Prevalence of gambling disorder among patients seeking psychiatric treatment at Mathari national teaching and referral hospital in Nairobi, Kenya.

Abstract

Gambling disorder is a behavioral psychiatric condition exemplified primarily by maladaptive, recurrent persistent patterns of gambling activity leading to personal, social and communal problems. The monumental surge in the supply of different gambling products in Kenya coupled with a lax regulatory environment and ease of access through mobile devices and payment via mobile money has led to widespread participation in the habit among the general public resulting in significant psychiatric morbidity and social problems. The main objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of gambling disorder among patients seeking psychiatric treatment in Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya. The sample size obtained was 240 participants. The participants were selected using Systematic random sampling. Data collection was through a researcher administered questionnaire. Ethical considerations were adhered to. Data entry and analysis was by SPSS Version 23. Data from 193 questionnaires was deemed fit for analysis giving a response rate of 80.4%. Cumulatively, both Problem and Pathological Gamblers constituted 79.8% of the population of the study and represents the proportion of respondents with gambling disorder. Gambling disorder was most prevalent among males. Cigarette smoking was found to be associated with an increased prevalence of problem and pathological gambling while older Age (above 46 years) was a protective factor. The relationship between problem and pathological gambling and the diagnosed psychiatric disorders was not significant. 76.2% of the respondents had an overall negative attitude towards gambling, This study established the overwhelming presence of gambling disorder amongst a psychiatric population, who are vulnerable members of the society and recommends that the screening and treatment of gambling disorder should be mainstreamed in psychiatric clinical practice in Kenya as it has a high undiagnosed prevalence and co-morbidity rate.