Prevalence of and Factors Associated with Disordered Gambling Disorder, and Use of DSM-5 Based Sports Betting Questionnaire, in a Southwest Nigerian Community

Indian J Psychol Med. 2022 May;44(3):265-271. doi: 10.1177/02537176211023809. Epub 2021 Aug 11.

Abstract

Background: Gambling disorder is rarely diagnosed in Nigeria. The prevalence and factors associated with gambling disorder in many parts of Nigeria are not known. Our study aimed to evaluate psychometric properties of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM)-5 for use as a self-report screening instrument for large-scale studies in Nigeria.

Methods: Cross-sectional surveys were done involving two independent sampled populations from a hospital setting and the surrounding community. Instruments administered included a semistructured sociodemographic questionnaire, South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS), International Classification of Diseases (ICD) 11 criteria, and a screening questionnaire based on Diagnostic Statistical Manual (DSM-5), which was designed as a self-report measure (Sports betting).

Results: The prevalence rate for gambling disorder was 30.5%. The diagnostic accuracy of DSM-5 and ICD-11, and SOGS were comparably similar. Factors associated with gambling disorder (sports betting) were low educational level and poor employment status.

Conclusion: The DSM-5-based screening questionnaire showed good psychometric properties, with sensitivity and specificity comparable to that of ICD-11 criteria and SOGS. The study also found a high prevalence of gambling disorder. There is a need to address educational and employment opportunities.

Keywords: DSM-5; Gambling; prevalence; validation.