Over-indebtedness and suicidal behavior - mapping of risk factors with particular focus on young adults, gender, and gambling disorder

Research problem and specific questionsHow can suicidal behavior in the case of over-indebtedness be prevented? Which risk factors can be identified?Over-indebtedness and suicidal behavior are closely associated.

Problems to repay debts significantly increase the risk of suicide, but research on over-indebtedness as a risk factor for suicidal behavior is limited. Young adults, women, and people with gambling disorder are at increased risk of over-indebtedness. The project studies these groups in particular.Data and methodThe project comprises three studies.

Study 1: Intervention study targeting over-indebted individuals with either a gambling disorder or an addictive shopping behavior (‘shopping addiction’). The study enables follow-up studies. Study 2: Registry study.

Data from The Swedish Enforcement Authority and other registers are used to investigate over-indebtedness and suicide in relation to gambling disorder.

Study 3: Measures over-indebtedness, suicidal behavior, psychological and demographic variables in the population to identify risk factors for longitudinal studies and interventions.Societal relevance and utilisationOver-indebtedness has become a major social problem, not least in high-income countries.

Over-indebtedness has negative consequences for both mental and physical health; it is a public health problem with increased risk of sleeping problems, high blood pressure, diabetes, pain, and obesity, but also to suicidal behavior, smoking, substance and gambling problems.

Debt in the form of short-term loans has increased dramatically and increases the risk of over-indebtedness and ill-health in the population.

Mapping risk factors and offering targeted interventions has the potential to reduce suffering, increase work ability, and ultimately save lives.Plan for project realisationThe intervention will be conducted online by therapists at a clinical research unit affiliated with the Gambling Disorder Treatment Unit, Malmö Addiction Center, Skåne Region.

The registry study: data is requested from Swedish Enforcement Authority, national causes of death register, and other registers. Data in study 3 is collected via online surveys. In addition to salary costs, the intervention study requires funds for therapists. The registry study requires funds for data.

Funds to supply for large data collection is required in study 3.

Other costs include statistical consultation for advanced analyses, dissemination of results, travel and ethical review.