Ertan YILMAZ, Ahmethan TURAN
Bağımlılık Dergisi - 2026;27(2):88-100
Objective: This study aimed to examine the frequency of at-risk/problem gambling among healthcare workers (HCWs) and to identify associated sociodemographic and behavioral factors. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among HCWs of a public university hospital. A total of 236 participants who completed an online survey were included in the analysis. Gambling severity was assessed using the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI). Participants were categorized as non-problem gambling (PGSI=0) and at-risk/problem gambling (PGSI>=1). Group differences were examined and variables associated with gambling status were entered into a multivariable logistic regression model to identify factors independently associated with gambling status. Results: Overall, 19.9% of participants were classified as at-risk/problem gamblers. Gambling status was significantly associated with gender, education level, occupation, tobacco use, gambling account ownership, gambling application use, and age. In multivariable analysis, tobacco use, gambling application use, physicians (among the occupational groups assessed) and younger age remained independently associated with at-risk/problem gambling. Conclusion: At-risk and problem gambling behaviors are present among HCWs and are associated with identifiable demographic and behavioral factors. These findings underscore the importance of increasing awareness within healthcare institutions and implementing preventive and early identification strategies to mitigate potential individual and occupational consequences.
