Web-based counseling for problem gambling: exploring motivations and recommendations.

摘要: Background: For highly stigmatized disorders, such as problem gambling, Web-based counseling has the potential to address common barriers treatment, including issues of shame and stigma. Despite exponential growth in uptake immediate synchronous (ie, provided without appointment), little is known about why people choose this service over other modes treatment. Objective: The aim current study was determine motivations for choosing recommending telephone or face-to-face services. Methods: involved 233 Australian participants who had completed an online session gambling on Gambling Help Online website between November 2010 February 2012. Participants were all classified gamblers, with a greater proportion males (57.4%) 60.4% younger than 40 years age. open-ended questions their reasons telephone), well others. Results: A content analysis revealed 4 themes related confidentiality/anonymity (reported by 27.0%), convenience/accessibility (50.9%), system access (34.2%), preference therapeutic medium (26.6%). Few reported helpful professional support reason accessing online, but 43.2% stated that service. Those older more likely sample use entry point into ( P =.045), whereas those engaged nonstrategic (eg, machine gambling) strategic cards, sports; =.01). recommend because its confidentiality anonymity =.04), due it being =.02). Conclusions: This provides important information attractive thereby informing development targeted programs, campaigns, promotional material. [J Med Internet Res 2013;15(5):e99]