Profiles of service use among patients with gambling disorders.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Service use data among patients with gambling disorder (GD) remains scarce. This exploratory study aimed to identify the service use profiles associated with social and health conditions, gambling games or chronicity (≥ 5 years), and subsequent adverse outcomes.

METHODS

In 2012-2013, 2,311 patients (72% men, 45 years [SD: 13.60]) were recruited from addiction treatment centers in Quebec (Canada); their administrative data were merged with provincial health and education data (1979-2022). Latent class analysis identified profiles related to GD treatment received (2009-2021) and other service use in the 12 months before index date (last GD records). Multiple multinomial logistic and Cox regressions examined associations with patient conditions and subsequent outcomes over 12 months (acute care, suicidal behaviors, death).

RESULTS

Profile 2 patients (35% of sample) exhibited the most chronic GD, and high use of GD and other services. Profile 4 (20%) reported the worst social and health conditions, received no GD treatment, and showed moderate use of other services. Profile 1 (15%) included patients with the best conditions, but moderate GD treatment and low use of other services. Mostly composed of patients aged 35+ years, Profile 3 (30%) received low GD treatment but high general practitioner care. Patients in Profiles 4 and 2 reported the worst conditions and highest rates of adverse outcomes - although Profile 2 received the best care overall.

CONCLUSION

GD treatment and other care may be strengthened and better coordinated. Screening, motivational interventions, and referrals to care could be consolidated. Profiles 4 and 2 may benefit from more long-term care.