Gambling Harms Survey in Lincolnshire GP Surgeries
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A survey of gambling related harms with patients attending six different primary care settings in Lincolnshire
IRAS ID
336816
Contact name
Lucy Gavens
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Lincoln
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 31 days
Research summary
An estimated 10,000 adults in Lincolnshire are at risk of or are currently experiencing gambling related harm, including relationship strain, financial loss, and poor mental health. Gambling related harm impacts on average 6-10 affected others who may experience similar health and social problems to gamblers. The estimated excess economic burden of gambling in England is £1.27 billion per year. This is therefore a significant public health challenge.
Prevalence of gambling and related harms is poorly understood. For Lincolnshire, estimates can be derived from national surveys although these may not well represent large coastal and rural counties where opportunities to gamble are different. The purpose of this research is to examine, through primary care, the prevalence in Lincolnshire. Primary care is an established context for addressing high-risk behaviours; many individuals with gambling problems obtain generalist healthcare and can be identified at early stages of risk.
We also aim to improve awareness of gambling related harms in primary care in under-studied communities. This will directly inform both future research that seeks to improve understanding of gambling-related harms and harm reduction, as well as local practice to reduce gambling related harms in Lincolnshire.
The research comprises a study of prevalence and correlates of gambling problems in primary care. It will sample six practices from areas of differing deprivation across Lincolnshire (3 rural, 2 coastal and 1 university) and collect data from patients (aged 16+) using measures of gambling-related harms and clinical characteristics. Researchers will attend waiting rooms during periods that are targeted for data collection and will approach consecutive patients to participate in the survey.
Results will indicate the prevalence of gambling problems in primary care, including the frequency of low and high severity gambling problems and variation between practices (e.g. in low versus high deprivation). Analyses will examine associations between at-risk/gambling disorder and socio-demographic/clinical characteristics.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/NW/0005
Date of REC Opinion
10 Jan 2025
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion