Influence of at-risk gambling on the mental well-being of the youth in Nakawa Division, Kampala District, Uganda. A cross-sectional study.

Albert Louis Elwa; Clesistom Ahimbisibwe; Frank Kiyingi; Robert Oluka

doi:10.51168/tnhan747

Authors

Albert Louis Elwa Faculty of Social Sciences and Psychology, University of Kisubi , Focus on Recovery Uganda , Break Free Mental Health Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre , Nkumba University
Clesistom Ahimbisibwe Faculty of Social Sciences and Psychology, University of Kisubi
Dr. Frank Pio Kiyingi Faculty of Social Sciences and Psychology, University of Kisubi , Nkumba University
Dr. Oluka Robert Faculty of Social Sciences and Psychology, University of Kisubi

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/tnhan747

Keywords:

At-risk gambling, Strained relationships, Mental well-being, Youth in Nakawa Division

Abstract

Background:

The football pools are still around today and are, in fact, the source of inspiration for fixed odds on gambling. To assess the influence of at-risk gambling on the mental well-being of the youth in Nakawa Division, Kampala District, Uganda.

Methodology:

The study employed a cross-sectional survey research design. Quantitative data were analysed using a computerised data analysis program known as the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.

Results:

There was a significant but negative effect of at-risk gambling on mental well-being (β=.211, p=.007). Specifically, the study results show that at-risk gambling significantly accounted for 4.4% of the variance in mental well-being (R² =0.044, F (1,369), p =.000). Furthermore, the regression coefficient for at-risk gambling was found to be -0.392 with a standard error of 0.095. This implies that for every unit increase in at-risk gambling behaviour, mental well-being decreases by 0.392 units. The negative relationship between at-risk gambling and mental well-being was found to be statistically significant (t(369)=-4.140, p=0.000). This affirms the predictive power of at-risk gambling behaviour on mental well-being. However, since the R² is below 0.25, this indicates that the effect size is small. Thus, the R²of 0.044 obtained in the present regression model indicates that at-risk gambling behaviour plays a moderate but significant role in mental well-being. The majority of the respondents were self-employed (51.9%).

Conclusion:

At-risk gambling was found to have a significant negative effect on youth mental well-being, particularly influencing social and environmental well-being. Youth engaged in at-risk gambling reported strained relationships, financial instability, and exposure to gambling environments that heightened psychological stress.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that the Ministry of Finance, together with the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, develop and fund youth empowerment programs that provide vocational skills and employment opportunities.

Author Biographies

Albert Louis Elwa, Faculty of Social Sciences and Psychology, University of Kisubi, Focus on Recovery Uganda, Break Free Mental Health Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre, Nkumba University

is a Clinical Psychologist, Addiction Professional, and the Executive Director of Focus on Recovery Uganda. He is also a Director at FORE Tranquil Homes and Break Free Mental Health Treatment, and Rehabilitation Centre. With a wealth of experience in mental health advocacy, practice, and addiction treatment and recovery, Albert has been a driving force in promoting mental health awareness and support in Uganda. He is passionate about inclusive and comprehensive mental health care, and envisions a brighter future for mental health in Uganda.
Clesistom Ahimbisibwe, Faculty of Social Sciences and Psychology, University of Kisubi

is a researcher at the Faculty of Social Sciences and Psychology, University of Kisubi.
Dr. Frank Pio Kiyingi, Faculty of Social Sciences and Psychology, University of Kisubi, Nkumba University

is a researcher at the Faculty of Social Sciences and Psychology, University of Kisubi, and Nkumba University.
Dr. Oluka Robert, Faculty of Social Sciences and Psychology, University of Kisubi

is a senior lecturer and research at the University of Kisubi.

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