Gambling problems, help-seeking, and trauma among Australian military service veterans

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Author(s): Metcalf, Olivia ; Lawrence-Wood, Ellie ; Baur, Jenelle ; Van Hooff, Miranda ; Forbes, David ; O'Donnell, Meaghan ; Sadler, Nicole ; Hodson, Stephanie ; Benassi, Helen ; Varker, Tracey ; Battersby, Malcolm W. ; McFarlane, Alexander C. ; Cowlishaw, Sean

Journal: PLoS One

Year Published: 2022

Date Added: August 12, 2022

Transitioning out of military service can be stressful and challenging. This study examined gambling problems and help-seeking among Australian veterans. The study also considered trauma and posttraumatic mental health issues among veterans with gambling problems. The researchers used survey responses from 3,511 Australian Defence Force members who left the military within the past five years. A total of 13.4% experienced gambling problems, with 4.6% having problem gambling. Time since leaving the military was not linked to gambling problems. Only 2.1% of veterans with problem gambling sought help. Trauma exposure, depression, and PTSD were linked to at-risk and problem gambling. But only depression and posttraumatic arousal affect were associated with gambling problems after taking into account all these risk factors. Posttraumatic mental health problems might explain the link between trauma and gambling problems.

Citation: Metcalf, O., Lawrence-Wood, E., Baur, J., Van Hooff, M., Forbes, D., O’Donnell, M.,Sadler, N., Hodson, S., Benassi, H., Varker, T., Battersby, M., McFarlane, A. C., & Cowlishaw, S. (2022). Prevalence of gambling problems, help-seeking, and relationships with trauma in veterans. PLoS ONE, 17(5), e0268346. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0268346

Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0268346

Keywords: help-seeking ; mental health ; Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) ; problem gambling ; trauma ; veterans

Topics: Priority Populations ; Veterans

Conceptual Framework Factors: Psychological - Comorbid Disorders ; Psychological Factors ; Social - Social Demographics ; Resources - Service Access and Use ; Social Factors ; Gambling Resources ; Resources - Interventions

Response Rate: 18% for the Transition and Wellbeing Research Programme survey

Study Design: Descriptive: Survey

Geographic Coverage: Australia

Study Population: The sample used in this study included 3,511 Australian Defence Force members who left the military within the last five years. Most were men (84.3%). Most were between 28 and 47 years (54.3%). Half served in the Army (56.1%). About 19.9% served in the Navy and 24.0% served in the Air Force. About 40% of participants served more than 20 years.

Sampling Procedure: The researchers used survey data from the Transition and Wellbeing Research Programme (The Programme). The Programme invited 23,974 Australian Defence Force (ADF) members who left the military to complete an online survey. This sample was created using administrative records from the Department of Defence and contact data from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. These records were cross-referenced against the National Death Index.

Study Funding:

This study was funded by the Australian Department of Defence, Department of Veterans’ Affairs, and the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation.