Czech Validation of the Online Gambling Disorder Questionnaire (OGD-Q)

Background: Online gambling poses a growing public health concern due to its negative impacts and increasing accessibility through digital mediums. Validating measures like the Online Gambling Disorder Questionnaire (OGD-Q) in the Czech context, which presently remains unresolved, is essential to start addressing this escalating issue. Objective: Therefore, the objective is to examine the psychometric properties and adapt the scale into Czech cultural context. Methodology: A large nationwide sample of 3407 Czech adults (Age: M = 27.1, SD = 12.1, range = 81; Females: 61.26%) was used for the analysis. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to examine model fit of the original one-factor model. Moreover, network analysis was performed to examine the mutual dynamics between the scale items. The construct validity was assessed by examining associations with other constructs using Spearman’s Rank correlations. Finally, measurement invariances were examined in age and sex. Results: The results showed an excellent fit for a one-factor model with good internal consistency. The network analysis identified 3 item communities with high strength centralities among the items except for one. The construct validity testing revealed significant positive correlations between the scale and stress, anxiety, depression, as well as a range of risk behaviours. Additionally, measurement invariances were supported in both sex and age. Conclusion: Altogether, the OGD-Q is a valid and reliable measure of online gambling disorder in the Czech cultural and socio-economic context.