Influence Of Alcohol Use Research Articles

Abstract- Poster

ObjectiveAlcohol consumption and misuse are common in India, and various social and psychological factors contribute to this problem. The goal of this research is to uncover psychosocial elements that contribute to alcohol use and abuse, as well as to examine socio-demographic aspects to evaluate a person’s susceptibility to alcohol consumption.MethodThe study was based on a questionnaire that was used to determine the factors that impact drinking and estimate peer influence. Alcoholic patients at Bharati Hospital in Sangli’s mental opd served as study participants. All of the participants were given a questionnaire to fill out in order to learn about the reasons for their drinking and their socioeconomic level. The research question explored the association between alcoholism and factors such as educational attainment, family history, income, depression, physical abuse, and the impact of friends.ResultThe study looked at psychosocial factors that influence alcohol use in the target group and answered research questions about those factors. Peer pressure, psychological issues, academic considerations, social factors, and family background are the leading reasons of alcohol and drug misuse.According to research, one of the factors that leads to alcohol usage is family history. Individuals, especially adolescents, respond to peer pressure to drink alcohol in order to avoid social rejection by their peers.

Why do women consume alcohol during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?

IssueAlcohol consumption during pregnancy and breastfeeding cause adverse health outcomes to the mother and child, including Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).ApproachSystematic literature review and thematic synthesis. Original studies that contained reasons for alcohol consumption in pregnancy and while breastfeeding were included. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) and the Confidence in the Evidence of Reviews of Qualitative Research (CerQUAL) approach were utilised. The review protocol is available on PROSPERO (registration number: CRD42018116998).Key FindingsForty‐two eligible studies comprising women from 16 countries were included. Most commonly reported reasons of alcohol use in pregnancy were societal pressure and the belief that only “strong” alcohol and alcohol in large quantities is harmful. Other reasons were: a lack of awareness of adverse effects on the fetus; coping with adverse life experiences; consumption based on intuitive decision‐making and influenced by personal/peer experiences; belief in the beneficial properties of alcohol; advice from medical practitioners; unwanted or unplanned pregnancy; alcohol dependence; and consumption as a cultural/traditional custom. Reasons for alcohol use during breastfeeding included the belief that alcohol stimulates breast milk production, unclear advice from medical practitioners, unawareness of the risks of infant exposure and to improve mood and celebrate events.ImplicationsUnderstanding the context of reasons for alcohol use in pregnancy is crucial for implementing prenatal health education, and preventing FASD and other adverse maternal and child health outcomes.ConclusionIndividual beliefs, knowledge/advice, culture and personal circumstances influence alcohol use in pregnancy. Data are limited for reasons surrounding alcohol use while breastfeeding.

Domains matter: A prospective investigation of traditional feminine gender roles and alcohol use among Latinas

Scholars suggest traditional feminine gender roles (TFGRs) influence alcohol use among U.S. Latinas, but relevant literature is limited. This two-wave study examined how multi-dimensional internal (i.e., beliefs) and external (i.e., practices) TFGR processes related to drinking among college-bound Latina emerging adults across time. TFGRs characterized by virtue predicted less alcohol engagement, while some TFGR dimensions (e.g., subordinate) predicted more. TFGR practices more strongly predicted cross-sectional alcohol outcomes than TFGR beliefs, although some TFGR beliefs predicted later drinking. These findings highlight the utility of assessing multiple TFGR dimensions and domains to better understand the link between TFGRs and drinking among Latinas.

Effects of the 2020 health crisis on acute alcohol intoxication: A nationwide retrospective observational study

BackgroundRecent data suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic and associated restrictions may have influenced alcohol use and promoted addictive behavior. We aimed to investigate the impact of the pandemic on acute alcohol intoxication (AAI) in France. MethodsWe identified all hospital stays related to alcohol abuse in 2018–2020. Differences in number of hospitalizations between 2019 and 2020 were tested using Poisson regressions. Differences between observed and expected deliveries of drugs used in alcohol dependence in 2020 were also studied. ResultsThere was a decrease in the number of hospitalizations for AAI between 2019 and 2020 (−9677[−11·4%],RR:0·89[0·88–0·89]). This decrease was observed among men and women of all age groups, except women ≥ 85 years. We observed an increase in in-hospital mortality during 2020 and more hospitalizations for AAI with certain medical complications, especially during the first 2020 lockdown. There was a drop in observed deliveries of drugs used in alcohol dependence during the first 2020 lockdown. ConclusionsThe decrease in the number of hospitalizations for AAI in 2020 could be explained by several factors: fewer available hospital beds due to COVID-19, individuals with AAI delaying or avoiding medical care due to COVID-19 fears, and decreases driven by younger age groups returning to live with parents and socializing less. While alcohol consumption patterns have changed with the implementation of social distancing measures and lockdowns, the increase in mortality and the share of hospitalizations with complications suggest that these measures had an impact on event severity in a context of strained access to healthcare.

Working at home and alcohol use

Working at home has become a frequent work arrangement following the COVID-19 pandemic. However, little is known about how working at home influence alcohol use among employees. This study examines associations between working at home at least 15 h per week and alcohol consumption using data from a pre-COVID-19 sample. Self-reported questionnaire data on working at home and alcohol use from a large cross-sectional sample of Norwegian employees (N = 14,728). Data were collected between 2004 and 2019 and were analyzed by ordinal logistic regressions. Working at home for >15 h per week was significantly associated with alcohol use (OR 1.67, 95% CI: 1.30 – 2.16). The association remained significant after adjusting for age, gender, leadership position, and educational level. Working at home may facilitate alcohol use that otherwise would not happen. Organizations must ensure that policies and procedures are in place to prevent alcohol use during working hours among employees working at home.

A Longitudinal Analysis of Alcohol Use Behavior among Korean Adults and Related Factors: A Latent Class Growth Model.

This study classified the changes in alcohol use behavior among Korean adults and explored the related factors. The study used data from the 4th (2009) to 14th (2019) waves of the Korean Welfare Panel Study. The subjects were 8267 adults aged 19–60 years. Latent class growth analysis was used to classify the latent classes of alcohol use behavior among Korean adults, and logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the specific factors that form the classes. Additionally, the 11-year trajectories of major variables associated with alcohol use behavior for the derived classes were analyzed using growth mixture modeling. Four classes were identified according to the trajectories of alcohol use behavior. There were statistically significant differences in the trajectories of depression, self-esteem, satisfaction in family relationships, and satisfaction in leisure activities according to the class of alcohol use behavior. In particular, self-esteem and satisfaction in family relationships indicated distinctly decreasing trajectories in the low- to moderate-risk class, which suggested the need for longitudinal analysis of the factors that influence alcohol use behavior. Moreover, it is recommended that interventions for the prevention of high-risk drinking target not only individuals but also family units.

Changes in alcohol use during the COVID-19 pandemic among American veterans

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has had considerable behavioral health implications globally. One subgroup that may be of particular concern is U.S. veterans, who are susceptible to mental health and substance use concerns. The current study aimed to investigate changes in alcohol use and binge drinking before and during the first year of the pandemic among U.S. veterans, and how pre-pandemic mental health disorders, namely posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and COVID-19-related factors like loneliness, negative reactions to COVID-19, and economic hardship influenced alcohol use trends. Methods1230 veterans were recruited in February 2020 as part of a larger survey study on veteran health behaviors. Veterans were asked to complete follow-up assessments throughout the pandemic at 6, 9, and 12- months. ResultsOverall, veterans reported a significant decrease in alcohol use (IRR = 0.98) and binge drinking (IRR = 0.11) However, women, racial/ethnic minority veterans, and those with pre-existing PTSD exhibited smaller decreases in alcohol use and binge drinking and overall higher rates of use compared to men, White veterans, and those without PTSD. Both economic hardship and negative reactions to COVID-19 were associated with greater alcohol and binge drinking whereas loneliness showed a negative association with alcohol use and binge drinking. ConclusionsVeterans reported decreases in alcohol use and binge drinking throughout the pandemic, with heterogeneity in these outcomes noted for higher risk groups. Special research and clinical attention should be given to the behavioral health care needs of veterans in the post-pandemic period.

The associations between polygenic risk, sensation seeking, social support, and alcohol use in adulthood.

Genetic predispositions play an important role in alcohol use. Understanding the psychosocial mechanisms through which genetic risk unfolds to influence alcohol use outcomes is critical for identifying modifiable targets and developing prevention and intervention efforts. In this study, we examined the role of sensation seeking and social support from family and friends in linking genetic risk to alcohol use. We also examined the role of social support in moderating the associations between genetic risk and sensation seeking and alcohol use. Data were drawn from a sample of 2,836 European American adults from the Collaborative Study on the Genetics of Alcoholism (46% male, mean age = 35.65, standard deviation [SD] = 10.78). Results from path analysis indicated that genome-wide polygenic scores for alcohol consumption (alc-GPS) were associated with higher sensation seeking, which in turn was associated with higher levels of alcohol use. alc-GPS was also associated with higher alcohol use indirectly via lower levels of family support. In addition, high friend support attenuated the association between alc-GPS and sensation seeking and alcohol use. The pattern of associations was similar for males and females, with some differences in the associations between social support and alcohol use observed across age. Our findings highlight the important role of intermediate phenotypes and gene-environment interplay in the pathways of risk from genetic predispositions to complex alcohol use outcomes. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).

The role of reward and reinforcement in understanding alcohol use among adults living with HIV in South Africa.

Most research investigating reinforcement in alcohol use is from high-income countries. The current study sought to understand the association of different reinforcement types (alcohol-specific reward, environmental reward, behavioral activation) with multiple measures of alcohol use and cravings among individuals living with HIV in South Africa. Baseline data were obtained from a substance use clinical trial in Cape Town (N = 65). Unhealthy alcohol use was measured using the biomarker phosphatidylethanol (PEth), Alcohol Use Identification Test (AUDIT-C), average number of drinks from the timeline follow back (TLFB), and self-reported cravings. Reinforcement was measured using the proportion of income spent on alcohol (alcohol-specific reward), both subscales of the Reward Probability Index (environmental reward), and the Behavioral Activation Depression Scale (activation). Poisson and linear regression analyses were conducted. Each percentage point increase in income spent on alcohol was significantly associated with PEth, RR = 1.004 [95% CI (1.001, 1.007)], which translates to a 13.6% increase in the relative risk of unhealthy alcohol use for the average person in the study. More alcohol-specific reward was significantly associated with higher scores on the AUDIT-C, higher average number of drinks on the TLFB, and more cravings. Higher activation was associated with lower scores on the AUDIT-C. Neither subscale of environmental reward was associated with model outcomes. Greater alcohol-specific reward and less behavioral activation were associated with more frequent and unhealthy alcohol use in this setting, but not environmental reward. Findings highlight how different reinforcement types potentially influence alcohol use in a low-resource global setting. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).

Associations of Sex Hormones With Alcohol Dependence and Broad Depression in UK Biobank

Sex hormones have been shown to influence alcohol use behaviors and moods and contribute to the sex differences in features of alcoholism. Here, we employed data from a population-based databank to investigate the associations among alcohol dependence (AD), depression, and sex hormones.

Temporal, Sex-Specific, Social Media-Based Alcohol Influences during the Transition to College

Background The transition to college is an important developmental phase, usually met with increased social desirability, access to alcohol, and new peer groups. Recently, research has utilized social media as a predictor of events during college, but few have assessed how social media can influence alcohol use during the transition to college. Methods: Participants (N = 320) were recruited prior to entering their first year of college. Participants were 18 years old, 60.7% were women, with 46.3% identifying as White, 16.5% Hispanic, 14.9% Asian, 9.5% Black, and 7.6% other. Each participant was assessed three times: prior to matriculation, first semester, and second semester of their freshman year. We assessed the effect of exposure to alcohol content via social media on long-term trajectories of alcohol use. We also assessed self-reported sex as a moderator. Results: Exposure to alcohol content (over and above one’s own posting of alcohol content) was associated with greater frequency of drinking during the transition to college. In the multi-group model, exposure to alcohol content was associated with greater drinking prior to matriculation for men. However, for women, exposure to alcohol content was associated with greater alcohol use in the first semester of college. Conclusion: Our results indicate exposure to alcohol-related media content is a strong predictor, over and above one’s own positing, of increased drinking, and this effect varies by sex and point in time. Our results lend support for more tailored and time-specific prevention programming for incoming freshmen that should integrate social media normative feedback.

English

Alcohol has been identified as one of the major causes of traffic accident as those driving under the influence of alcohol barely comply with road safety rules and regulations. This study investigated the influence of alcohol use on compliance with road safety rules among commercial motorcyclists in Southwest Nigeria. Cross sectional descriptive research of the survey type was used to conduct the study. The sample size comprised 660 registered commercial motorcyclists selected through multi stage sampling techniques. A self-developed and validated questionnaire was used to elicit information from the respondents. The reliability of the instrument was determined through Cronbach’s alpha with a reliability coefficient of 0.82. The data analysis was done using SPSS software version 19.0. The research questions were answered using descriptive analysis and correlation matrix was used to determine the association between alcohol use and factors influencing alcohol use at 0.05 level of significance. Findings showed that majority of the motorcyclists 236 (39.4%) were regular users of alcohol and a significant negative correlation (r = -0.174, p<0.05) was found between alcohol use and compliance with road safety rules and regulations. It was recommended that government under the auspices of Federal Road Safety Corps should organize sensitization through on dangers of alcohol use on safe driving to commercial drivers through motorcycle parks rallies, workshops and regular health talks. Key words: Alcohol, commercial, motorcyclists, rules, compliance.

"The Problem Is that We Hear a Bit of Everything…": A Qualitative Systematic Review of Factors Associated with Alcohol Use, Reduction, and Abstinence in Pregnancy.

Understanding the factors that contribute to women’s alcohol use in pregnancy is critical to supporting women’s health and wellness and preventing Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. A systematic review of qualitative studies involving pregnant and recently postpartum women was undertaken to understand the barriers and facilitators that influence alcohol use in pregnancy (PROSPERO: CRD42018098831). Twenty-seven (n = 27) articles were identified through EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, PubMed and Web of Science. The included articles were thematically analyzed using NVivo12. The analysis was informed by Canada’s Action Framework for Building an Inclusive Health System to articulate the ways in which stigma and related barriers are enacted at the individual, interpersonal, institutional and population levels. Five themes impacting women’s alcohol use, abstention and reduction were identified: (1) social relationships and norms; (2) stigma; (3) trauma and other stressors; (4) alcohol information and messaging; and (5) access to trusted equitable care and essential resources. The impact of structural and systemic factors on prenatal alcohol use was largely absent in the included studies, instead focusing on individual choice. This silence risks perpetuating stigma and highlights the criticality of addressing intersecting structural and systemic factors in supporting maternal and fetal health.

Descriptive norms influence alcohol use among high-school students: a social norms study from Istanbul

ABSTRACT Background The social norms approach, which explores the influence of peer norms on health-compromising behaviors in youth, has been found to be effective in the prevention of drug and alcohol use. Our purpose was to identify the influence of peer norms on the tobacco, alcohol and drug use of high-school students. Methods A sample of high school students in Istanbul were surveyed for their use of tobacco, alcohol and cannabis use. Sociodemographic variables, academic performance, daily life activities, descriptive and injunctive norms among students were assessed and relevant factors were evaluated using descriptive statistics and logistic regression models. Results 213 students (105 males, 108 females, mean age 16.04 ± 0.96) filled in the questionnaire completely. The lifetime prevalence of tobacco and alcohol use were 29.9% and 30.9%, respectively. Higher perceived rates of peer alcohol use (descriptive norms) predicted higher lifetime alcohol use (OR: 1.17, 95% CI [1.11– 1.38], p = .04). Recent and lifetime use of tobacco significantly predicted recent and lifetime alcohol use (OR: 5.68, 95%CI [2.56–14.28], p < .01; OR: 9.60; 95%CI [3.09–29.89], p < .01). Conclusions We found that students’ misperceptions about higher peer alcohol use facilitated their own alcohol use. Correcting such misperceptions can contribute to preventive measures in youth.

Alcohol Use among Medical Students: Linking Knowledge as a Social Capital Defining Norms in Learning Institutions

College alcohol use continues to be a national public health issue. World Health Organization approximates that 53% of people at the age of 15 years and above, have at one time used alcohol. Alcohol is recognized and acts as ‘entrance’ to the use of other substances. The study was carried out in Kenya Medical Training College, Embu Campus. The study presents an argument that knowledge about alcohol is a social capital defining use and non-use of alcohol among medical students at Kenya Medical Training College. A Cross-sectional analytical approach was adopted for the study design. A sample of 270 students was included in the study. Data was analyzed using both descriptive (Frequencies and percentages) and inferential statistics (chi square tests and regression analysis). For objective one, the study finds a 75% prevalence rate of alcohol use among students of Embu MTC. Demographic factors influencing alcohol use include, religion (p=0.002205), program undertaken (p&lt;0.0001) and with whom the respondent is living with (p&lt;0.0001). The study recommends development and implementation of policies and programs aimed at addressing the widespread use of alcohol in the study site.

A cross-sectional study about socio-demographic factors and clinical characteristics of male patients with alcohol dependence syndrome

Background: Alcohol abuse is one of the major causes of death and disability globally; and a key risk factor for health, social, and economic problems in the communities. Consumption of alcohol by Indians has increased drastically due to various factors and in an unrestricted manner; and the age of initiation of drinking is progressively coming down. Objective: To determine the socio-demographic and clinical profile of the patients coming for treatment of alcohol dependence syndrome in the psychiatry department. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 50 male outpatients of alcohol dependence syndrome attending the department of psychiatry at a tertiary care hospital. Sociodemographic data and clinical details were recorded with the help of a pre-designed questionnaire. Results: Nuclear family, family history of alcoholism, unmarried status, higher educational level, unemployment, and peer pressure are the factors significantly associated with early age at first drink and age of dependence on alcohol (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: Adolescents having a family history of alcoholism are a high-risk group for developing alcohol dependence and should be targeted for intervention strategies. Community based-longitudinal studies are needed to understand multiple factors influencing alcohol use and recommend targeted preventive measures.&#x0D; Keywords: Alcohol, Alcohol dependence syndrome, Peer pressure, Intoxication, Socio-demographic factors

Prevalence and Determinants of Substance Use Among Indigenous Tribes in South India: Findings from a Tribal Household Survey

Indigenous populations have higher substance use than non-indigenous populations. Current evidence on indigenous substance use is largely derived from national household surveys, while there are no specifically designed, culturally specific methodological studies available to determine the prevalence of substance abuse among the indigenous tribes. The present study examined the prevalence and predictors of alcohol use, smoking, and betel quid chewing among indigenous tribes in South India. We conducted a cross-sectional population-based random survey of 2186 tribal households in the Wayanad District, Kerala. A self-prepared, pilot-tested structured interview schedule was used to collect information on sociodemographic variables and substance use. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to examine the sociodemographic predictors of substance use. The overall prevalence of current alcohol use, current smoking and daily betel quid use was 17.2%, 18.8% and 47.6% respectively. Consistently, male gender (alcohol use OR = 13.55; smoking OR = 3.42; betel quid use OR = 1.65), increasing age (OR = 1.32; OR = 1.01; OR = 1.03), Paniya tribe status (OR = 2.24; OR = 1.39; OR = 5.38) and employment status being working (OR = 2.07; OR = 1.77; OR = 1.26) increased the risk of alcohol use, smoking and betel quid chewing. Furthermore, having 'no formal education' was associated with smoking (OR = 1.35), and betel quid chewing (OR = 3.27). Substance use was high among the indigenous tribes. The male gender, increasing age, Paniya tribe and working status significantly influenced alcohol use, smoking and betel quid chewing. The results underscore the need for indigenous specific de-addiction policies and programmes, alongside a consideration of the critical sociodemographic predictors.

Does academic streams influence alcohol use in colleges?

Background:Alcohol use among college students is a major public health priority owing to its high prevalence and numerous negative outcomes. Most interventions targeting alcohol use among college students consider them as a homogenous entity. There is preliminary evidence from high-income countries that patterns of alcohol use differ across academic streams. This remains unstudied in India.Aims:To compare the prevalence and correlates of alcohol use among students enrolled in various collegiate educational streams (medical, nursing, engineering, arts and science, and others [law/fisheries]) in the state of Kerala, India.Settings and Design:This is a cross-sectional survey conducted among college students.Materials and Methods:5784 students completed a self-administered questionnaire assessing alcohol use and its correlates in the psycho-social domains.Statiscal Analysis:Lifetime prevalence and severity of alcohol use was determined across examined academic streams. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was done separately for each course, to identify factors influencing alcohol use.Results:The lifetime prevalence of alcohol use varied between 10.6% among nursing students to 41.7% among students pursuing “other” stream (law/fisheries). Students pursuing medicine and nursing had a relatively lower proportion of hazardous users. Consistently across all academic streams, being male and using tobacco increased the risk, while those from the Muslim community had a lower risk of alcohol use. Other examined psychosocial correlates showed varying relationship across courses.Conclusion:The prevalence and psychosocial correlates of alcohol use vary among students pursuing various academic streams. This finding has public health importance as the incorporation of course level characteristics in intervention programs will improve effectiveness.

A Study of Substance Use In Children And Adolescents In Community Setting

Background: Substance abuse problems can be described as developing through a set of progressive stages. The adolescent period, it self is more vulnerable for beginning of various substance abuse. Adolescents usually begin to use legal drugs like tobacco, alcohol and then cannabis and other illicit drugs. Objective: To determine the socio-demographic profile of substance using children and adolescents in a community setting. Methods: 150 families were selected using systematic sampling with random start from a well-defined community. The study was carried out in two phases. In phase I 74 families were identified who had children in this age group 10-19 yrs. There were total of 141 children in this age group. They were further screened for substance use through interview of parents and children. In Phase II, Children who had been found to have used some psychoactive substance were taken in the case study group. Similar number of children who were not using any psychoactive substance was selected for control group from the same 150 families. Both the study group children and control group children were evaluated in detail for Sociodemographic information &amp; nature and extent of substance use by using ICD-10 Diagnostic Criteria For Research. Results: The mean age of the both groups was comparable and males predominated (60.5%) in both group. In both groups, educational level was similar but there was higher number of children who were currently attending school in the control group. Majority of school drop-outs were seen from the study group. (57.9% as compared to 28.9% in the control group). This was statistically significant. ). The prevalence of substance use was found to be around 27%. In our study the most commonly used substance was tobacco &amp; Mishri was the most common form used. Chewing tobacco, cigarette and gutkha were various other tobacco containing products used. Further, Mishri was more commonly used by females, while cigarette and gutkha were more commonly used by males. Of the 23 tobacco dependent children 20 were above the age of 16 years. This finding was statistically significant. (P &lt; 0.05). Only the males were found to use alcoholic beverages and all these boys were above the age of 16 years, Beer was the most common form used. Conclusion: Study findings can be used to generate awareness in the community regarding antecedents of substance abuse and the problems arising from it. Community based-longitudinal studies are needed to understand multiple factors influencing alcohol use and recommend targeted preventive measures.

Screening, Counseling, and Shared Decision Making for Alcohol Use with Transgender and Gender-Diverse Populations.

At-risk alcohol use occurs among transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) populations, yet current alcohol use screening tools and guidelines do not distinguish between sex- and gender-related characteristics, having been developed without accounting for natal sex-based physiology, effects of gender-affirming medical care, and gendered drinking behavior among TGD people. More research on how sex- and gender-related factors independently influence alcohol use can help validate gender-inclusive screening protocols and develop evidence-based guidelines meaningful for people of all genders. In the interim, clinicians must be mindful of gender diversity and engage in transparent, collaborative discussions when screening for and counseling about alcohol use.