Gambling-related disorders among adolescents and young adults in sub-Saharan Africa: An exploratory analysis of...

Gambling is growing at an alarming rate in Benin, particularly among students. This population, seeking independence and success, is especially vulnerable to the risks of disorders associated with these practices.

to determine the prevalence of, and identify factors associated with disorders related to gambling in universities in Benin.

This is a cross-sectional analytical study involving 1,360 Beninese students. Gambling-related disorders were assessed using the diagnostic criteria of the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V). Associated factors were explored using multiple logistic regression.

Of the 1,360 students, 455 (33.5%) were gamblers, 89 of whom were classified as having gambling-related disorders, representing a prevalence of 6.5% among all students and 19.6% [95% CI: 15.9%–23.2%] among gamblers. The distribution of disorders was as follows: 12.1% mild, 6.8% moderate, and 0.7% severe. After adjustment, factors associated with these disorders were age (p=0.007), having a gambling app on one’s phone (p<0.001), friends’ influence on decision-making (p=0.014), frequency of gambling (p=0.012), betting with money belonging to others (p=0.006), duration of engagement in online gambling (p=0.032), and anxiety (p<0.001).

This study highlights the extent of gambling-related disorders in Beninese universities. It emphasizes the need for stricter regulation and targeted preventive measures to address this still insufficiently recognized public health problem.