Gambling problems in the family – A stratified probability sample study of prevalence and reported consequences
2008

Gambling Problems in the Family: A Study of Prevalence and Consequences

Sample size: 3483 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Wenzel Hanne Gro, Øren Anita, Bakken Inger Johanne

Primary Institution: St Olav University Hospital, Norway

Hypothesis

Problem gambling in the family might lead to family conflicts and could have an impact on CSO health.

Conclusion

Problematic gambling behaviour not only affects the gambling individual but also has a strong impact on the quality of life of family members.

Supporting Evidence

  • 2.0% of the study population were defined as Concerned Significant Others (CSOs).
  • CSOs reported experiencing conflicts in the family related to gambling.
  • Young age, female gender, and divorced marital status were positively associated with being a CSO.

Takeaway

When someone in the family has a gambling problem, it can cause a lot of stress and problems for everyone else in the family.

Methodology

A national postal questionnaire study with a stratified probability sample of individuals aged 16-74 from the Norwegian population.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to self-reported data and the lack of validated criteria for Concerned Significant Others.

Limitations

The study had a low response rate of 36.1%, and the instrument used to assess problem gambling in the family was not validated.

Participant Demographics

The sample consisted of 53.1% women and 46.9% men, with a diverse age distribution.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.001

Confidence Interval

95% CI: 1.6–2.5

Statistical Significance

p<0.001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2458-8-412

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication