Factors linked to chronic homelessness among U.S. military veterans with gambling disorder

View Abstract View Snapshot Back to Search Results

snapshot summaries

Author(s): Stefanovics, Elina A. ; Potenza, Marc N. ; Szymkowiak, Dorota ; Tsai, Jack

Journal: Journal of Psychiatric Research

Year Published: 2023

Date Added: November 06, 2023

This study analyzed how common chronic homelessness is among U.S. veterans with gambling disorder (GD). This study also identified factors associated with chronic homelessness. Data from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) were used. The dataset included 6,053 veterans with GD who were assessed between 2015 and 2020. Almost one-third (28.6%) of veterans with GD experienced chronic homelessness. Compared to veterans without chronic homelessness, those with chronic homelessness were more likely to be male and unemployed, and have lower educational levels and fewer years in the military. Veterans with GD and chronic homelessness had more clinical and behavioural concerns requiring treatment. For example, they had more mental health, physical health, and alcohol and drug use problems. They were also more likely to have traumatic experiences and suicidal thoughts. But they expressed less interest in psychiatric treatment.

Citation: Stefanovics, E. A., Potenza, M. N., Szymkowiak, D., & Tsai, J. (2023). Chronically homeless veterans with gambling disorder: Epidemiology, clinical correlates, and traumatic experiences. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 164, 118–124. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.05.062

Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.05.062

Keywords: addictive behaviour ; compulsive behaviour ; gambling disorder ; homelessness ; impulsive gambling ; impulsivity ; incarceration ; military veterans ; veterans

Topics: Crime and Deviance ; Homelessness ; Impulsivity ; Priority Populations ; Veterans

Conceptual Framework Factors: Environment - Social and Economic Impacts ; Psychological Factors ; Social - Social Demographics ; Gambling Environment ; Social Factors

Study Design: Secondary Data Analysis

Geographic Coverage: United States of America

Study Population: US military veterans with gambling disorder (n = 6053)

Sampling Procedure: The researchers used secondary data from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Corporate Data Warehouse and the Homeless Operations Management System (HOMES). The data included veterans whose initial HOMES assessment took place from 2015 to 2020.

Study Funding:

This study was supported by the National Center for Homelessness for Veterans (NCHV). Dr. Stefanovics and Dr. Potenza were also supported by the Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling.