Breaking the Cycle: Quantitative Analysis of the Bearing of Gambling Addiction on the Youth in a Selected Municipality in the Central Region, Ghana

Jonah AsamoahNyarko; Andrews Acquah

doi:10.56201/ijssmr.vol.11no8.2025.pg256.265

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Breaking the Cycle: Quantitative Analysis of the Bearing of Gambling Addiction on the Youth in a Selected Municipality in the Central Region, Ghana

Jonah AsamoahNyarko, Andrews Acquah

Abstract

This study investigates the multifaceted impacts of gambling addiction on individuals within the Awutu-Senya East Municipal Assembly, Ghana, with particular focus on the socio- demographic characteristics and behavioral consequences among affected populations. Using a descriptive quantitative research design, the study employed purposive sampling to select 50 gambling addicts as participants. Data collection was conducted through structured questionnaires divided into three sections: socio-demographic characteristics, positive impacts, and negative impacts of gambling addiction. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 27.0, employing frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviations, and correlation analysis. The findings revealed that gambling addiction predominantly affects males (92%) aged 25-34 years (50%), with secondary education (50%) and weekly incomes below 500 Ghana Cedis (72%). Notably, 64% of participants reported difficulty controlling their gambling behaviors, with 38% gambling daily and 30% weekly. The study identified a weak positive correlation (r=0.346) between gambling addiction and perceived positive impacts, while revealing a strong positive correlation (r=0.710) between gambling addiction and negative consequences. Participants disagreed that gambling provided positive benefits including financial gains, social relationships, entertainment, or satisfaction. Conversely, they strongly agreed that gambling addiction resulted in significant negative impacts, particularly financial losses, though they disagreed about property loss, alcoholism, and drug abuse as consequences. Regression analysis confirmed statistically significant relationships between gambling addiction and both positive (t=13.020, p<0.001) and negative impacts (t=3.870, p<0.001). The study concludes that gambling addiction in Awutu-Senya East Municipal Assembly primarily affects young, educated males with limited financial r

Keywords

Gambling addictionYouthSocio-economic impactBehavioral consequences

References

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Breaking the Cycle: Quantitative Analysis of the Bearing of Gambling Addiction on the Youth in a Selected Municipality in the Central Region, Ghana

Abstract

Keywords

References

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