (GAD-7), PTSD (PCL-5), and alcohol use (AUDIT).
Main Results:
- 12.3% of firefighters reported any gambling problems (PGSI ≥ 1), with 2.3% classified as problem gamblers (PGSI ≥ 5) and 10.0% as at-risk gamblers (PGSI 1-4).
- Problem gambling prevalence was comparable to depression and PTSD rates.
- Gambling problems were associated with poorer mental health and wellbeing, but not psychosocial indicators like financial difficulties.
Conclusions:
- Gambling problems represent a significant, often hidden, issue among emergency service workers.
- Increased organizational recognition and targeted interventions are necessary to address gambling problems in firefighters.
- Findings underscore the need for comprehensive mental health support for this occupational group.
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