Abstract
Aims: This study aimed to compare the prevalence in different gambling types as well as problem gambling in the Nordic countries, examining gambling, leisure activities, school truancy, parental relations and consumption of alcohol and other substances as covariates for problem gambling. Methods: Cross-country data were provided by the European Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs (ESPAD) 2015. Prevalence of gambling and potential covariates were analysed for Denmark, Finland, Iceland Norway and Sweden (N=13,172 respondents aged 16 years), while analyses regarding problem gambling only included countries that participated in the optional questions on gambling problems (Denmark, Finland and Sweden; N=8108). We tested variables for problem gambling by bivariate logistic regression and multivariate logistic regression. Results: Cross-country differences were found in gambling and problem gambling, as well as differences in covariates for problem gambling. Sweden had the lowest rate of problem gambling. No significant difference was found between Denmark and Finland. Reports of too much gaming, inhalants, slots, betting and online gambling were positively associated with problem gambling, while parental monitoring and parental caring had a negative association. The relevance of the covariates varied across countries. Conclusions: Results indicate that although gambling regulation and its implementation have an important impact on gambling behaviour, we need more research on social, economic and cultural factors and how youth understand and interact with them. Contexts and regulations in other related fields should inform gambling research, policies and interventions.
Highlights
Gambling-related harm comprises financial, social and health problems [1,2], co-morbid conditions that have been confirmed through both clinical and epidemiological studies [3,4,5]
Sweden had the lowest rate of problem gambling (5.4%; 95% confidence intervals (CI) 4.5–6.3)
There was no significant difference between Denmark (8.6%; 95% CI 7.3– 10.0) and Finland (9.0%; 95% CI 8.1–9.9; Table I)
Summary
Gambling-related harm comprises financial, social and health problems [1,2], co-morbid conditions that have been confirmed through both clinical and epidemiological studies [3,4,5]. Gambling problems among adolescents are associated with depressive symptoms [6], alcohol and drug problems [7] and delinquent behaviour [8]. In the Nordic context, studies examining proportions of problem gambling among adolescents have been based on national prevalence studies using different instruments and conducted in different time periods [16,17], making valid comparisons complicated. Data from the European Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs (ESPAD) 2015 have presented comparisons of the prevalence of gambling among 16-year-olds in Europe, including all the Nordic countries [18,19]. Significant differences between countries or levels of prevalence of problem gambling have not been presented for 2015, the latest survey. Data regarding problem gambling are only available for the Nordic countries that opt to
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