Association Between Pathological Gambling and Depression in Korean Adults
- Author:
Sujin YANG
1
;
Hyeonmi HONG
;
Young-Eun JUNG
;
Moon-Doo KIM
Author Information
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From: Mood and Emotion 2023;21(3):31-37
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Background:Pathological gambling is associated with several adverse outcomes, including depression, suicide, divorce, loss of employment, and debt. However, studies on the prevalence of pathological gambling are limited in South Korea. We assessed the prevalence of pathological gambling and its related factors.
Methods:Data were obtained from 500 community-dwelling adults aged 20–59 years living in Jeju, Korea. This study assessed pathological/problem gambling using the Korean version of the Diagnostic Interview Schedule. We used the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 to obtain information about depression.
Results:Lifetime prevalence rates of pathological gambling and problem gambling were 1.2% and 7.2%, respectively. The association between pathological/problem gambling and depression was highly significant (p<0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed significant relationships between men gender (odds ratio [OR], 2.62; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.18–5.84; p=0.018) and depression (OR, 2.84; 95% CI, 1.42–5.68; p<0.001) and pathological/problem gambling.
Conclusion:Pathological/problem gambling is highly associated with depression, indicating that clinicians should carefully evaluate and treat depression among gamblers.
