Gambling and its associated factors among students of the University of Ilorin, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Studies have revealed a global surge in gambling and gambling disorders, particularly among young adults, including university students. This disturbing trend poses significant risks not only to individual’s mental well-being but also to the wider community.
Aim: The objectives of the study were to determine the prevalence of gambling, gambling disorder and the associated socio-demographic factors among undergraduate students of University of Ilorin.
Setting: The study was conducted at the University of Ilorin, a federal government owned tertiary educational institution located in Kwara State, North-Central Nigeria.
Methods: A pro forma questionnaire was used to obtain socio-demographic information about the students. Respondents who had gambled in their lifetime proceeded to complete the self-administered South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS). Score of at least 1 out of 20 on the SOGS indicated gambling disorder, having met the criteria for either problem gambling (score 1-4) or pathological gambling (score ≥ 5).
Results: Responses of 2044 of the respondents were analysed. Their mean age was 21.74 ± 2.64 years, and male respondents accounted for 54.5%. A total of 409 (20%) of respondents had ever gambled in their lifetime, with sports betting been the most gambled activity. About 14.9% of the respondents had gambling disorders (10.5% problem gambling; 4.4% pathological gambling). Male gender, positive family history of mental illness, a lack of adequate financial support and staying off-campus were significantly associated with presence of gambling disorders. Logistic regression revealed that only positive family history of mental illness was predictive of gambling disorder (OR = 6.987, 95% CI [2.119–23.038], p = 0.001).
Conclusion: This study revealed that three-quarters of respondents with a lifetime history of gambling developed gambling disorder.
Contribution: This implies that a significant proportion of individuals who initially engage in social gambling may have a propensity to develop gambling disorder overtime.