In this Section the researchers address ToR:4, specifically to consider the issues that a consideration of youth gambling prevalence studies would need to address and other approaches to improve understanding of youth gambling behaviours and patterns.
This discussion paper on a review of literature of youth prevalence studies and measurement of prevalence of youth problem gambling was prepared for the Department of Family and Community Services (FaCS) as one input into their research and consideration of youth and gambling issues. The paper is not intended to be an exhaustive analysis of the numerous studies undertaken on youth and gambling. This would not be possible given the time frame, but more importantly, the plethora of studies into youth and gambling. The researchers principal focus has been concerned with the different methodological approaches used to study youth gambling patterns, the use of different gambling screens including those adapted specifically for young people and the results of such studies.
A number of concluding statements can be made based on the research undertaken:
- there is general agreement that there is no ‘gold standard’ or any single screening instrument that is better than another;
- the Productivity Commission concluded that “it is difficult to measure problem gambling among populations, and no existing single test instrument is perfect. The Commission used SOGS, self assessment methods and other methods to assess harm and prevalence rates, arguing that “ a three way approach is better than relying on a single measure.” (6.1);
- our finding is that youth prevalence rates range from 3.0 per cent of the youth population (15-18) up to 8.0 per cent and that prevalence rates are partially a product of the screening tools used;
- based on the review of available screens, if a major national prevalence study were to be undertaken then consideration should be given to the use of DSM-IVMR- J for adolescents as it has a low reading age that should facilitate accurate responses. It would also be advisable to include a second screening instrument in a self-assessment, paper and pencil exercise and we advise that the SOGS-RA should be included. We advise using two screens with several groups. While there is no gold standard the choice of SOGS-RA and DSM-IV-MR-J are likely to facilitate better international comparisons;
- we have not been able to find any screen in which the authors express confidence about its validity, reliability, sensitivity and discriminative power in regard to young women;
- most prevalence studies are point in time estimates and tend to conjecture about the notion of ‘at risk’. Environmental, social, cultural and familial circumstances contribute to the propensity to gamble and thus information about these circumstances may be required to more comprehensively establish the ‘notion of at risk in the future’;
- a longitudinal study where gambling issues are integrated into broader health issues may in fact, be the preferred approach. It is clear that gambling preferences (and opportunities) change with age while high youth prevalence rates do not appear to translate into equally high rates for adults. Documenting changes in preferences would be part of any longitudinal study. Other issues would include: does gambling frequency peak and then decline; need to separate wagering from gambling, ability to test hypotheses in longitudinal study. Time interval is important for measuring rate or prevalence.
A longitudinal study in which two gambling screens are incorporated would be an appropriate national initiative. While individual States have their own research capacity no State has the capacity or funding to undertake a major, longitudinal study. A component on youth gambling behaviours could be incorporated into other areas, including, inter alia;
- youth leisure and well being (where well-being examined issues of isolation, depression, suicide, etc.);
- youth health and leisure; and
- youth leisure including alcohol and drug use survey.
The youth cohort would comprise Year 8-12 students so that the Year 8 group is resurveyed at Year 10 and Year 12.
For participants in any longitudinal study it will be important that self-awareness feedback is provided. Feedback to raise self-awareness, to improve coping skills and to develop self monitoring skills are an aid in preventing the onset of problem gambling.