Girls and boys gambling with health and well-being in Finland.

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to examine the associations among gambling frequency, health status, health risk behavior, and sexual risk-taking among eighth and ninth grade boys and girls (N = 101,167).

METHODS

Data were obtained from the nationwide School Health Promotion Study conducted in Finland 2010 and 2011. Outcome measures were adolescents' health and sexual behavior. Associations with gambling frequency were studied separately for boys and girls using polychotomous logistic regression models where grade level was adjusted.

RESULTS

Approximately 62% of adolescents had gambled during the previous year. Gambling was more common among boys than girls in both grade levels. Gambling frequency was associated with several health and sexual risk-taking indicators such as signs of school burnout, staying up late, and having more than 1 sexual partner. Those who gambled the most had a higher risk for poorer health and taking health risks. Girls and those who had gambled on a weekly basis were the most vulnerable groups.

CONCLUSIONS

It would be beneficial to raise teacher, parent, and adolescent awareness of the wide range of negative health outcomes and risks associated with gambling.