Mood Emot.  2023 Nov;21(3):31-37. 10.35986/me.2023.21.3.31.

Association Between Pathological Gambling and Depression in Korean Adults

• Yang S
• Hong H
• Jung YE
• Kim MD

• KMID: 2552393
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.35986/me.2023.21.3.31

Abstract

Background
Pathological gambling is associated with several adverse outcomes, including depression, suicide, divorce, loss of employment, and debt. However, studies on the prevalence of pathological gambling are limited in South Korea. We assessed the prevalence of pathological gambling and its related factors.
Methods
Data were obtained from 500 community-dwelling adults aged 20–59 years living in Jeju, Korea. This study assessed pathological/problem gambling using the Korean version of the Diagnostic Interview Schedule. We used the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 to obtain information about depression.
Results
Lifetime prevalence rates of pathological gambling and problem gambling were 1.2% and 7.2%, respectively. The association between pathological/problem gambling and depression was highly significant (p<0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed significant relationships between men gender (odds ratio [OR], 2.62; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.18–5.84; p=0.018) and depression (OR, 2.84; 95% CI, 1.42–5.68; p<0.001) and pathological/problem gambling.
Conclusion
Pathological/problem gambling is highly associated with depression, indicating that clinicians should carefully evaluate and treat depression among gamblers.

Keyword

Pathological gambling; Depression; Korean adults