Chronically homeless veterans with gambling disorder: Epidemiology, clinical correlates, and traumatic experiences

Background: Gambling disorder (GD) is often a concern for people living in poverty. Although GD has been correlated with homelessness, there has been no study of factors related to chronic homelessness among veterans with GD.Method: This study used data from specialized homeless programs from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Homeless Operations Management System to explore prevalence and correlates of chronic homelessness among veterans with GD in this program and to describe initial descriptive epidemiology. Chi-square tests, analyses of variance, and logistic regressions were conducted to examine differences in sociodemographic, military, clinical, and behavioral characteristics between veterans with versus without chronic homelessness.Result: Of 6053 veterans with GD, 1733 (28.6%) had chronic homelessness. Veterans with versus without chronic homelessness were more likely to be older, male, unemployed, and of low educational attainment and report having spent fewer years in the military. Chronic homelessness was associated with elevated odds of mental health and medical diagnoses, traumatic experiences, incarceration, and suicidal thoughts. Veterans with versus without chronic homelessness more frequently reported needing substance use, medical and psychiatric treatments but expressed low interest in participation in psychiatric treatment.Conclusion: Veterans with GD and chronic homelessness have more clinical and behavioral concerns and needs for treatment, but participate in treatment at lower rates. It may be important to address both chronic homelessness and GD concurrently in order to effectively support veterans facing these challenges.

Automated summary

This study explores the phenomenon of chronic homelessness among veterans with gambling disorder (GD) and its related factors. Findings show that veterans with chronic homelessness are older, more likely to be male, unemployed, and have lower educational attainment compared to veterans without chronic homelessness. Chronic homelessness is associated with mental health issues, medical diagnoses, traumatic experiences, incarceration, and suicidal thoughts. Veterans with chronic homelessness have a greater need for substance use, medical, and psychiatric treatments but have lower interest in participating in psychiatric treatment.