Gambling in adolescents: A cross-sectional investigation of gender differences and associated factors (Preprint)

Abstract

Although gambling disorder is traditionally considered an adult phenomenon, the behaviour usually begins in childhood or adolescence.

The aim of this study was to explore the frequency of problem gambling among adolescents and suspected associated factors.

This study was based on data collected through a public health survey distributed in 2016 to pupils in 9th grade of primary school and in 2nd grade of secondary school. The response rate was 77% in 9th grade and 73% in 2nd grade. In total 13498 participants were included. Bayesian binomial regression models, with weakly informative priors, were used to examine whether the frequency of associated factors differed between those with and without problem gambling.

Ten percent of boys in 9th grade of primary school and 2nd grade of secondary school were classified as problem gamblers. For girls, the corresponding frequencies were one percent and less than one percent. Problem gambling was associated with poor sleep and having tried smoking, alcohol, and other substances among both boys and girls in 9th grade of primary school and boys in 2nd grade of secondary school. Girls with problem gambling in 2nd grade of secondary school were associated with an increased prevalence of having tried smoking and having tried other substances and an increased prevalence of poor sleep.

Using a large, representative sample of Swedish adolescents, we found that problem gambling was robustly associated with a substantially increased prevalence of poor sleep and having tried smoking, alcohol, and other substances among both boys and girls in 9th grade of primary school, as well as among boys in 2nd grade of secondary school. Our study adds important information for policy makers pointing at vulnerable groups to be considered in their work to prevent problem gambling.