Gambling in nursing students of the University of Palermo

Gambling disorder is recognized as a psychiatric disorder. It is shown that the prevalence of pathological gambling is on the rise among university students, especially involving students attending the nursing degree course. The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence of gambling's problem and to analyze the associated factors in the population of nursing students at the University of Palermo.

It's a cross-sectional study. In April 2019, a self-administered, anonymous and voluntary questionnaire was provided to students who attend daily lessons of the 3-years nursing degree course of University of Palermo, after they gave informed consent. The questionnaire investigates on socio-demographic information, year of study, the perception of the economic and health status, alcohol use disorders and gambling problems.

The average age of the sample is 22.0 years (standard deviation ±4.3), 67.6% of the interviewees are women. The analysis shows that the risk to be "Player at risk/Moderate gambling problems/Serious game problems" is significantly associated with the following independent variables: male gender (aOR 5.15); "Do you live with your family? No" (aOR 2.98); "perceived health status: low" (aOR 2.51); "Risky consumption of alcohol: At Risk" (aOR 3.40).

It is important to develop an effective gambling prevention program that will reduce the risk that youths will develop gambling problems. Participation in the prevention program significantly improves youths' attitudes and knowledge regarding gambling activities.