Background and aim: Although problem gambling typically involves substantial distress, few seek face-to-face treatment. In Norway, problem gamblers can participate in a governmental supported internet- and telephone-based intervention programme. The current study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of this programme in terms of gambling behaviour, gambling-related cognitions and mental health in a one group pre-test post-test design with a follow-up assessment. Methods: The sample consisted of the 67 participants who completed the intervention programme within a one-year timeframe. Gambling behaviour (SOGS-R), gambling-related cognitions (GBQ) and mental health (SCL-90-R) were measured pre-intervention, post-intervention and at a 6−12 months follow-up. A total of 25 (37.3%) participants completed the follow-up assessment. T-tests were conducted to investigate development in gambling behaviour, gambling-related cognitions and mental health from pre-intervention to post-intervention and follow-up. Results: The analyses showed a significant reduction in gambling behaviour, gambling problems, gambling-related cognitive distortions and mental health symptoms from pre-intervention to post-intervention and follow-up. The corresponding effect sizes for the reductions in gambling and gambling-related cognitive distortions were very large, while the effect sizes for the reductions in mental distress were moderate. Conclusion: The internet/telephone programme appears to have several positive outcomes including reduction in gambling behaviour, gambling problems, gambling-related cognitive distortions and symptoms of mental disorders both in the short and long term. Another positive outcome of participation appears to be a lowered threshold for seeking additional treatment. The current study entails, however, important limitations, and future studies should investigate the outcomes of the programme while including a control group.

中文翻译：

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针对问题赌博的挪威远程干预计划：短期和长期结果

背景和目的：虽然问题赌博通常会带来很大的痛苦，但很少有人会寻求面对面的治疗。在挪威，问题赌徒可以参与政府支持的基于互联网和电话的干预计划。目前的研究旨在评估该计划在赌博行为、赌博相关认知和心理健康方面的结果，采用一组前测后测设计，并进行后续评估。方法：样本由在一年时间内完成干预计划的 67 名参与者组成。在干预前、干预后和 6-12 个月的随访中测量赌博行为 (SOGS-R)、赌博相关认知 (GBQ) 和心理健康 (SCL-90-R)。共有 25 名 (37.3%) 参与者完成了后续评估。进行 T 检验以调查从干预前到干预后和随访的赌博行为、赌博相关认知和心理健康的发展。结果：分析显示，从干预前到干预后和随访，赌博行为、赌博问题、赌博相关的认知扭曲和心理健康症状显着减少。减少赌博和与赌博相关的认知扭曲的相应效应量非常大，而减少精神痛苦的效应量是中等的。结论：互联网/电话计划似乎有几个积极的结果，包括在短期和长期内减少赌博行为、赌博问题、与赌博相关的认知扭曲和精神障碍症状。参与的另一个积极结果似乎是降低了寻求额外治疗的门槛。然而，目前的研究存在重要的局限性，未来的研究应在包括对照组的同时调查该计划的结果。