ALPHA PSYCHIATRY
Original Articles

The prevalence and risk factors of gambling behavior in Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus

1.

Near East University, Cyprus

Alpha Psychiatry 2012; 13: 243-249
Read: 856 Downloads: 554 Published: 01 August 2012

Objective: This paper presents results from the first national survey of adult gambling behavior completed in Turkish Republic and Northern Cyprus (TRNC). The aim of the TRNC Gambling Prevalence Survey was to provide statistically robust data on adults’ participation in gambling, and to estimate the extent of ‘problem gambling’ within the country. Methods: The population used in this study is all the people living permanently in TRNC who speak Turkish, and within the age group 18-65. Household interviews were made with 929 people. The study was carried on between May and June 2007 in TRNC. To obtain data 30 item questionnaire prepared by the researchers and Turkish Version of Revised South Oaks Gambling Screen were used. Results: The great majority (55%) of the TRNC respondents has participated in one or more of the 17 gambling activities included in the survey at some time during their lives. In TRNC, 2.2% of the weighted sample scored as lifetime probable pathological gamblers. 32% of the participants stated to have experienced a problem related to gambling at least once in their life time. Big amounts of money have been lost via gambling. The participants also mentioned that their friends, relatives, parents, siblings, partners and even their children are getting used to gambling and gambling is becoming more frequent. Several demographic charac-teristics including gender, age, having child and civil or marital status are important risk factors for problem gambling. Conclusion:This study shows us that gambling is getting more prevalent in TRNC, the prevalence of gambling prevalence is high and it has become a problem threatening community. Prevention and treatment programs against gambling based on scientific foundations should be developed and generalized in TRNC. [Anadolu Psikiyatri Derg 2012; 13(4.000): 243-249]

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