Supervisors info:
Παπαρρηγόπουλος Θωμάς, Καθηγητής, Ιατρική Σχολή, ΕΚΠΑ
Φωτίου Αναστάσιος, Διδάκτωρ, ΕΠΙΨΥ
Μαλλιώρη Μινέρβα-Μελπομένη, Ομότιμη Καθηγήτρια, Ιατρική Σχολή, ΕΚΠΑ
Summary:
Introduction: Homelessness and gambling disorder are both recognized as public health concerns, and although they initially do not appear to be directly related, the risk of co-existence and possible connection should not be ignored. The few studies that have been conducted on the gambling disorder among homeless populations have shown a high prevalence in comparison to the general population, and often co-morbidity with psychiatric disorders and other addictions.
Aim: This study looks into the extent and characteristics of gambling activity among the homeless and whether homelessness is linked to gambling activities in this population. More specifically, the objectives of the study are: 1) the calculation and depiction of the extent, frequency, pathology and context of gambling behavior in the daily lives of the homeless, 2) the investigation of co-morbidity with other addictions, 3) the search of socio-demographic factors.
Methodology: A cross- sectional study was carried out on a sample of 104 homeless people seeking assistance in homeless support/hospitality structures in the wider area of Athens from July to September 2020. The sample came from beneficiaries of two Night Shelters in Athens and Nikaia, two Shelters in Athens, two Community Centers in Athens and Piraeus, and one Soup Kitchen in Athens. The Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) was provided in order to assess gambling pathology, and participants were asked to answer questions about gambling frequency and type of gambling, the presence of other addictive behaviors and mental health problems, socio-economic characteristics, as well as homelessness conditions.
Results: A great number of participants (57.7%) have gambled the last 12 months, while 20.2% of the total sample meets the criteria for pathological gambling. Although the majority of participants abstain from substance use (Alcohol: 50%, Cannabis: 86.5%, Use of other illegal substances: 86.5%), it was found that cannabis use, but not on a daily basis, alcohol consumption four or more times a week, and alcohol consumption while gambling, are associated with higher average scores on the PGSI scale (p<0.05). In addition, separation in terms of marital status, dealing with family problems as the main cause of homelessness, and the urge to gamble after a major life event, are also associated with higher average scores on the PGSI scale (p<0.05).
Conclusions: The present study constitutes a first attempt to pinpoint the link between gambling problems and homelessness, two issues related to public health. The related findings show that the homeless population is a particularly vulnerable one to gambling disorder, but also to co-morbidity with other addictions. Homeless support professionals should be aware of this vulnerability, with a view to timely identification, prevention, and addressing gambling problems and their implications.
Keywords:
Gambling disorder, Homeless, Prevalence, Comorbidity
