Affected Other Prevalence and Profiles: Findings from a Cross-Sectional Australian Population-Representative Gambling...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Psychology
• Sociology

Background:

• Gambling-related harm frequently impacts family and friends, referred to as affected others (AOs).
• Population-representative data on AO prevalence and characteristics remain scarce.
• Understanding AO profiles is crucial for developing effective support interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To estimate the prevalence of AO status and professional help-seeking in the general population.
• To identify the socio-demographic and gambling profiles of AOs.
• To examine the mental health characteristics of AOs, controlling for confounders.
• To explore gender as a moderator in the relationships between AO status and negative outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from 5000 adult respondents in the Fourth Social and Economic Impact Study of Gambling in Tasmania.
• Assessed AO status, help-seeking behaviors, socio-demographic factors, and mental health indicators.
• Employed statistical analyses to determine prevalence, profiles, and moderating effects of gender.

Main Results:

• Past-year AO prevalence was 5.11%, with only 14.15% seeking help for another's gambling.
• AOs were more likely to be younger, Australian-born, employed, and living with children.
• AOs reported higher rates of depression, anxiety, binge drinking, tobacco, and drug use, independent of socio-demographics.
• AOs were more likely to gamble and experience gambling problems, yet few sought help for their own gambling.

Conclusions:

• A significant portion of the adult population experiences harm as affected others.
• AOs exhibit distinct socio-demographic and mental health profiles, often linked to their own gambling.
• There is a critical unmet need for accessible mental health and gambling harm support for affected others.