The Adolescent Problem Gambling Prevalence Associated with Leisure-Time Activities and Risky Behaviors in Southern...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Adolescent Psychology
• Addiction Research

Background:

• Gambling addiction is a growing public health concern, particularly among youth.
• Previous research indicates links between problem gambling (PG) and substance use, as well as psychosocial and familial factors.
• Adolescent gambling-related harms necessitate understanding associated risk and protective factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the association between problem gambling (PG) and factors including sport, leisure activities, and risk-taking behaviors in adolescents.
• To identify predictors associated with PG in a representative sample of adolescents.
• To explore the influence of socio-demographic, familial, and behavioral factors on adolescent PG.

Main Methods:

• A survey on substance use and addictive behaviors was conducted in 2019 on 2240 adolescents (14-18 years) in Southern Spain.
• Data collected included socio-demographics, activities, family environment, PG (Lie-Bet Scale), compulsive internet use (CIUS Scale), and substance consumption.
• Statistical analyses involved chi-square tests and weighted logistic regression models to identify PG predictors.

Main Results:

• Problem gambling prevalence was associated with shopping frequency, compulsive internet use, and prior month cannabis use.
• Higher family economic status and having a homemaker father increased the likelihood of PG.
• Engaging in cultural hobbies (e.g., music, art) and having a working mother were inversely associated with PG.

Conclusions:

• Encouraging creative activities may protect adolescents against problem gambling.
• Supervising shopping habits and monitoring compulsive internet use and cannabis consumption are recommended interventions.
• Understanding the interplay of leisure activities, family factors, and substance use is crucial for preventing adolescent gambling addiction.