RISKY SUBSTANCE USE AMONG PATRONS OF GAMBLING VENUES IN OGBOMOSO, OYO STATE, NIGERIA

Background: Risky substance use is associated with significant morbidity worldwide. Although persons engaged in gambling activities are generally at risk of problematic substance use, little is known about substance use among persons that engage in gambling activities despite recent proliferation of venues in Nigeria. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of substance use and associated factors in persons engaged in gambling activities. Methods: This was a descriptive cross sectional design. Participants were recruited from 19 gambling locations identified in 5 randomly selected administrative wards. South oaks gambling screen and Alcohol, Smoking and substance involvement test were administered. Results: One hundred and forty six patrons (84.9%) agreed to participate in the study. Mean age was 27.5years (SD = 8.57). Majority were male (89.7%), single (64.4%) and betted on pools (80.8%). Risky use of alcohol (32.2%) was most common, followed by tobacco (21.9%) and cannabis (4.8%). Risky use of any of the psychoactive substances was found to be significantly related to age (Mann Whitney U-test, z =-4.098, P < 0.001), income (Mann Whitney U-test, z = -3.025, P = 0.002) and amount spent on gambling (Mann Whitney U-test, z =-3.004, P =0.003). Risky alcohol use was associated with marital status, age (Mann-Whitney U-test, z =-3.621, P < 0.001) and income (Mann-Whitney U-test, z = -2.428, P = 0.015). Conclusion: These findings highlight the need to consider integrating screening of substance programs in evaluations of persons engaged in gambling activities. Preventive interventions targeting common risk factors may save costs in resource constrained settings.