EXPLORING HELP-SEEKING BY “PROBLEM GAMBLERS”, FAMILY AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS IN AFRICAN NOVA SCOTIAN COMMUNITIES

Abstract

There are significant gaps in research on gambling and problem gambling among people of African descent in Canada. In this qualitative research the author sought to explore the experiences and perceptions of African Nova Scotians who self-identify as “problem gamblers”, individuals who have been impacted by family members with gambling problems and African Nova Scotian community members. The author also examined the structural and cultural factors that influence help-seeking for African Nova Scotians with gambling problems. The results of the research revealed that problem gambling impacts individuals, family members and the African Nova Scotian community as a whole. African Nova Scotians’ perceptions of gambling, problem gambling and available treatment services prevented service accessibility for gambling related problems. Cultural and structural factors also prevented help-seeking among African Nova Scotians with gambling related problems, hence the underrepresentation of African Nova Scotians in treatment services.