scholarly journals Early Detection of Pathological Gambling: Betting on GPs’ Beliefs and Attitudes

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sophia Achab ◽  
Anne Chatton ◽  
Riaz Khan ◽  
Gabriel Thorens ◽  
Louise Penzenstadler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pathological Gambling ◽  
Screening Tools ◽  
Online Gambling ◽  
Treatment Programs ◽  
Public Health Approach ◽  
Management Skills ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Screening Practice ◽  
Problem Gamblers ◽  
French Speaking

Pathological gambling (PG) is an addictive disorder with harm related to the high psychiatric comorbidity and increased suicidal risk. Prevalence rates in general population range from 0.2% to 2.1%. Problem gamblers are hard to attract to treatment programs for several proper reasons and for obstacles (e.g., accessibility). To address these obstacles, primary care (where the problem gambling (PrG) prevalence seems to be 6.2%) has a crucial role to play (i.e., identifying and referring patients to specialized treatment programs and treating at first line when needed and possible) in the era of online gambling offer expansion. The present work aimed to collect data on resources in the field from GPs themselves, using a 24-item online questionnaire. Swiss French-speaking participants were asked about their screening practice and knowledge. The results state that the vast majority of them are aware of the existence and the potential impact of PrG on their patients. However, PrG screening is not systematic and their knowledge of adequate treatments or referral methods is scarce. GPs being central to health screening in general, targeted advice and training on short screening tools and better knowledge of referral pathways should be promoted and continued to empower the GP’s management skills in a public health approach.

scholarly journals Being a Gambler during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Study with Italian Patients and the Effects of Reduced Exposition

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 424
Author(s):  
Maria Anna Donati ◽  
Silvia Cabrini ◽  
Daniela Capitanucci ◽  
Caterina Primi ◽  
Roberta Smaniotto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Structural Characteristics ◽  
Gambling Behavior ◽  
Online Gambling ◽  
Problem Gamblers ◽  
Electronic Gambling Machines ◽  
Electronic Gambling ◽  
Gambling Market ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Gambling Activities

The COVID-19 pandemic, with the consequent lockdown of about 3 months, can be viewed as an experimental model to observe the impact of the depletion of environmental factors that stimulate gambling, particularly electronic gambling machines (EGMs) that were set to zero. The effects of some structural characteristics of gambling activities that increase gambling behavior were studied among disordered gamblers in treatment in this unique scenario. In fact, studies investigating the effects of the lockdown on problem gamblers (PGs) under treatment are missing. The aims of this study were to analyze patients’ gambling behavior and craving during the lockdown and to conduct a comparison between gambling disorder (GD) symptoms at the beginning of the treatment and during lockdown. The study was conducted in Italy, the European country with the largest gambling market and the first to be affected by the virus. Data were collected through a semi-structured telephone interview conducted by healthcare professionals. Participants were 135 PGs under treatment (109 males, mean age = 50.07). Results showed that most PGs achieved a significant improvement in their quality of life, with less gambling behavior, GD symptoms, and lower craving. No shift toward online gambling and very limited shift towards other potential addictive and excessive behaviors occurred. The longer the treatment, the more monitoring is present and the better the results in terms of symptoms reduction. Individual and environmental characteristics during the lockdown favored the reduction in symptoms. Consideration for prevention and treatment are discussed.

scholarly journals Assessing Overall Diet Quality: Development and Evaluation of the Performance of a Short Self-Administrated Questionnaire SCASA

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 677
Author(s):  
Maaike Kruseman ◽  
Angeline Chatelan ◽  
Eddy Farina ◽  
Isabelle Carrard ◽  
Jeremy Cela ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diet Quality ◽  
Quantitative Assessment ◽  
Construct Validation ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
The Self ◽  
Food Record ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Altman Plot ◽  
Bland Altman Plot ◽  
French Speaking

Several tools assessing diet quality have been developed over the last decades, but their use in public health and clinical practice is limited because they necessitate detailed quantitative assessment of food intake. Our goal was to develop and validate a score (Score d’Alimentation Saine, SCASA) based on a short self-administrated online questionnaire to assess overall diet quality. SCASA targets the adult population in French-speaking Switzerland, but it was designed in a way enabling its adaptation for other regions. The choice of the items involved experts and lay volunteers. Construct validation and inter-method reliability were assessed by screening meal plans and by comparing the self-rated scores with food-record derived scores (kappa and Bland–Altman). SCASA (17 components) discriminated adequately balanced from imbalanced meal plans (93–95% and 44–46% of maximal score). Agreement between self-assessed and food record-based scores ranged between >90% (3 items), 80–89% (3 items), 70–79% (4 items), and <70% (5 items). The Bland–Altman plot showed a mean difference of −1.60 (95% CI −2.36 to −0.84), indicating a slight overestimation of the self-assessed diet quality compared to the food record. SCASA offers a reliable way to assess overall diet quality without requiring burdensome data collection or nutrient calculations.

Dancers’ Perceptions of Accessibility and Quality of the Relationship with Healthcare Professionals in Quebec

2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (4) ◽  
pp. 245-262
Author(s):  
Lara Haikal ◽  
Ève Boissonnault ◽  
Mathieu Boudier-Revéret ◽  
Jehane H Dagher
Keyword(s):  
Care Physician ◽  
Expert Advice ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
French Speaking ◽  
Physician Relationship ◽  
Professional Dance ◽  
Short Answer Questions ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Pearson Correlations

OBJECTIVE: To understand dancers’ perception of accessibility to care and quality of the relationship with healthcare practitioners in Quebec; to identify the key elements of an optimal dancer–physician relationship; and to propose recommendations for improvement. METHODS: An online questionnaire consisting of multiple choice, “yes/no,” and short answer questions was sent to professional dance organizations, companies, agencies, and schools in Quebec, Canada. Information regarding the dance artists’ sociodemographics, dance background, dance-related injuries, and access to a primary care physician were collected. Experiences and expectations regarding the dancer–physician relationship were surveyed. One-way ANOVA analyses and Pearson correlations were performed to assess differences of perception between dancers’ demographic characteristics and associations between the variables. RESULTS: Out of 161 participants, 144 met inclusion criteria, consisting of largely French-speaking females, North American or European decent, self-employed contemporary dancers with an average age of 33.13 ± 10.81 yrs. Dance artists sought medical care from osteopaths (47.9%) and physiotherapists (36.1%) more frequently than from physicians (8.3%). Fully employed dancers had more favorable perceptions of the dancer–physician relationship compared to self-employed dancers and those who had mixed streams of income. The perception of most participants was that physicians do not comprehend the unique dance-associated impacts on health (81.8%). The most important aspect affecting perception of the relationship with the physician was diagnostic acumen (41.3%). Most participants (79.0%) selected “works with other health professionals [...] and gives expert advice” as an important expectation from physicians. CONCLUSION: This research is the first investigation of the dancer–physician relationship in Quebec. It reveals a desire amongst the dance artist community to improve the dancer–physician relationship and the overall quality of their unique healthcare requirements.

Attitudes Towards Assisted Suicide Among Hospital Workers: Results of a Large Multiprofessional Survey in French-Speaking Switzerland

2021 ◽  
Vol 66 (Special Issue) ◽  
pp. 102-103
Author(s):  
Ralf J. Jox ◽  
◽  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Associated Factors ◽  
Assisted Suicide ◽  
Hospital Setting ◽  
Favorable Attitude ◽  
Hospital Workers ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Roles And Responsibilities ◽  
French Speaking ◽  
Tertiary Hospitals

"Background: Worldwide, assisted dying is currently on the rise. For health care professionals (HCP), this raises questions regarding roles and responsibilities. Switzerland is a social laboratory for a non-medicalized form of suicide assistance (SA). Aims: To describe experiences and attitudes of Swiss HCP toward SA in the hospital setting and to identify associated factors. Methods: An online questionnaire survey targeted all HCP involved in patient care at two tertiary hospitals in French-speaking Switzerland. The primary outcome was a favorable attitude toward SA. Associated factors were assessed using logistic regression. Results: A total of 5127 professionals responded (37.1%). The sample was representative of the hospitals, with 74% being female, 52% nurses, 23% physicians and 25% other professions. 69% supported the view that each HCP should have the choice to participate or not in SA. The majority favored access to SA in case of severe somatic illnesses, irrespective of prognosis, but less for patients with mental disorders or healthy seniors. 60% of all HCP were generally ready to be involved in SA, but only 30% of physicians would prescribe a lethal substance. 58% of HCP would consider assisted suicide for themselves in certain circumstances. Independent factors associated with a favorable attitude toward SA were: younger age, graduation in Switzerland, non-physician profession. Working in palliative care or being protestant was associated with a less favorable attitude. Conclusion: The diverse attitudes of HCP suggest that the Swiss model of SA may have to be reconsidered, including the question about the participation of hospital workers. "

scholarly journals Gender Differences in Problem Gamblers in an Online Gambling Setting

2020 ◽  
Vol Volume 13 ◽  
pp. 681-691
Author(s):  
Anders Håkansson ◽  
Carolina Widinghoff
Keyword(s):  
Gender Differences ◽  
Online Gambling ◽  
Problem Gamblers

FC18-02 - Cognitive distortions among online gamblers

2011 ◽  
Vol 26 (S2) ◽  
pp. 1911-1911
Author(s):  
T.-L. MacKay ◽  
D. Hodgins ◽  
N. Bard ◽  
M. Bowling
Keyword(s):  
Problem Gambling ◽  
Cognitive Distortions ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Empirical Support ◽  
Online Gambling ◽  
Gambling Problems ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Addictive Disorders ◽  
Gambling Severity ◽  
Online Gamblers

Addictive disorders are being increasingly influenced by technology and one of the most recent developments is for gamblers to access games via the Internet. Prevalence data show that up to 10% of the population gamble online and studies have consistently indicated that Internet gamblers are particularly susceptible to developing gambling problems. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore differences between Internet and non-Internet gamblers to help determine why online gamblers are more likely to have gambling problems. Three hundred and seventy four participants (143 online gamblers, 172 males) from a large Canadian university completed an online questionnaire to investigate demographic, medium-related, comorbid psychological and cognitive factors with strong empirical support for contributing to problem gambling severity. Variables that significantly differentiated Internet and non-Internet gamblers in a univariate analyses were entered into a logistic regression to predict online gambling. A test of the full model was statistically significant, correctly classifying 77% of gamblers (64% of Internet gamblers and 85% of non-Internet gamblers). Cognitive distortions made an independent contribution to predicting Internet gamblers from those that had never wagered online. A hierarchical linear regression analysis revealed that cognitive distortions added significantly to problem gambling severity among online gamblers after controlling for other contributing variables. The findings have implications for clinicians working with Internet gamblers to specifically address thoughts related to luck, perseverance and illusion of control. As gambling technologies change and evolve, research needs to inform practice by identifying possible causal factors contributing to problem severity.

Youth gambling: A public health perspective

2005 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carmen Messerlian ◽  
Jeffrey L. Derevensky
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Policy Development ◽  
Treatment Programs ◽  
Public Health Approach ◽  
Youth Gambling ◽  
Public Health Perspective ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
New Perspective ◽  
Support Research

Over the last decade research in the area of youth gambling has led to a better understanding of the risk factors, trajectories and problems associated with this behaviour. At the same time, governments have begun to recognize the importance of youth gambling and have offered to support research and treatment programs. Yet, public health and prevention in the realm of youth gambling has only recently drawn the attention of researchers and health professionals. Early work by Korn and Shaffer (1999) set the groundwork for a public health approach to gambling. This paper attempts to apply health promotion theory to youth gambling and describes a conceptual framework and model. Strategies focus on addressing risk and protective factors through community mobilization, health communication, and policy development. It is anticipated that this paper will provide future directions and serve as a starting point for addressing youth gambling issues from this new perspective.

Association of Pathological Gambling with Depression in Scotland

2006 ◽  
Vol 99 (2) ◽  
pp. 407-417 ◽  
Author(s):  
Crawford Moodie ◽  
Frances Finnigan
Keyword(s):  
Pathological Gambling ◽  
Depressive Symptomatology ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Epidemiologic Studies ◽  
Small Community ◽  
South Oaks Gambling Screen ◽  
Pathological Gamblers ◽  
Problem Gamblers ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Cluster Design

As most research concerning gambling and depression has been conducted on clinical populations, the present study examined the relationship between gambling and depression across a large sample in Scotland in higher education and the community. A questionnaire-based cluster design involved the distribution of the South Oaks Gambling Screen and the Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale mainly to students and staff of higher educational establishments, with small community and gambling samples also included. Thirty-seven colleges and universities across Scotland participated in the research, with a sample of 2,259 people aged sixteen years of age or over ( M = 28.9 yr., SD = 13.4) being obtained. It was found that past-year probable pathological gamblers had significantly higher depression than problem gamblers, nonproblem gamblers, and nongamblers. However, when probable pathological gamblers who had sought treatment were omitted from the analysis, the nontreatment-seeking probable pathological gambling group no longer had significantly higher depression than the problem gambling group. Female problem and probable pathological gamblers had particularly high depressive symptomatology, suggesting comorbid depression may be a prominent feature of problematic female gambling.

scholarly journals Gambling in COVID-19 Lockdown in the UK: Depression, Stress, and Anxiety

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steve Sharman ◽  
Amanda Roberts ◽  
Henrietta Bowden-Jones ◽  
John Strang
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Problem Gambling ◽  
Potential Problem ◽  
Anxiety Scale ◽  
Effect Sizes ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Problem Gamblers ◽  
Uk Government ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

To combat the spread of COVID-19, the UK Government implemented a range of “lockdown” measures. Lockdown has necessarily changed the gambling habits of gamblers in the UK, and the impact of these measures on the mental health of gamblers is unknown. To understand the impact of lockdown on gamblers, in April 2020, after ~6 weeks of lockdown, participants (N = 1,028, 72% female) completed an online questionnaire. Gambling engagement data was collected for pre-lockdown via the Brief Problem Gambling Screen (BPGS) allowing participants to be classified as Non-Gamblers (NG), Non-Problem Gamblers (NPG) or Potential Problem Gamblers (PPG). The Depression, Stress, and Anxiety Scale (DASS21) was used to measure depression, stress, and anxiety scores both pre- and during-lockdown. Results indicate that depression, stress and anxiety has increased across the whole sample. Participants classified in the PPG group reported higher scores on each sub scale at both baseline and during lockdown. Increases were observed on each DASS21 subscale, for each gambler group, however despite variable significance and effect sizes, the magnitude of increases did not differ between groups. Lockdown has had a significant impact on mental health of participants; whilst depression stress and anxiety remain highest in potential problem gamblers, pre-lockdown gambler status did not affect changes in DASS21 scores.

scholarly journals Applying the DSM-5 Criteria for Gambling Disorder to Online Gambling Account-Based Tracking Data: An Empirical Study Utilizing Cluster Analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maris Catania ◽  
Mark D. Griffiths
Keyword(s):  
Cluster Analysis ◽  
Customer Service ◽  
Gambling Disorder ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Online Gambling ◽  
Gambling Behaviour ◽  
Tracking Data ◽  
Transaction Data ◽  
Problem Gamblers ◽  
Dsm 5

AbstractThe emergence of online gambling has raised concerns about potential gambling-related harm, and various measures have been implemented in order to minimise harm such as identifying and/or predicting potential markers of harm. The present study explored how the nine DSM-5 criteria for gambling disorder can be operationalised in terms of actual online gambling behaviour using account-based gambling tracking data. The authors were given access to an anonymised sample of 982 gamblers registered with an online gambling operator. The data collected for these gamblers consisted of their first three months’ gambling activity. The data points included customer service contacts, number of hours spent gambling, number of active days, deposit amounts and frequency, the number of times a responsible gambling tool (such as deposit limit) were removed by the gamblers themselves, number of cancelled withdrawals, number of third-party requests, number of registered credit cards, and frequency of requesting bonuses through customer service (i.e., the number of instances of ‘bonus begging’). Using these metrics, most of the DSM-5 criteria for gambling disorder can be operationalized (at least to some extent) using actual transaction data. These metrics were then applied to a sample of online gamblers, and through cluster analysis four types of online gambler based on these metrics (non-problem gamblers, at-risk gamblers, financially vulnerable gamblers, and emotionally vulnerable gamblers) were identified. The present study is the first to examine the application of the DSM-5 criteria of gambling disorder to actual gambling behaviour using online gambling transaction data and suggests ways that gambling operators could identify problem gamblers online without the need for self-report diagnostic screening instruments.

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