Effectiveness of preventive gambling interventions in adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis

IF 3.6 2区医学 Q1 PSYCHOLOGY, CLINICAL

Addictive behaviors Pub Date : 2025-07-13 DOI:10.1016/j.addbeh.2025.108436

Fatemeh Talebi , Fatemeh Bazrafshan

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Abstract

Background and Objectives

This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to evaluate the effectiveness of gambling prevention interventions for adolescents, identify key factors influencing intervention outcomes, and provide evidence-based recommendations for future prevention efforts.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted using databases such as PubMed, SCOPUS, ISI Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar up to May 2025. The review followed PRISMA guidelines, and the quality of included studies was assessed using standardized tools. Data were synthesized using meta-analytic techniques to calculate the effect size, which was reported as a weighted mean differences (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

This meta-analysis included 15 studies with a total sample of 4,201 adolescents. Overall, gambling prevention programs demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in gambling behaviors among adolescents (WMD: −3.26, 95 % CI: −3.92 to −2.60, P < 0.001). However, the certainty evidence was very low as assessed by the GRADE evidence profiles, indicating potential limitations in study quality, inconsistency, and risk of bias. Publication bias was assessed using funnel plot analysis and Egger’s test, indicating absence of significant bias.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that gambling prevention programs may be effective in reducing adolescent gambling behaviors, but the results should be interpreted with caution due to the low certainty of the evidence. Future research should focus on optimizing intervention design, long-term effectiveness, and the role of digital prevention strategies to enhance effectiveness.

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青少年预防赌博干预的有效性：系统回顾和元分析

背景和目的本系统综述和荟萃分析旨在评估青少年预防赌博干预的有效性，确定影响干预结果的关键因素，并为未来的预防工作提供循证建议。方法系统检索截至2025年5月的PubMed、SCOPUS、ISI Web of Science、Cochrane Library、谷歌Scholar等数据库。该综述遵循PRISMA指南，采用标准化工具评估纳入研究的质量。使用荟萃分析技术对数据进行综合，以加权平均差异（WMD）和95%置信区间（CI）报告效应大小。结果本荟萃分析包括15项研究，共4201名青少年。总体而言，赌博预防项目在统计上显示青少年赌博行为显著减少(WMD: - 3.26, 95% CI: - 3.92至- 2.60,P <；0.001)。然而，根据GRADE证据概况评估，确定性证据非常低，表明研究质量、不一致性和偏倚风险存在潜在局限性。采用漏斗图分析和Egger检验评估发表偏倚，表明无显著偏倚。结论：研究结果表明，赌博预防计划可能有效减少青少年赌博行为，但由于证据的不确定性，结果应谨慎解释。未来的研究应侧重于优化干预设计、长期有效性以及数字预防策略在提高有效性方面的作用。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Addictive behaviors 医学-药物滥用

CiteScore

8.40

自引率

4.50%

发文量

283

审稿时长

46 days

期刊介绍： Addictive Behaviors is an international peer-reviewed journal publishing high quality human research on addictive behaviors and disorders since 1975. The journal accepts submissions of full-length papers and short communications on substance-related addictions such as the abuse of alcohol, drugs and nicotine, and behavioral addictions involving gambling and technology. We primarily publish behavioral and psychosocial research but our articles span the fields of psychology, sociology, psychiatry, epidemiology, social policy, medicine, pharmacology and neuroscience. While theoretical orientations are diverse, the emphasis of the journal is primarily empirical. That is, sound experimental design combined with valid, reliable assessment and evaluation procedures are a requisite for acceptance. However, innovative and empirically oriented case studies that might encourage new lines of inquiry are accepted as well. Studies that clearly contribute to current knowledge of etiology, prevention, social policy or treatment are given priority. Scholarly commentaries on topical issues, systematic reviews, and mini reviews are encouraged. We especially welcome multimedia papers that incorporate video or audio components to better display methodology or findings. Studies can also be submitted to Addictive Behaviors? companion title, the open access journal Addictive Behaviors Reports, which has a particular interest in ''non-traditional'', innovative and empirically-oriented research such as negative/null data papers, replication studies, case reports on novel treatments, and cross-cultural research.