National Helpline for Problem Gambling: A Profile of Its Users’ Characteristics

摘要: Gambling has seen a significant increase in Italy the last 10 years and rapidly become public health issue, for these reasons first National Helpline Problem (GR-Helpline) been established. The aims of this study are to describe GR-Helpline users' characteristics compare prevalence rates users with those moderate-risk/problematic gamblers obtained from national survey (IPSAD 2010-2011). Statistical analysis was performed on data counselling sessions (phone/e-mail/chat) carried out 5,805 (57.5% gamblers; 42.5% families/friends). This confirms that problems related gambling concern not only but also their families friends. Significant differences were found between families/friends involving gender (74% male; 76.9% female), as well age-classes geographical area. Female had higher mean age (47.3 versus 40.2 years) preferred nonstrategy-based games. Prevalence moderate risk/problematic correlated (Rho = 0.58; p 0.0113). results highlight fact remote access can be an effective means promoting treatment problem who do otherwise appeal directly services.