Prevalence, Causal Factors and Impacts of Problem Gambling Among Adolescents of Some Selected Addis Ababa High Schools

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Date

2009-07

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Addis Ababa University

Abstract

Gambling is an increasingly a popular leisure activity enjoyeJ by adolescents and adliits. Most of those who do so experience few problems associated with gambling (Bilt, I-Iall and Shaffer, 1997}. However, some studies indicate that adolescents may have more trouble in controlling their gambling behavior than adults (Derevensky and Gupta, 1997). In general, the main objectives of the study were to explore the prevalence, causal factors and impacts of problem gambling and gambling behaviors. To do so, the researcher conducted a stuely on students of grades 9 and 10. From 422 students o/grades 9'" and 10''', 307 (181 lIIales and 126 females) were selected through purposive sampling technique. To investigate the causal factors and impacts of problem gambling, the researcher adapted questionnaire from Gallatin and Rainon (2007), and Derevensky el. ai, (2007). Fol' diagnosing adolescent problem gambling the researcher adopted criteria u.led by Diagnostic and Statistical Manual/or mental 17ealth1ulIl'lh version (DSM-1V) and Cumbiers Anonymous (GA}. Generally the study result shows that the prevalence 0/ gambling behavior is estirnmed 10 be 72.75%. Regarding the categories of gambling, probable problem gambling accounts (6. 43%}, at risk .lUI' severe problem galllblillg accuunts (38. 92%}, and /fUn -problelll gambling accounts (54.64%). Regarding the causal/acturs, all the causal factors idellt ijied (psychological, social, biulogical, accessibility of' ga/llbling venues, adwrtisclllellt (Iii gambling and drug abuse} are significantly correlCllcd to the adolescent galllbling behaviors and problem gambling 011 the DSM-lV and GA at p <O.UI . Finally the study alsu shull'S thu' the jJoychological, social and ecunomic il1lpat:ls are significantly correlated to adulescent problem gambling according to DSM-1V and CA criteria (// p<O.OI.

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Keywords

Prevalence, Causal Factors

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