The co-morbidity of DSM-V Gambling with DSM-V mental disorders and substance abuse in a Kenyan context of high risk schizophrenia

INTRODUCTION: There is evidence that gambling disorder shares similarities with other types of addictive behavior, such as occurs in substance abuse. In addition, co-morbidity of gambling with mental disorders has been established in school-going students. AIM: This study aimed at determining the comorbidity of DSM-V gambling disorder with DSM-V mental disorders and substance abuse in high school, college and university students in Kenya. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study among 536 high school, college and university students. We collected data on socio-demographic characteristics, economic indicators, DSM-V diagnosis including DSM-V gambling disorder and substance use disorders using the WHO ASSIST tool. Descriptive and inferential analyses were done. RESULTS: A total of 536 students participated in the study, of which 11.4% (61 out of 536) had DSM-V gambling disorder. Male gender (AOR = 12.0, 95% CI: 4.99–34.3), antisocial personality disorder (AOR = 3.42, 95% CI: 1.34–8.54), tobacco use (AOR = 4.42, 95% CI: 1.15–18.3) and conduct disorder (AOR = 7.56, 95% CI: 2.34–25.1) were predictors of gambling disorder. CONCLUSION: Gambling is highly prevalent in Kenya learning institutions at 11.4% and is associated with mental disorders and substance use. There is a need for public awareness of gambling among Kenyan youths. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12888-023-04738-4.