Factors Associated with the Prevalence of Online and Offline Gambling Among Medical Sciences Students in Central-Southern Iran: A Cross-Sectional Study

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Health in Disasters and Emergencies Research Center, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran

2 Molecular and Medicine Research Center, Khomein University of Medical Sciences, Khomein, Iran.

3 Medical Library and Information Sciences Department, Medical Informatics Research Center, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran

4 Clinical Research Development Unit, Valiasr Hospital, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran

5 Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Fasa University of MedicalScience, Fasa, Iran

6 Medical Informatics Research Center, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran

7 Center for healthcare Data modeling, Departments of biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of public health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.

8 Center for healthcare Data modeling, Departments of biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of public health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran

9 Health Services Management Research Center, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran

10 Modeling in Health Research Center, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran

11 Australian Women and Girls’ Health Research Centre, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia

10.34172/ahj.1704

Abstract

Introduction: Gambling, as a high-risk behavior among university students, may pose a serious threat to their mental and physical health. This study aimed to identify the primary determinants of online and offline gambling prevalence among students.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 892 students selected from three major medical universities in Central-Southern Iran, using convenience sampling. Lifetime and past-year online and offline gambling using a structured questionnaire. Survey-weighted univariate and multiple logistic regressions examined associations between variables and gambling prevalence.
Findings: The prevalence of offline gambling was [17.89% (95% CI: (15.45%, 20.61%)] in the past year and [26.48%, 95% CI: (23.63%, 29.53%)] over a lifetime. The prevalence of online gambling was [13.61%, 95% CI: (11.45%, 16.09%)] in the past year and [19.45%, 95% CI: (16.92%, 22.26%)] over a lifetime. Excitement and challenge [OR = 3.22, 95% CI: (1.43,7.26)] and having suicidal thoughts [OR = 2.98, 95% CI: (1.18,7.49)] were both factors that increased the odds of lifetime offline gambling. Also, factors such as earning money [OR = 4.44, 95% CI: (1.69, 11.70)], the use of mobile phones and computers [OR = 3.14, 95% CI: (1.50, 6.60)], and having a sexual relationship outside of marriage [OR = 2.22, 95% CI: (1.19, 4.14)] increased the odds of lifetime online gambling. Participating in sports activities reduced the odds of lifetime online gambling [OR = 0.23, 95% CI: (0.10, 0.54)].
Conclusion: High-risk activities increase the chance of constantly engaging in gambling. Seeking excitement and spending more time on mobile and computer games puts students at greater risk of gambling. Effectively preventing harm requires addressing youth challenges, promoting responsible digital engagement, and developing recreational facilities, especially sports venues.

Highlights

Milad Ahmadi Gohari(Google scholar)(Pubmed)

Keywords

References

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Addiction & Health
Volume 18
Pages 1-9

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