SY17-1 * HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE CANADIAN LONGITUDINAL STUDIES ON PROBLEM GAMBLING

Abstract

Introduction. To report on highlights of a longitudinal study of gamblers, the Alberta Leisure, Lifestyle, Lifecycle Project (LLLP) as well as comparisons with the Ontario Quinte Study. Method. Five LLL cohorts of gamblers (ages 13–15, 18–20, 23–25, 43–45, and 63–65) have been recruited through Random Digit Dialing (RDD) since February 2006. The cohorts are stratified by large and small urban centers and over-sampled for at-risk gamblers. Four data collections have occurred with initial telephone and face-to-face interviews, followed by web-based surveys. The selection of survey instruments reflected a biopsychosocial model of gambling. Results. Recruitment at Time 1: N = 1808 – Feb – Oct ′06; Time 2: N = 1495 – Nov ′07 – Jun ′08; Time 3: N = 1316 – Jul ′09 – Mar ′10; and Time 4: N = 1343 – Feb – Oct ′11. (Overall Retention Rate 75.1% – 20 deceased). In addition, N = 679 blood and saliva samples were collected. For comparison, the Quinte study had N = 4121 and a Retention Rate 90.4% over 5 time intervals. Highlights include. 1. an analysis of patterns of continuity/discontinuity of problem gambling over 5 years; 2. identification of variables best predicting future problem gambling, coordinated with the Quinte study. Conclusion. Longitudinal studies provide unique insights into the trajectory of gambling behaviors.