Problem gambling among internal migrant workers in Muse, Myanmar

Abstract

Problem gambling, which leads to adverse consequences for the gambler or the community, becomes a public health concern worldwide. As stress of migration can be placing migrants at risk of developing problems with gambling, this study aimed to explore the prevalence and determinants of problem gambling among internal migrant workers in Myanmar. A community based cross-sectional study was conducted from August to June 2017 in Muse, which is located near its border with China in Eastern Myanmar. A total of 276 internal migrant workers selected by convenience sampling method were invited to complete the questionnaire. Problem gambling, an outcome variable was measured with problem gambling severity index and a score of 8 or more was considered as gamblers with gambling problems. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, and multiple logistic regression were used as appropriate. Prevalence of problem gambling among internal migrant workers was 58.2%. Multiple logistic regression analysis found that male gender, older age, manual or unemployed workers, high risk of alcohol use, and illicit drug use last 3 months were significantly associated with problem gambling. As this study is the first to examine the prevalence and determinants of problem gambling, further studies are needed to examine the social, environmental, and cultural factors that may influence gambling behavior among internal migrants.