Psychosocial Motivators for Moderate Drinking among Young Asian Flushers in Singapore.

Hye Kyung Kim,Dorothy Wong Kang Min,Rachel Lim Si En

doi:10.3390/ijerph16111897

Hye Kyung Kim, Dorothy Wong Kang Min + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16111897

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Abstract

Asians are more susceptible to alcohol flush syndrome and its associated health risks because they are genetically predisposed towards it. Guided by the theory of planned behaviour, this research examined the psychosocial factors associated with moderate alcohol consumption, in order to inform the development of a health campaign targeting young Asian “flushers” in Singapore. We employed a mixed-method design comprising an online survey and focus group discussions. The survey results identified perceived behavioural control as the most salient belief associated with moderate drinking intentions, particularly for Asian flushers. Although Asian flushers had more positive attitudes towards, and perceived behavioural control about drinking in moderation, they were more likely to consider that their peers disapprove of such a practice, compared to non-flushers. Additionally, Asian flushers did not consider themselves as having a higher risk of long-term health effects from alcohol consumption than non-Flushers despite their actual high-risk status. Focus group findings suggest that young Asian flushers have poor knowledge of, and skills associated with moderate drinking, in addition to feeling self-imposed social pressure. The study findings provide practical insights into bridging the information gap on Asian flush and promoting Asian flushers’ drinking in moderation.

Highlights

Alcohol consumption contributes to global mortality and an increased incidence of short- and long-term health consequences, some of which include the development of seven types of cancer: mouth, pharynx, larynx, oesophageal, breast, liver and colon [1]
This research aims to understand the issue of Asian flush in Singapore better, as it occurs among university students who tend towards excessive alcohol consumption, either as a symbolic entry point into adulthood, or to gain a broad range of life experiences [3]
We investigate Asian flushers’ perceived risk of both the short- and long-term health effects of alcohol consumption and the implications on their forming intentions to drink in moderation

Summary

Introduction

Alcohol consumption contributes to global mortality and an increased incidence of short- and long-term health consequences, some of which include the development of seven types of cancer: mouth, pharynx, larynx, oesophageal, breast, liver and colon [1]. Notwithstanding the magnitude of the health impact and the sizable population at-risk in Singapore, there is a lack of research into Asian flushers’ perceptions of, and behaviours concerning alcohol consumption. This makes it difficult to intervene effectively in their alcohol consumption in order to reduce Asian flush-associated health risks. For these reasons, this research aims to understand the issue of Asian flush in Singapore better, as it occurs among university students who tend towards excessive alcohol consumption, either as a symbolic entry point into adulthood, or to gain a broad range of life experiences [3]

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