Problematic Gambling and Associated Factors Among Sports Bettors in Jimma Town Betting Centers, South West Ethiopia

Abstract

Abstract Background: problematic gambling is a silent epidemic that is ruining the mental health of many individuals with far-reaching consequences on mental health, economical and overall wellbeing. It is now an issue of growing concern in developing countries. Over the last three years, sports betting has expanded rapidly in Ethiopia. However, there is a scarcity of studies conducted on problematic gambling among sports bettors in Ethiopia. So, the aim of this study was to assess problematic gambling and its associated factors among sports bettors in Jimma town betting center, Ethiopia,2021Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional survey was conducted among 422 sports bettors. A consecutive sampling technique was employed to select study participants. Problematic gambling was assessed by South Oaks Gambling Screening tool. Data were collected using pre-tested interviewer-administered structured questionnaires. The collected data were coded and entered into EPI data Version 4.6 and exported to SPSS Version 26.0 for analysis. Descriptive statistics, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were done. Statistical significance of association was declared at P-values less than 0.05 with 95%CI in the final model.Result: A total of 414 participants were involved in the study with a response rate of 98.1%. The overall prevalence of problematic gambling among the study participants was 53.9%.Age between (25-31) years (AOR=4.89(1.42-16.87)),unemployed(AOR=3.56(1.99-6.41)),current alcohol use (AOR =3.89,95%CI (2.25-6.72)), positive attitude towards sports betting(AOR =2.57,95%CI (1.49-4.44)), easily availability of betting center (AOR= 2.23,95%CI (1.23-4.00)), accessibility of internet service (AOR=4.51,95%CI (1.84-11.06)), media advertising such as DSTV (AOR= 3.15,95%CI (1.78-5.56)) and Facebook/telegram use (AOR= 3.59,95%CI (1.46-8.83)) were significantly associated with problematic gambling.Conclusion: The finding of this study showed that the prevalence of problematic gambling among sports bettors was high. Age between (25-31) years old, unemployment, current alcohol use, positive attitude towards sports betting, easily availability of betting center, accessibility of internet service, media advertising such as Dstv and social media like Facebook/telegram were associated with problematic gambling. Problematic gambling is a public health issue that requires great emphasis. Concerted actions from governmental and non-governmental organization are needed to mitigate the problem.