Many women who visit homeless shelters and drop-in services have experienced problem gambling

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Author(s): Matheson, Flora I. ; Dastoori, Parisa ; Hahmann, Tara E. ; Woodhall-Melnik, Julia ; Guilcher, Sara J.T. ; Hamilton-Wright, Sarah

Journal: International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction

Year Published: 2021

Date Added: May 19, 2021

Researchers found a link between problem gambling and homelessness in men. However, less research has looked at problem gambling and homelessness in women. This study surveyed women at 15 shelters and drop-in services in Ontario, Canada. It measured the rates of problematic gambling among women experiencing homelessness and poverty. Six percent of women who visited the shelters experienced at-risk gambling, 9% experienced problem gambling and 19% experienced pathological gambling. Thus, problem gambling appears to be common in women experiencing homelessness and poverty. The researchers suggest shelters and drop-in programs screen for problem gambling and provide appropriate treatments.

Citation: Matheson, F. I., Dastoori, P., Hahmann, T., Woodhall-Melnik, J., Guilcher, S. J. T., & Hamilton-Wright, S. (2021). Prevalence of problem gambling among women using shelter and drop-in services. International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-021-00524-z

Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-021-00524-z

Keywords: homelessness ; poverty ; prevalence ; problem gambling ; vulnerable adults ; women

Topics: Homelessness ; Priority Populations ; Socioeconomic Status

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

Response Rate: 42%

Study Design: Descriptive: Survey

Geographic Coverage: Canada, Ontario

Study Population: Women who visit homeless shelters and drop-in services in Hamilton and Toronto, Ontario (N = 162).

Sampling Procedure: Researchers visited 15 different homeless shelters and drop-in programs aimed at women and families between July 9, 2018, and March 17, 2019. They visited each one multiple times, and at different times of day and days of the week. When they visited the shelter, they invited any woman present to participate in the study.

Study Funding:

The study was funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada [Insight Grant: 435-2017-716]. It was also supported by MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, St. Michael’s Hospital, and Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Ontario. Sara J.T. Guilcher is funded by Canadian Institutes of Health Research Embedded Clinician Scientist Salary Award (Grant #147869) on Transitions in Care working with Ontario Health.