Håkan Wall

GARN (Gambling Research Network) was formed in 2012 with the purpose to develop a meeting place for both new and more experienced researchers within the gambling field in Sweden. The activities have been focused on developing cooperation between different research environments as well as promoting and encouraging ongoing and new gambling research. In this way, GARN plays an important role in stimulating, strengthening and consolidating gambling research in Sweden.The network is open to anyone who conducts research where gambling is seen as a social, cultural and/or psychological phenomenon, or investigates the effects of gambling for society as a whole and/or for the individual. An important principle of GARN is the independence from companies and organizations with financial interests in the gambling sector.If funded, GARN will organize two-day networking meetings once a year. The meetings will, as previous years, include scientific presentations held by network members and invited speakers, discussions on methodology, prevention, regulation, and ongoing research within the network, common research applications and study visits. As previously, the responsibility to organize the network meetings will alternate between research environments.On the basis of previous meetings in 2013–2023, we are counting on 25–30 participants each meeting, which is a large part of the active gambling researchers in Sweden today. The network members will be able to communicate with each other via the network´s common email list. In that way, everyone can update each other about seminars, conferences, literature, research projects, vacancies and other things that may be of interest to network members. The network will also increase the dissemination of knowledge about Swedish gambling research to a larger audience by producing an external newsletter each semester, summarizing the current studies of GARN researchers with implications for policy and practice.

Research problem and specific questionsThe aim is to develop and evaluate a digital preventive intervention for young people (15-25 years) with caregivers who have problematic drinking. Research questions examine how the intervention is received, if it has effects on mental health and own substance use, and if it is cost-effective. The number of evaluated preventive interventions for this target group described in research literature is scarce.Data and methodThe project includes co-production of a fully automated digital intervention, pilot testing, a randomized controlled trial (RCT), and a cost-effectiveness analysis. Both quantitative and qualitative data are collected. The RCT includes at least 400 people. After a baseline assessment and randomization to the intervention or waitlist control group, follow-ups are collected after 1-, 3- and 12-months using web-based questionnaires. Scales assess depression, stress, anxiety, quality of life, alcohol and other substance use, and societal resource use. Data are analyzed descriptively and with methods for longitudinal data.Societal relevance and utilizationUp to 20% of Swedish children grow up with caregivers who have problematic drinking, and they are at increased risk of several negative outcomes like poor school performance, own risky substance use, and mental and physical ill-health. Society´s support efforts reach a negligible proportion of this high-risk group. Our project offers a readily accessible digital intervention that is evaluated in terms of effects and cost-effectiveness. As we already have established collaboration with key actors, there are good opportunities to disseminate and make the intervention available. The intervention can serve as the first step towards seeking help for these children and young people.Plan for project realizationThe intervention is developed in co-production with end-users and representatives from addiction clinics, social services, student healthcare centers, and Children’s rights. The intervention will include components like psychoeducation, films, exercises, questions, and feedback. A web bureau develops the technical interface. The pilot study focuses on study feasibility and the target group’s acceptance. An RCT is conducted with sufficient power to detect a difference in the study´s primary outcome – depression. Based on RCT data, a cost-effectiveness analysis is conducted. Funding covers costs for salaries, intervention development, and data collection.

Research problem and specific questionsProblem gambling (PG) is considered a serious public health concern, with approximately 2% of the adult population estimated to have gambling problems. For every person with PG, an additional six persons are negatively affected, which goes to demonstrate the severity of the problem for the individual, for the immediate family and society. The consequences of problem gambling are often economically and psychologically dire for those affected.There are evidence-based treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for PG, but treatment-seeking is generally low. Problem gamblers tend to seek treatment when gambling has become unmanageable and has already led to a life crisis. This calls for evaluation and implementation of more effective measures at an earlier stage, to prevent the development of PG and to mitigate its consequences.The Swedish National Gambling Helpline offers support and advice through telephone, chat and via their website. As a part of responsible gambling measures required by Swedish law, gambling operators often refer customers to the helpline, both through their gambling products, websites, and advertisements.Data and methodThe needs and experiences of gamblers and CSOs will be evaluated in both a survey study, and an interview study. After that, three screening based interventions will be evaluated in a pragmatically randomized study.Plan for project realizationWe will utilize the only existing national service for problem gamblers, the National Gambling Helpline, and its website in Sweden, to reach gamblers and their concerned significant others (CSOs). The website is visited by a large number of gamblers and CSOs. For the interview study, and the survey study, we will recruit gamblers and CSOs through advertisements on the helpline’s website.The evaluation of the screening based interventions will be integrated on the helpline’s website, thereby providing automatic randomization when the participants choose to test their gambling habits. Subsequently, we will monitor the participants for one year.Societal relevance and utilisationThis will be the first study that evaluates the general referral of people to the Swedish National Gambling Helpline. By offering early interventions in this population, it is possible to prevent an escalation of gambling problems, and its negative consequences on mental health, CSOs, and other gambling-related harms.