AN EXPLORATION OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PROBLEM GAMBLING AND FOOD INSECURITY AMONG OLDER ADULTS IN SOUTHERN NEVADA

Session Title

Poster session

Presentation Type

Poster Presentation

Start Date

27-5-2026 12:00 AM

Abstract

Problem gambling and food insecurity are two significant public health concerns that remain underexplored in relation to one another, particularly among older adults. Both issues have shared risk factors such as financial instability, social isolation, chronic illness, and functional limitations. In 2020, approximately 13.5% of U.S. households experienced food insecurity, with 5.1% reporting very low food security. Older adults are disproportionately vulnerable due to fixed incomes, rising healthcare costs, mobility constraints, and reduced social support. Problem gambling can exacerbate these vulnerabilities by contributing to financial distress, family conflict, and declining mental and physical health. While approximately 1% of U.S. adults meet criteria for gambling disorder, prevalence estimates among adults aged 60 years and older vary widely, ranging from 0.01% to 10.6%. In Southern Nevada, gambling is both a dominant cultural activity and a central economic driver, potentially increasing exposure among older adults. This study aims to examine the association between problem gambling behaviors and food insecurity among a sample of adults aged 60 years and older residing in Southern Nevada. This study examines the prevalence of food insecurity and problem gambling, and assesses their relationship while accounting for relevant sociodemographic and health-related factors.

Author Bios

Merika Charupoom is a public health researcher and aspiring physician with a strong focus on injury prevention, behavioral health, and health equity. She is a Master of Public Health student at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where she has conducted extensive quantitative and applied research in transportation safety, community health, and behavioral interventions. She has several years of experience as a Registered Behavioral Technician, working directly with children with autism spectrum disorder to implement evidence-based applied behavior analysis (ABA) interventions while systematically collecting and analyzing behavioral data. Her work bridges rigorous research, clinical practice, and community-centered public health impact.

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May 27th, 12:00 AM

AN EXPLORATION OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PROBLEM GAMBLING AND FOOD INSECURITY AMONG OLDER ADULTS IN SOUTHERN NEVADA

Problem gambling and food insecurity are two significant public health concerns that remain underexplored in relation to one another, particularly among older adults. Both issues have shared risk factors such as financial instability, social isolation, chronic illness, and functional limitations. In 2020, approximately 13.5% of U.S. households experienced food insecurity, with 5.1% reporting very low food security. Older adults are disproportionately vulnerable due to fixed incomes, rising healthcare costs, mobility constraints, and reduced social support. Problem gambling can exacerbate these vulnerabilities by contributing to financial distress, family conflict, and declining mental and physical health. While approximately 1% of U.S. adults meet criteria for gambling disorder, prevalence estimates among adults aged 60 years and older vary widely, ranging from 0.01% to 10.6%. In Southern Nevada, gambling is both a dominant cultural activity and a central economic driver, potentially increasing exposure among older adults. This study aims to examine the association between problem gambling behaviors and food insecurity among a sample of adults aged 60 years and older residing in Southern Nevada. This study examines the prevalence of food insecurity and problem gambling, and assesses their relationship while accounting for relevant sociodemographic and health-related factors.