Martin Wejbera1, Klaus Wölfling2, Michael Dreier2, Matthias Michal2, Elmar Brähler2, Jörg Wiltink2, Andreas Schulz3, Philipp S Wild3,4,5, Thomas Münzel5,6, Jochem König7, Karl Lackner8, Norbert Pfeiffer9, Manfred E Beutel2. 1. Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany. martin.wejbera@unimedizin-mainz.de. 2. Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany. 3. Preventive Cardiology and Preventive Medicine - Center for Cardiology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany. 4. Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany. 5. DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Rhine-Main, Mainz, Germany. 6. Center for Cardiology - Cardiology I, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany. 7. Institute of Medical Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany. 8. Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany. 9. Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Gambling Disorder (GD) has been associated with considerable mental and physical health risks in clinical samples. The paper determines risk factors, mental and physical health burden of probable GD for both men and women in the general population. METHODS: In the Gutenberg Health Study, a population-based sample of N = 11,875 aged 40-80 years was analyzed regarding lifetime probable GD prevalence (measured with the Lie/ Bet Questionnaire) and a wide array of health variables including standardized measures of depression, anxiety, and somatic symptoms. RESULTS: Probable GD lifetime prevalence was 2.1%, with higher rates among 1st generation migrants (5.5%; vs. non-migrants 1.6%), men (3.0%; vs. women 1.2%), and the sample's youngest age decade (40-49 y., 3.1%). Lifetime probable GD was associated with current work-related, family and financial stressors as well as unhealthy behavior (smoking, extended screen time), and lifetime legal offenses. In men, but not in women, increased rates of imprisonment, mental and somatic symptoms were found. CONCLUSIONS: GD is a major public health problem with serious social, mental and physical health burden. Epidemiological findings underscore the preponderance of GD among 1st generation migrants and men. Findings are consistent with a vicious cycle of family, work related and financial stress factors, and mental and physical burden, particularly in men. Demographic risk factors may help to target specific prevention and treatment efforts.
BACKGROUND:Gambling Disorder (GD) has been associated with considerable mental and physical health risks in clinical samples. The paper determines risk factors, mental and physical health burden of probable GD for both men and women in the general population. METHODS: In the Gutenberg Health Study, a population-based sample of N = 11,875 aged 40-80 years was analyzed regarding lifetime probable GD prevalence (measured with the Lie/ Bet Questionnaire) and a wide array of health variables including standardized measures of depression, anxiety, and somatic symptoms. RESULTS: Probable GD lifetime prevalence was 2.1%, with higher rates among 1st generation migrants (5.5%; vs. non-migrants 1.6%), men (3.0%; vs. women 1.2%), and the sample's youngest age decade (40-49 y., 3.1%). Lifetime probable GD was associated with current work-related, family and financial stressors as well as unhealthy behavior (smoking, extended screen time), and lifetime legal offenses. In men, but not in women, increased rates of imprisonment, mental and somatic symptoms were found. CONCLUSIONS:GD is a major public health problem with serious social, mental and physical health burden. Epidemiological findings underscore the preponderance of GD among 1st generation migrants and men. Findings are consistent with a vicious cycle of family, work related and financial stress factors, and mental and physical burden, particularly in men. Demographic risk factors may help to target specific prevention and treatment efforts.
Entities:
Keywords:
GD associations; GD prevalence; Gambling disorder; Gender differences in GD; Migration background in GD; Population survey
Authors: Benjamin J Morasco; Robert H Pietrzak; Carlos Blanco; Bridget F Grant; Deborah Hasin; Nancy M Petry Journal: Psychosom Med Date: 2006 Nov-Dec Impact factor: 4.312