The relationship between alcohol use and gambling in Finnish youth

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Author(s): Latvala, Tiina ; Lintonen, Tomi ; Raisamo, Susanna

Journal: Journal of Adolescent Health

Year Published: 2023

Date Added: March 09, 2023

This study examines the trends in the relationship between gambling, alcohol use, and drunkenness in Finnish youth from 2008 to 2019. The data were collected from 8th and 9th graders during a school day. The researchers found that the prevalence of youth gambling decreased by more than half between 2008 and 2019. However, the difference was higher in 2019 between youth who gambled and drank alcohol/got drunk and those who did not gamble and did not drink often. These results suggest a polarization of risk-taking behaviours: problems with gambling and alcohol use tend to cluster in some adolescents.

Citation: Latvala, T., Lintonen, T., & Raisamo, S. (2023). Gambling among underage alcohol users between 2008 and 2019: A national cross-sectional study among Finnish adolescents. Journal of Adolescent Health. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2022.12.001

Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2022.12.001

Keywords: adolescents ; alcohol ; gambling ; young people

Topics: Children and Youth ; Comorbidities ; Priority Populations ; Substance Use

Conceptual Framework Factors: Psychological - Comorbid Disorders ; Psychological Factors ; Social - Social Demographics ; Psychological - Lifespan Development ; Social Factors

Response Rate: The study reached 82% of Finnish 8th and 9th graders during 2008 to 2009. It reached 80% in 2010 to 2011, 84% in 2013, 43% in 2015, 64% in 2017, 75% in 2019.

Study Design: Descriptive: Survey

Geographic Coverage: Finland

Study Population: Finnish 8th and 9th graders (boys and girls; n = 108,649 in 2008–2009; n = 102,545 in 2010–2011; n = 99,478 in 2013; n = 50,404 in 2015; n = 74,544 in 2017; and n = 89,294 in 2019)

Sampling Procedure: The researchers used data from six waves of the national, cross-sectional School Health Promotion Study (SHPS). It was conducted during a school day. During 2008 to 2011, the surveys were held at different times in different zones (even-numbered years in southern Finland, eastern Finland, and Lapland; odd-numbered years in western Finland, Oulu, and the Åsland Islands). After 2011, the survey was done every second year and included students from the whole country.

Study Funding:

This study was funded by the Jenny and Antti Wihuri Foundation.