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Published in: Journal of Gambling Studies 2/2006

01-06-2006

Factors Associated with Gamblers: A Population-based Cross-sectional Study of South Australian Adults

Authors: Tiffany Gill, Eleonora Dal Grande, Anne W. Taylor

Published in: Journal of Gambling Studies | Issue 2/2006

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Abstract

Objective

To determine, using a random telephone survey, the prevalence of various gambling activities among South Australian adults, the prevalence of adult problem gamblers using the South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS) instrument, and to examine the problem gamblers by demographic and health-related risk factors.

Method

A random representative sample of South Australian adults selected from the Electronic White Pages. Overall, 6045 interviews were conducted (73.1% response rate) using Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing (CATI) technology.

Results

Overall, 75.6% (95% CI: 74.5–76.7) of respondents had participated in at least one gambling activity during the last 12 months and 2.0% (95% CI: 1.7–2.4) were identified to be problem gamblers. A wide range of factors was associated with problem gambling at a univariate level, when compared to frequent gamblers. The logistic regression analysis highlighted that problem gamblers were more likely to speak a language other than English, be employed part time and a smoker when compared to frequent gamblers. Problem gamblers were also more likely to have a mental health condition (according to the Kessler 10), have had suicidal thoughts and know of services for gambling problems.

Conclusion

There is a wide range of characteristics associated with problem gambling in South Australia. All of these factors need addressing during policy development to assist problem gamblers.
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Metadata
Title
Factors Associated with Gamblers: A Population-based Cross-sectional Study of South Australian Adults
Authors
Tiffany Gill
Eleonora Dal Grande
Anne W. Taylor
Publication date
01-06-2006
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Journal of Gambling Studies / Issue 2/2006
Electronic ISSN: 1573-3602
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10899-005-9007-z

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