Influence of co-occurring mental and substance use disorders on the prevalence of problem gambling in Canada.
BACKGROUND
Research has shown that problem gambling (PG) is associated with substance use disorders (SUD) and also with other mental disorders (MD). Nevertheless, evidence about the relative contribution of each type of disorder for the risk of gambling in the population is very limited.


OBJECTIVE
Study the association of SUD, alone and in combination with MD, with the prevalence and severity of PG.


METHODS
Cross-sectional national survey (Canadian Community Health Survey-Mental Health and Well-Being) data collected through a multi-stage stratified cluster design.


METHODS
Population-based household survey.


METHODS
This analysis includes data on 36 885 participants (99.7% of the survey sample).


METHODS
The prevalence and severity of PG were measured using the Canadian Problem Gambling Index. Prevalence of MD (mood and anxiety disorders) and SUD were defined according to the World Mental Health Survey Initiative Composite International Diagnostic Interview, following definitions of the DSM-IV.


RESULTS
Compared to the population, higher prevalence rates of PG are observed when the severity of SUD is higher, but are not impacted by the co-occurrence of MD. For individuals with low risk and moderate risk/problem gambling, the prevalence rate difference (prevalence rate in the subgroup minus prevalence rate in the population) observed among substance dependents was reduced when MD co-occurred (from a prevalence rate difference of 2.5; 99% confidence interval 1.6-3.8 to 1.6; 99% confidence interval 1.2-2.2 for low risk gamblers and from 3.7; 99% confidence interval 1.6-5.5 to 2.9; 99% confidence interval 2.0-4.3 for moderate risk/problem gamblers). Estimates were not statistically different.


CONCLUSIONS
Prevalence of all levels of PG increased with SUD severity, but the pattern did not appear to be affected by MD co-occurrence. Results suggest particular attention be given to SUD in treatment-seeking clients with co-occurring disorders.
Rush
Brian R
BR
Health Systems Research and Consulting Unit, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada. brian_rush@camh.net
Bassani
Diego G
DG
Urbanoski
Karen A
KA
Castel
Saulo
S
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002170:Canada / Q000453:epidemiology; D015897:Comorbidity; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005715:Gambling / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012737:Sex Factors; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*