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Testing the Efficacy of RESPONSIBLEPLAY © : A Multi-Theory Model (MTM)-Based Intervention Protocol for Promoting Responsible Gambling Among College Students

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  • Sidath Kapukotuwa

    (Department of Social and Behavioral Health, School of Public Health, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV 89119, USA)

  • Kavita Batra

    (Department of Medical Education, Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV 89106, USA
    Office of Research, Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV 89106, USA)

  • Christopher Johansen

    (Department of Social and Behavioral Health, School of Public Health, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV 89119, USA)

  • Manoj Sharma

    (Department of Social and Behavioral Health, School of Public Health, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV 89119, USA
    Department of Internal Medicine, Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV 89106, USA)

Abstract

Background: Gambling behaviors among college students are a growing public health concern, with problem gambling rates significantly higher in this population than in the general public. Aim: This study outlines the protocol for a randomized controlled trial (RCT) evaluating the efficacy of RESPONSIBLEPLAY © , a Multi-theory Model (MTM)-based intervention designed to promote responsible gambling behaviors. Proposed Methods: The intervention integrates six MTM constructs—participatory dialogue, behavioral confidence, changes in the physical environment, emotional transformation, practice for change, and changes in the social environment—to address the initiation and sustenance of behavior change. College students aged 21 and older, scoring 3 or higher on the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI), will be randomly assigned to either the MTM-based intervention group or a traditional knowledge-based intervention group. The participants will complete surveys assessing PGSI and MTM constructs at pre-test, post-test, and eight-week follow-up. This study aims to provide evidence for the efficacy of theory-driven intervention compared to a knowledge-based approach. Conclusions: If successful, this protocol will establish a robust framework for mitigating gambling-related harm in vulnerable college populations, paving the way for scalable, evidence-based interventions in diverse settings. The findings will contribute to the development of public health strategies that integrate theoretical constructs with practical applications to address high-risk behaviors.

Suggested Citation

  • Sidath Kapukotuwa & Kavita Batra & Christopher Johansen & Manoj Sharma, 2025. "Testing the Efficacy of RESPONSIBLEPLAY © : A Multi-Theory Model (MTM)-Based Intervention Protocol for Promoting Responsible Gambling Among College Students," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 22(6), pages 1-16, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:22:y:2025:i:6:p:858-:d:1668534
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Atte Oksanen & Anu Sirola & Iina Savolainen & Aki Koivula & Markus Kaakinen & Ilkka Vuorinen & Izabela Zych & Hye-Jin Paek, 2021. "Social Ecological Model of Problem Gambling: A Cross-National Survey Study of Young People in the United States, South Korea, Spain, and Finland," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(6), pages 1-19, March.
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