Related Experiment Videos
Pathological gamblers--will they use a new telephone hotline?
S Sullivan1, M Abbott, B McAvoy
1Department of General Practice, Auckland School of Medicine.
The New Zealand Medical Journal
|August 10, 1994
Summary
A new national hotline effectively reached pathological gamblers, with over 90% reporting suicidal ideation. However, engagement with Maori, Pacific Islanders, and less severe cases needs improvement.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Public Health
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Pathological gambling is a serious issue with significant mental health consequences.
- Access to help for gambling disorders can be a barrier for affected individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the accessibility and characteristics of individuals seeking help for pathological gambling via a new national hotline.
- To compare hotline callers with pathological gambling to a community-based sample.
Main Methods:
- Standard diagnostic screens and sociodemographic data were used for 329 callers over 3 months.
- Pathological gamblers contacting the hotline were compared to a nationwide epidemiological survey sample.
Main Results:
- 167 pathological gamblers called the hotline; they were similar in gender and age to community samples.
- Maori and Pacific Islanders were underrepresented among callers.
- Over 90% of pathological gambler callers reported suicidal ideation.
Conclusions:
- The hotline successfully connects individuals with severe gambling problems and their support networks.
- High rates of suicidal ideation among callers align with previous findings on stress and depression in pathological gamblers.
- Targeted outreach is needed to engage underrepresented groups, including Maori, Pacific Islanders, and those with less severe gambling disorders.