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Effectiveness of preventive gambling interventions in adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Forfatter(e)
Talebi, F., Bazrafshan, F.
År
2025
DOI
10.1016/j.addbeh.2025.108436
Tidsskrift
Addictive Behaviors
Volum
170
Sider
108436
Kategori(er)
Problematisk spilling og internettbruk
Tiltakstype(r)
Psykoedukative tiltak (inkl. videobasert modellæring)Skole/barnehagebaserte tiltak
Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to evaluate the effectiveness of gambling prevention interventions for adolescents, identify key factors influencing intervention outcomes, and provide evidence-based recommendations for future prevention efforts.

METHODS

A systematic search was conducted using databases such as PubMed, SCOPUS, ISI Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar up to May 2025. The review followed PRISMA guidelines, and the quality of included studies was assessed using standardized tools. Data were synthesized using meta-analytic techniques to calculate the effect size, which was reported as a weighted mean differences (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI).

RESULTS

This meta-analysis included 15 studies with a total sample of 4,201 adolescents. Overall, gambling prevention programs demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in gambling behaviors among adolescents (WMD: -3.26, 95 % CI: -3.92 to -2.60, P < 0.001). However, the certainty evidence was very low as assessed by the GRADE evidence profiles, indicating potential limitations in study quality, inconsistency, and risk of bias. Publication bias was assessed using funnel plot analysis and Egger's test, indicating absence of significant bias.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest that gambling prevention programs may be effective in reducing adolescent gambling behaviors, but the results should be interpreted with caution due to the low certainty of the evidence. Future research should focus on optimizing intervention design, long-term effectiveness, and the role of digital prevention strategies to enhance effectiveness.