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Association between experiencing gambling problems and adverse behavioral health outcomes among U.S. military service
Matthew R Beymer1, Erin M Anderson Goodell1, Charles W Hoge2
1Division of Behavioral and Social Health Outcomes Practice, Defense Centers for Public Health-Aberdeen, Defense Health Agency, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Aberdeen, Maryland, USA.
Background And Objectives:
Gambling screening in the US military was mandated in 2019, but few studies have assessed the prevalence of experiencing gambling problems or its association with adverse behavioral health concerns.
Methods:
This secondary analysis used data from active-duty U.S. military service members participating in the 2018 iteration of the Health-Related Behaviors Survey (n = 17,098). Individuals experiencing gambling problems were identified with the 2-item Lie-Bet screener, a well-validated screener. Psychological distress was measured with the Kessler-6. Outcomes also included measures for insufficient sleep, tobacco use, marijuana use, and binge drinking. Weighted multivariable logistic regressions were used to evaluate associations.
Results:
Approximately 1.6% of the weighted sample were identified as service members experiencing gambling problems. Individuals experiencing gambling problems had 3.1-fold greater odds of severe psychological distress when compared to those who screened negative (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 2.06-4.67). Similar associations were observed for individuals experiencing gambling problems and insufficient sleep, tobacco use, and binge drinking. There was no association detected between individuals experiencing gambling problems and marijuana use.
Discussion And Conclusion:
A very small percentage of U.S. military service members were identified as experiencing gambling problems. Service members experiencing gambling problems had a significantly greater adjusted odds of psychological distress, insufficient sleep, tobacco use, and binge drinking.
Scientific Significance:
Additional research is needed to assess the potential benefits and risks of the new mandatory military screening effort, and how best to support service members and their families in mitigating deleterious health concerns associated with experiencing gambling problems.
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