Psychosocial Predictors Of Problem Gambling Among Male College Students In Nigeria

Objective: Problem gambling is a non-addiction issue that may arise even from recreational engagement with gambling activity. In Nigeria, not much has been written about this menace to the extent that the focus of interest of the government is on the economic gains of gambling activities rather than how to curtail the problems arising therefrom. Therefore, this study was aimed at investigating psychosocial predictors (age, suicidality, and financial strain) contributing either independently or collectively to problem gambling among male undergraduate students in Ogun state, Nigeria.Methods: This study adopted a correlational research design. 201 participants were recruited using a purposive sampling technique. Data were collected using standardized questionnaires that included bio-data information, Problem Gambling Severity Index developed by (Ferris Whynne, 2001), Suicidal Behaviour Questionnaire-Revised (SBQ-R) developed by Osman, Bagge, Gutierrez, Konick, Kopper, Barrios (2001) and Financial Strain Survey developed by (Aldana Lijenquist, 1998). Results: Multiple Regression Analysis was used to analyze the data, and the results revealed that financial strain contributed more significantly to problem gambling (t (196) = 5.348, P.001), = 36, while all psychosocial variables contributed collectively to problem gambling (F (3, 196) = 9.670, P.01, AdjR2 =.12) among male undergraduate students in Ogun State, Nigeria. Conclusions: The study concluded that psychosocial factors-age, financial strain, and suicidality collectively contributed to problem gambling while only financial strain independently significantly predicted problem gambling among male university students in Ago-Iwoye community of Olabisi Onabanjo University. The study recommended that students receive financial counselling and planning in order to manage their money effectively.