TITLE:
Online Gambling Addiction in Parakou (Benin, 2022)
AUTHORS:
Ataigba Ireti Nethania Elie, Soumaoro Kemo, Koivogui David Sinet, Moussa Djibrilla, Ousseyni Zika Oumou, Awanou Yabo Elodie, Djossou Sègnon Eurydice Elvire, Tokpanoude Coovi Nonwanou Ignace, Djidonou Anselme, Tognon Tchegnonsi Francis, Gandaho Prosper, Ezin Houngbe Josiane
KEYWORDS:
Gambling, Chance, Money, Online, Benin, 2022
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Psychiatry,
Vol.13 No.5,
November
29,
2023
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Online gambling is becoming increasingly popular worldwide. With its
well-crafted visual and audio marketing, it is attracting more and more young people in Africa, where problems linked
to employment and poverty are undermining youth. The consequences of
gaming-related practices for health in general, and mental health in
particular, are not negligible. The aim of this study was to measure the extent
of the phenomenon within an urban community in Benin. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study with analytical aim conducted in the general
population of Parakou, northern Benin, from December 2021 to November 2022. A
self-administered questionnaire incorporating DSM 5 criteria for pathological
gambling was used to collect data. Results: A total of 576 subjects
divided into 30 clusters of 19 to 20 individuals consented to participate in
the study. The proportion of gamblers was 30.56%. The prevalence of
pathological gambling calculated according to DSM 5 criteria was 24.65% [21.31% - 28.33%] in the general population. The prevalence of
severe pathological gambling was estimated at 8.16% [5.96% - 10.44%] in the
general population. The prevalence of anxiety was 28.30% ([24.62% - 31.98%]),
compared with 15.10% ([12.18% - 18.02%]) for depression. Factors with a significant
association with pathological gambling were: age, access to online gambling,
access to video games, exposure to gambling advertisement, having gambling
friends, debt accumulation. A statistically significant link was also found
between pathological gambling and anxiety/depression. Conclusion: The reality of pathological gambling in northern Benin calls for effective preventive action among vulnerable groups at national
level, involving various actors at different levels.