Anders Håkansson, Mitchell J Andersson, Emma Claesdotter-Knutsson, Göran Kenttä
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Objectives: An emerging body of research reveals a heightened risk of gambling problems among elite athletes, particularly among males, but these studies often suffer from small sample sizes and lack diverse representation across sports and groups. This study aimed to investigate gambling problems and their correlates among elite male and female ice hockey players in Sweden's top leagues.
Methods: During the labor union's on-site visits to Swedish ice hockey clubs in the top two tiers for males and the top tier for females, a web-based survey was conducted. Players were screened for gambling problems using the Problem Gambling Severity Index, and for depression, anxiety, and hazardous drinking using other standardized instruments. Estimated study participation was 75-80%.
Results: Among male athletes, 12% met the criteria for moderate-risk or problem gambling, while none of the females met this threshold. Approximately 24% of male and 2% of female participants reported any degree of at-risk gambling. In males, gambling problems were strongly associated with depressive and anxiety symptoms and with hazardous alcohol consumption.
Conclusion: Gambling problems are 3-4 times more prevalent among elite male ice hockey players compared to young men in the general population. The authors discuss the associated mental health consequences, vulnerability to match-fixing-related fraud, and the need for preventive measures and easy access to treatment.
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The Physician and Sportsmedicine is a peer-reviewed, clinically oriented publication for primary care physicians. We examine the latest drug discoveries to advance treatment and recovery, and take into account the medical aspects of exercise therapy for a given condition. We cover the latest primary care-focused treatments serving the needs of our active patient population, and assess the limits these treatments govern in stabilization and recovery.
The Physician and Sportsmedicine is a peer-to-peer method of communicating the latest research to aid primary care physicians’ advancement in methods of care and treatment. We routinely cover such topics as: managing chronic disease, surgical techniques in preventing and managing injuries, the latest advancements in treatments for helping patients lose weight, and related exercise and nutrition topics that can impact the patient during recovery and modification.
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