Prevalence of Problem Gambling among Senior Secondary School Students

Abstract

Adolescent stage is crucial in the lives of everyone, it marks a new beginning. Studies have shown that adolescents gambling is associated with adverse outcome such as vocational, psychological, personal, financial, social, and academic consequences. This study investigated prevalence of problem gambling among senior secondary school students. This is a cross-sectional study that is guided by social learning theory. The population of the study is secondary school students, while the sample size consisted of 500 respondents drawn from 4 secondary schools. Information was gathered from the respondents by convenience sampling method with the use of standardized questionnaire. The result of the study indicated that prevalence of problem gambling (3.2%) is high among senior secondary students. The male students (67.8%) engaged more in gambling than their female (32.2%) counterparts. Ultimately, the peak of gambling is between SS2 (33.4%) and SS3 (37.4%). The following recommendations are made at the end of the study. Clinical psychologist and other mental health professionals are needed in all secondary school across the state to psycho-educate students on the danger and long-term effect of gambling. The school management must establish a strict measure to combat the prevalence of gambling among secondary school students in the state. The parent, guardians, and faith leaders have a role to play in reducing the menace of gambling in this contemporary time.