Detection and prevention of gambling disorder among Ukrainian law enforcement personnel under high operational stress: Institutional experience and comparative analysis.

OBJECTIVE

Aim: To conduct a comparative institutional analysis of existing practices for detecting and preventing gambling disorder among Ukrainian law enforcement personnel under conditions of high operational stress.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

Materials and

Methods

The study involved 342 employees (average age 34,1±5,2 years; 86,5% males and 13,5% females) from four Ukrainian law enforcement agencies, performing investigative, operational-search, counterintelligence, analytical, and administrative-control functions. The study was conducted during 2023-2025 and employed the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) and Gambling Disorder Identification Test (GDIT) screening tools, an anonymous survey, structured psychological interviews, behavioural observation, and digital monitoring.

RESULTS

Results

According to the PGSI, 7,1% of respondents demonstrated pathological gambling behaviour. The use of the GDIT revealed an elevated score (≥15) in 40 (11,7%) respondents, with 19 of them (5,6%) exhibiting clinically relevant symptoms. Respondents with a GDIT score ≥15 (vs. <15 score group) showed 1,3 times higher anxiety levels (by HADS-A score), 3,4 times greater frequency of disciplinary incidents, and systematic interaction with gambling platforms during off-duty hours. Significant correlations were found between elevated gambling risk levels (by PGSI and GDIT) and symptoms of anxiety (HADS-A), impulsive financial decisions, and increased disciplinary infractions.

CONCLUSION

Conclusions

The implementation of a comprehensive system for the prevention of gambling disorder, integrating psychometric, behavioural, and digital indicators, is advisable to enhance psychological resilience and prevent a decline in operational reliability among Ukrainian law enforcement personnel under high operational stress.