Risk and protective factors in youth gambling: A study of Harare, Zimbabwe

Gambling among youth is increasing and has caused concern in Zimbabwe; it affects not only the individuals but also those close to the gambler and the community at large. This study examined the risk and protective factors associated with gambling problems among young people in Harare, Zimbabwe. The research was guided by the ecological systems theory. It used a qualitative approach and adopted a phenomenological design. A sample was drawn from the youth population in Harare, aged 18–30 years. Because of the sensitive nature of the topic, a combination of purposive and snowball sampling was employed to select participants who met the specified criteria. The data were analysed using thematic analysis. The study identified various risk factors that contribute to the development of gambling problems among youths in Harare, categorised into intrapersonal and interpersonal factors. Among the intrapersonal risk factors, peer influence, family influence, community influence, cultural influences and accessibility were recognised. The interpersonal factors highlighted by the researcher include arousal, cognitive beliefs, drug use and delinquent behaviours. The findings suggest that different stakeholders in Zimbabwean communities should take precautionary measures to warn and educate young people about the harmful effects of gambling and to promote access to reliable income-generating activities. Transdisciplinary Contribution: The adoption of Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory offers a strong conceptual framework for analysing youth gambling in Harare by situating individual behaviour within interconnected systems – microsystem, mesosystem, exosystem, macrosystem and chronosystem – thus allowing a thorough examination of risk and protective factors across multiple levels of influence. This ecological perspective supports the integration of insights from educational psychology, sociology, public health and economics, enhancing the study’s theoretical depth while guiding the development of contextually appropriate, multi-sectoral interventions and awareness campaigns in high-density areas. This approach ensures a significant contribution to transdisciplinary scholarship and policy reform.