Gambling problems and health functioning in individuals receiving disability.
OBJECTIVE
This study evaluated the rates and correlates of disordered gambling, with a focus on gambling behavior among participants receiving disability.


METHODS
The sample consisted of 723 patients seeking free or reduced-cost dental care. Participants completed the South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS), Short Form-12 Health Survey, Second Edition (SF-12v2), and questions assessing demographic characteristics and frequency and intensity of current gambling behaviors.


RESULTS
Results indicate a significantly higher prevalence of disordered gambling among participants receiving disability (26%) than in the remainder of the sample (14%; p < 0.001). Of the 135 individuals receiving disability, disordered gambling was associated with decreased physical and mental health functioning.


CONCLUSIONS
These data indicate that individuals receiving disability have high rates of disordered gambling, and gambling behavior in this population is associated with poorer health functioning. Results suggest that disordered gamblers who receive disability have an increased need for interventions to reduce gambling and associated problems.
Morasco
Benjamin J
BJ
Portland VA Medical Center, Portland, OR, USA.
Petry
Nancy M
NM
D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003237:Connecticut / Q000453:epidemiology; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000523:psychology*; D007174:Disruptive, Impulse Control, and Conduct Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D005715:Gambling; D006304:Health Status; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D018868:Insurance, Disability / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D008603:Mental Health; D015999:Multivariate Analysis