title: Attitudes Towards Gambling, Gambling Problems, and Treatment Among Hispanics in Imperial County, CA.
abstract: Gambling problems are associated with a wide range of serious negative personal, social, health, and mental health consequences and are an important public health concern. Some data suggest that gambling problems may be more prevalent among Hispanics, but few studies have been conducted in this community. The aim of the current study was to gather community-based, gambling-related data in order to increase understanding of gambling problems and their treatment in the Hispanic community. We conducted a mixed-methods study of gambling behavior and attitudes towards gambling, those with gambling problems, and professional treatment for gambling problems in a publicly funded health center serving a primarily Hispanic clientele. Study participants included clinic staff and clinic patients. All participants completed a brief, self-report survey; however, staff participated in a focus group on gambling issues and patients were interviewed individually about gambling issues. Nearly 80 % of patients had gambled in the past month, as compared to about 36 % of clinic staff. Survey data showed that patients had many risk factors for gambling problems. Focus group and interview information indicated that most viewed gambling problems as a form of addiction, the elderly were seen as being at increased risk for gambling problems, and gambling outings represented one of the few recreational opportunities in the region. The majority of both staff and patients believed that there was a need for gambling-related treatment services in the county; however, a notable minority of patients said that they would first seek help from a trusted relative or family member. Possible avenues to increase awareness of, screening for, and treatment for gambling problems may include collaborations with publicly funded health care centers and the training of promotoras to serve as an interface between health services and the community.
authors.affiliation: Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California at Los Angeles, 760 Westwood Plaza, Suite 38-167, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA. mdcampos@mednet.ucla.edu.
authors.forename: Michael D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Campos
authors.affiliation: Departments of Psychiatry, Family Medicine, and Public Health, University of California at San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA.
authors.forename: Alvaro
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Camacho
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, California State University at San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA.
authors.forename: Karina
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Pereda
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, California State University at San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA.
authors.forename: Katricia
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Santana
authors.affiliation: Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California at Los Angeles, 760 Westwood Plaza, Suite 38-167, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
authors.forename: Iberia
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Calix
authors.affiliation: Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California at Los Angeles, 760 Westwood Plaza, Suite 38-167, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
authors.forename: Timothy W
authors.initials: TW
authors.lastname: Fong
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001294:Attitude to Health / Q000208:ethnology*; D005260:Female; D005715:Gambling / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006630:Hispanic or Latino / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000208:ethnology*; D012309:Risk-Taking; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
keywords: Gambling problems; Help seeking; Hispanics; Mixed methods