Gambling, the Zero- Sum Game among KMTC Students: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Case Study of KMTC Mombasa Campus
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47604/gjhs.3805Keywords:
Gambling, Sports Betting, KMTC Students, Psychological Distress, Academic Performance, Financial Instability, Public HealthAbstract
Purpose: This study aimed to examine the prevalence, trend and effects of gambling on the students at the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) Mombasa Campus. As gambling is becoming more accepted via mobile and advertising, the research sought to evaluate the effects of gambling on student psychological health, academic achievement, and financial stability.
Methodology: The study was descriptive cross-sectional study conducted on 518 students in KMTC Mombasa Campus years 1-3. Structured questionnaires were used to gather data on demographics, gambling prevalence, types, frequency, and impacts. Chi-square tests and descriptive statistics were used to analyse associations between gambling behaviour and awareness of counselling services.
Findings: The prevalence rate was high (67.2%), and men (77.3%) were more involved in gambling than women (55.2%). Most popular types included sports betting (38.6%) and Aviator (16.6%). The most common consequences were psychological distress (79.1%), financial instability (75.4%), and academic disruption (33.1%). While 86.9% agreed that gambling was an addictive activity, only 31.7% of the gamblers knew about the KMTC counselling services. Gambling is a major public health and educational problem among the KMTC students at Mombasa campus, and there is some clear evidence of there being psychological, financial and academic cost. If no measures are taken, the situation will worsen, with detrimental effects on the well-being and professional growth of the students.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Counselling centres to be set up at Mombasa campus, peer education and awareness campaigns to mitigate these harms. Financial literacy and responsible money management programs should be implemented, which are to be accompanied by the improvement and training of staff's competencies and gender responsive outreach programs to respond to different gambling profiles.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Dr. Jacinta N. Mukonzo, Mercy Kisilu, Rachael Mwende, James Musovya, Kelvin Radoli, Hesbon Osike, Kassim Abubakar
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