Can the Relationship Between Problem Gambling and Class Attendance of College Students Be Explained by Alcohol and Drug Use? A Brief Report

Engagement in addictive behaviors such as social casino gaming (SCG), gambling, and alcohol and drug use has a significant negative impact on physical and mental health and classroom attendance, leading to an academic failure. This study aimed to (a) determine the prevalence of SCG, gambling, alcohol use, and drug use in a sample of 390 college students; (b) examine the relationship among SCG, gambling problems, alcohol and drug use, and class attendance problem using Pearson correlations and point-biserial correlations; and (c) evaluate the extent to which alcohol and drug use can explain the relationship between gambling problems and class attendance problem using parallel mediation analysis. SCG was found to be related to gambling problem and drug use problem. Gambling was found to be a predictor of alcohol and drug use problems. However, interestingly, SCG and gambling problems were not directly related to class attendance problem. The parallel mediation analysis confirmed students at risk for gambling problems were more likely to have alcohol use problems, and alcohol use problems led to poor class attendance. Rehabilitation services providers who work with college students should be mindful of the relationship among the addictive behaviors and class attendance problem and tailor rehabilitation services interventions.