Demographic and social variables associated with problem gambling among men and women in Canada

Abstract

Knowledge of demographic and social correlates of problem gambling among men and women in general population samples is limited. Such research is important for identifying individuals who may become problem gamblers. The current research used a gender-stratified analysis using logistic regression models in a nationally representative sample to identify correlates of problem gambling among men and women. Data were from the Canadian Community Health Survey Cycle 1.2 (CCHS 1.2; data collected in 2002; response rate 77%). The 12-month prevalence of problem gambling among men and women who endorsed gambling in the past year was 4.9% and 2.7%, respectively. For women, increased odds of problem gambling was associated with middle age, middle to low levels of income, a high school diploma or less, being never-married, higher levels of life stress, and negative coping abilities. For men, being aged 70 or greater decreased the odds of problem gambling, while being separated, widowed, or divorced, lower levels of social support, and negative coping abilities increased the odds of problem gambling. These findings have important public health implications for identifying men and women who may be more likely to become problem gamblers in the general population.