Risky Consumption Research Articles

Risky Food Handling and Consumption Patterns Among Older Adults: Implications for Counseling a Vulnerable Population

Risky Food Handling and Consumption Patterns Among Older Adults: Implications for Counseling a Vulnerable Population

Gender-Differential Association Between Loneliness and Alcohol Consumption: a Pooled Analysis of 17,808 Individuals in the Multi-Cohort GESA Consortium

AbstractLoneliness is an established risk factor for impaired health. However, the evidence of whether increased alcohol consumption is a coping mechanism to alleviate loneliness for both genders remains sparse. The cross-sectional study included 8898 men and 8910 women (mean age of 56.2 ± 11.5 years) from three population-based cohort studies in Germany (KORA-FF4, GHS, and SHIP. Daily alcohol consumption (g/day) was measured, and risky drinking was identified using gender-specific thresholds (40 g/day for men and 20 g/day for women). Loneliness was assessed by asking if the participants feel lonely. Multivariable regression analyses were employed to examine the association between alcohol use outcomes and loneliness with adjustments for confounders. Women reported feeling lonely more frequently than men (14.8% vs 10.4%). In men, loneliness was positively associated with levels of alcohol consumption (ß = 1.75, SE = 0.76, p = 0.04) and risky drinking (OR = 1.33, 95% CI = 1.07–1.66, p = 0.02) and was even more profound in men with lower educational levels. In women, loneliness was associated with reduced odds of risky consumption (OR = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.60–0.96, p = 0.02) but not with alcohol consumption levels. The findings indicate gender-differential associations of loneliness with increased levels and risky alcohol consumption in men but with decreased risky consumption in women.

Concentration of Essential, Toxic, and Rare Earth Elements in Ready-to-Eat Baby Purees from the Spanish Market.

The infant population is particularly sensitive, so the risk posed by their diet must be analyzed. The aims of the present study were (i) to determine the contents of 38 elements in 159 samples of ready-to-eat baby food sold in Spain and (ii) to estimate the dietary intakes and risk assessments of these elements in name brands and store brands in infants ranging between 6 and 12 months of age. A list of essential, non-essential/toxic elements, rare earth elements (REEs), and other hi-tech-related elements that are currently considered as emerging environmental pollutants were measured in ready-to-eat baby foods by ICP-MS. Fish purees showed the highest concentrations of mercury (28.1 ng/g) and arsenic (346.2 ng/g). The levels of manganese, molybdenum, and chromium exceed the adequate intake, being higher in the case of store brands. The acute hazard index was above 1 for molybdenum and manganese. A risky consumption of thallium and mercury was observed, being higher among name brands. The risk associated with the consumption of REEs was low, although its presence should be highlighted. This is the first time that these chemical elements have been measured in ready-to-eat purees for babies. The presence of some of them, such as mercury, should be sufficient to monitor the levels of these contaminants in food intended for such a sensitive population as children.

A psychological profile of drivers convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol

Driving under the influence of alcohol (driving while intoxicated [DWI]) is a rather large social problem. It can be influenced by the driver’s personality, risk perception, difficulties related to hyperactivity, or attention deficit and alcohol dependencies; all of which share complex relations with each other, increasing the probability of criminal behaviour while driving and of road accidents. The purpose of this study is to explore the way in which personality, personality disorders, risk perception and behaviour while driving, hyperactivity or attention deficit, and the problematic consumption of alcohol are expressed in a sample of Spanish drivers who had been found guilty of committing DWI offences. These results are compared with those recorded for a sample of drivers with no history of such violations. For this study, a total of 115 subjects sentenced to perform road safety-related community service work (CSW) as a result of DWI convictions, as well as 97 drivers with no violations, were evaluated using Driver Behaviour Questionnaire (DBQ) tests, the NEO Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI), the International Personality Disorder Examination (IPDE), the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale Version 1.1, and the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). Our results reveal that DWI traffic offenders exhibit risky consumption and signs of dependence (on alcohol and/or other drugs), and low levels of risk perception that are significantly lower than those observed for drivers without infractions. The logistic regression model provides data that supports the implication of a low perception of risk while driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, the violation of rules, extroverted personality traits, openness and cordiality, the indications of possible paranoid and antisocial PDs, and a below-university level of education as predictors of road crime due to DWI. This statistical solution offers a classificatory model with adequate internal and external validity. This scientific evidence could be useful for the design and improvement of prevention and reinsertion plans.

A New Look at the Effects of the Interest Rate Ceiling in Arkansas

Arkansas has been a popular place to study the effects of rate ceilings because of its exceptionally low interest rate ceiling. This paper examines the effects of the Arkansas rate ceiling on credit use by nonprime consumers in Arkansas, who are especially vulnerable to credit rationing because of the low ceiling. We compare the level and composition of consumer debt of nonprime consumers in Arkansas with that of prime Arkansas consumers and also non-prime consumers in the neighboring states. We find that nonprime consumers in Arkansas are less likely to have consumer debt and, conditional on having debt, have slightly lower levels of consumer debt than prime Arkansas consumers and nonprime consumers in neighboring states. Types of credit used by nonprime consumers in Arkansas tend to differ from those of the comparison groups. Notable is much lower use of consumer finance loans, traditionally an important source of credit for higher risk consumers. This finding suggests rate-based rationing of risky consumers. Also notable is lower use of bank credit despite federal preemption of the rate ceiling for banks. This result is consistent with banks’ traditional avoidance of risky lending.

Can Food Safety Practices and Knowledge of Raw Fish Promote Perception of Infection Risk and Safe Consumption Behavior Intentions Related to the Zoonotic Parasite Anisakis?

The study of the zoonotic parasites of the genus Anisakis and human anisakiasis is an increasingly hot topic in evolutionary biology and epidemiological studies carried out on natural and accidental (human) hosts, given the risk of this parasite to human health. However, the assessment of social-psychological factors relevant to Anisakis’ risky consumption of human behavior is still an understudied topic. Given the centrality of the topic, highlighted by its presence in Goals 2 (subgoal 2.1, achieve food security and improve safe nutrition) and 3 (health and well-being) of the 2030 Agenda, it appears necessary to deepen our social-psychological knowledge regarding this specific topic. There is plenty of psychological research focused on antecedents of fish and seafood consumption; however, parasite risk is not often specifically examined. This research is aimed at increasing the safety of consumers’ seafood products by examining their psychological aspects, such as knowledge, perception, awareness, and concern about Anisakis. Past and future behavior intentions were also investigated. Analyses were carried out on a sample of 251 subjects, and a path analysis model was used to explain possible relations assumed among the variables. The results of the study showed that habits related to raw fish consumption and self-perceived health were, respectively, positively, and negatively correlated with a higher perceived risk of contracting anisakiasis. This perceived risk in turn correlates positively with a greater willingness to pay for Anisakis-free fish. Similarly, prior knowledge of the disease was found to be associated with prior avoidance of fish consumption, which in turn was found to be positively correlated with a greater willingness to pay for Anisakis-free fish.

Consumption of Alcohol Upon Admission to the Emergency Department in Patients With Trauma

AimFor 2016, around 32.5% of the population consumed alcoholic beverages. This is related to 1.6% of the disability-adjusted life years. Also, an association is described between trauma severity and a positive alcohol test on admission to the emergency room. In Colombia, the prevalence of alcohol consumption during the last year is 17.8–42.5%. However, the prevalence of alcohol consumption upon admission to emergency services is unknown. We aim to estimate the prevalence of alcohol consumption in cases admitted to an emergency room. MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study. Data were collected during four months in an emergency room located in a fourth-level hospital. Researchers interviewed participants to complete a questionnaire, additionally, a qualitative alcohol test was carried out with an alcohol-sensor FST, and the AUDIT-C scale was used to screen for alcohol abuse. ResultsIn 2524 patients, there was a prevalence of alcohol consumption on admission to the emergency room of 2.34%, and a median result of the quantitative test of 1.22mg/ml. We found that as ethanol levels increased, there was a greater potential for discrimination among the patients who identified themselves with potential risky consumption based on the scale score. ConclusionsAlcohol consumption is associated with high morbidity in patients admitted to the emergency room. This can increase the burden of disease and affect the quality of life. It is pertinent to recognize alcohol consumption as a possible focus to mitigate the impact of this condition on the well-being of patients and resources allocation.

Alcohol consumption during pregnancy: the result of a risky consumption trajectory?

Alcohol consumption during pregnancy: the result of a risky consumption trajectory?

Smoking among Brazilian adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study.

The social distancing measures during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic resulted in mental suffering among adolescents, leading to risky consumption of psychoactive substances such as tobacco. To analyze the factors associated with tobacco use among adolescents during the COVID-19 social distancing period in Brazil. Cross-sectional study used data from ConVid Adolescentes survey in Brazil. Tobacco use was assessed before and during social distancing. The explanatory variables investigated were sex, age, race/skin color, type of school, maternal education, region of residence, adherence to social restriction measures, number of close friends, sleep quality during the pandemic, mood, passive smoking, use of alcoholic beverages during the pandemic, sedentary behavior, and physical activity. A logistic regression model was used for the data analysis. Tobacco use by adolescents did not change during the pandemic (from 2.58% to 2.41%). There was a higher chance of tobacco use among adolescents aged between 16 and 17 years, self-reported black ones, residing in the South and Southeast regions, reported feeling sad and loneliness, had sleeping problems that worsened, were using alcoholic beverages during the pandemic, and were passive smokers at home. Adolescents whose mothers had completed high school or higher, had strict social restrictions, and increased their physical activity during the pandemic had a lower chance of tobacco use. Tobacco uses during the COVID-19 pandemic was higher in vulnerable groups, such as black adolescents and those with mental suffering.

Evaluation of the level of risk due to alcohol consumption and associated factors, in first-entry students at a University Campus in Jalisco, Mexico

Alcohol consumption in university students is considered a public health problem that can affect academic performance. The objective was to evaluate the level of risk for alcohol consumption in first-entry students at the University Campus of Biological and Agricultural Sciences of the University of Guadalajara. A questionnaire was applied that included: sociodemographic characteristics and alcohol consumption through the “Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test” (AUDIT). The information was collected anonymously, obtaining their informed consent and guaranteeing their confidentiality. 589 students were surveyed, with an average age of 19.1 years, 53.2% women and 46.8% men, 86.4% reported having consumed alcohol, with tequila and beer being the preferred alcoholic beverages; it was observed that alcohol consumption did not influence the family relationship with their parents or the average high school grade; Regarding the AUDIT, 83% of the respondents did not present problems with alcohol consumption, 12.9% need a simple advice to reduce consumption, 3.1% evidenced risky consumption, and 1.0% showed risk of dependence; so it is necessary to implement strategies for comprehensive education in university life.

Change in University Student Health Behaviours after the Onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused many disruptions in the lives of the population. In particular, the health behaviours of university students were impacted. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the evolution of these behaviours from before the COVID-19 period to May 2021, during which lockdowns or curfews were in effect. Two retrospective online cross-sectional studies were conducted among university students in Normandy in May 2020 and May 2021. Socio-demographics and academic characteristics were collected. Tobacco smoking, binge drinking, cannabis use, and moderate and vigorous physical activity were collected for the 4 weeks before the COVID-19 lockdown in May 2020 and in May 2021. Overall, 6991 university students were included in the study (3483 in 2020 and 3508 in 2021) with a mean age of 20.8 (standard deviation = 2.5) and 73.4% of women. After logistic regression, binge drinking (occasional and regular), cannabis use (occasional), moderate physical activity (regular), and vigorous physical activity (occasional) decreased in 2020 and 2021 compared to the pre-COVID-19 period. Tobacco smoking (occasional) and vigorous physical activity (regular) decreased only in 2020. Regular tobacco and cannabis use did not change significantly in 2020 and 2021 compared to the pre-COVID-19 period. Student health behaviours changed in May 2020 and May 2021 due to the implementation of measures restricting mobility and social interaction. Even if some risky consumption decreased in 2020 after the first lockdown, there was no rebound phenomenon in 2021: consumption either remained lower or similar to the pre-COVID-19 period. These behaviours need to be monitored in the future to assess the long-term effects of these restrictions on student health behaviours.

Strategic Participation of Active Citizen Energy Communities in Spot Electricity Markets Using Hybrid Forecast Methodologies

The increasing penetrations of distributed renewable generation lead to the need for Citizen Energy Communities. Citizen Energy Communities may be able to be active market players and solve local imbalances. The liberalization of the electricity sector brought wholesale and retail competition as a natural evolution of electricity markets. In retail competition, retailers and communities compete to sign bilateral contracts with consumers. In wholesale competition, producers, retailers and communities can submit bids to spot markets, where the prices are volatile or sign bilateral contracts, to hedge against spot price volatility. To participate in those markets, communities have to rely on risky consumption forecasts, hours ahead of real-time operation. So, as Balance Responsible Parties they may pay penalties for their real-time imbalances. This paper proposes and tests a new strategic bidding process in spot markets for communities of consumers. The strategic bidding process is composed of a forced forecast methodology for day-ahead and short-run trends for intraday forecasts of consumption. This paper also presents a case study where energy communities submit bids to spot markets to satisfy their members using the strategic bidding process. The results show that bidding at short-term markets leads to lower forecast errors than to long and medium-term markets. Better forecast accuracy leads to higher fulfillment of the community programmed dispatch, resulting in lower imbalances and control reserve needs for the power system balance. Furthermore, by being active market players, energy communities may save around 35% in their electrical energy costs when comparing with retail tariffs.

Measuring loot box consumption and negative consequences: Psychometric investigation of a Swedish version of the Risky Loot Box Index

Loot boxes are products in videogames that is earned by playing a video game or by buying them. Loot boxes has similar mechanisms as a lottery and there is an ongoing debate if loot boxes are gambling. However, to understand the potential harm of loot boxes valid instruments are needed. An English study psychometrically evaluated an instrument focused on risky loot box use called the Risky Loot Box Index. The study evaluated 12 item scale and based on a factor analysis it was reduced to a five-item scale. The aim of our study is to evaluate a Swedish version of the 12-item instrument from a psychometric perspective. Two samples recruited via an online survey were used. The first sample was recruited from the gambling site Unibet. A mail with an invitation to participate was sent to esports bettors and sport bettors at the gambling site. The second sample was recruited from a Facebook forum focused on e-sports. An invitation was posted on the forum to partake in the study. A total of 195 of respondents (96% men and 4% women) with a mean age of 33.76 (SD = 12.34) answered the Unibet survey and 169 respondents (96% men and 4% women and non-binary) with a mean age of 23.89 (SD = 5.52) answered the Facebook survey. An exploratory factor analysis yielded a two-factor seven item solution. The factors were overconsumption regarding time spent on loot boxes and the other factor was focused on overconsumption of loot boxes in terms of spending money. The confirmatory factor analysis conducted in the Facebook sample validated the result from the exploratory factor analysis. The conclusion of the study is that the Swedish version of the Risky Loot Index has good psychometric properties and can used to measure risky loot box consumption.

Determinants of Intention to Consume Dibiterie Meat towards the Risks of Non-Communicable Diseases in the Dakar Region, Senegal

The general opinion and current scientific evidence highlight the link between red meat consumption and the development of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). We explored the determinants of the intention to consume red meat in relation to the risks of developing NCDs in Senegal with a special focus on popular “dibiterie” meat (braised meat) consumed in Dakar, Senegal. Building on the theory of planned behaviour as a theoretical framework, we used a structured questionnaire to collect data on the knowledge of consumers regarding the risk of NCDs from consuming meat. The survey involved 478 people randomly selected from households in the Dakar region. Data collected was analysed by performing the calculation of the dibiterie meat quantities consumed and frequencies of consumption, analyses of the principal components, binary logistic regression, and multiple hierarchical regression. Results show that dibiterie meat is mainly a dietary supplement for the population. The convenience, the social pressure, and quality indicators such as producer expertise and health perceived a link between meat consumption and NCDs; gender and age predicted the intention to consume dibiterie meat in the households of the Dakar region. This study provides a theoretical basis for the development of incentive-based interventions aiming to promote a balanced diet and healthy eating habits. Nutrition education and the use of social media have been raised as important in risky meat consumption behaviour change.

Alcohol use and family-related factors among Spanish university students: the unHicos project

BackgroundDuring adolescence and youth there are relevant changes in the consolidation, gain or loss of consumption habits and lifestyles and the family factors has a fundamental role to development these habits. The study of the consumption of toxins, such as alcohol intake, is crucial at this stage due to the repercussions that said consumption presents in adulthood. Therefore, the objective of our study was to evaluate the associations between alcohol consumption patterns and related family factors (family functioning, family history of alcohol consumption) in Spanish university students.MethodsObservational, descriptive, cross-sectional, multicenter study, carried out in first-year university students from 11 Spanish universities. Through an online questionnaire, alcohol consumption (risky consumption and intensive consumption or binge drinking), family functioning and history of alcohol in the family were evaluated.Risky alcohol consumption and binge drinking were assessed using the AUDIT test, and family functioning was assessed using the family APGAR questionnaire. A descriptive analysis of the data was performed, as well as the Chi-Square test and Student's T-Test, and non-conditional logistic regression models were carried out to examine this association.ResultsThe prevalence of risky alcohol consumption identified in the 10,167 respondents was 16.9% (95% CI = 16.2–17.6), and that of BD was 48.8% (95% CI = 47.9–48.8). There is a significant association between risky alcohol consumption and family functioning in students of both sexes, with greater consumption in the face of severe dysfunctional support (men OR = 1.72; p < 0.001 and women OR = 1.74; p < 0.001) and family history of consumption (p = 0.005). Regarding the binge drinking pattern, no statistically significant differences were observed.ConclusionsRisky alcohol consumption in university students is associated with dysfunctional family support, unlike the binge drinking pattern, where there is no such association.The findings of this study show the importance of creating prevention programs focused on the family approach in university students, which include alcohol screening in the population with a family history of this substance, and greater social support from health services.

Gaudibilidad (moduladores del disfrute) y consumo riesgoso y perjudicial de alcohol en adolescentes

Introduction: in a recent study, it has been reported that adolescents who presented risky and harmful alcohol consumption show lower levels of gaudiebility (enjoyment modulators) than their consuming peers, but without risk. But in this study a one-factor gaudiebility scale for adults was used, and recently a new scale for children and adolescents has been published that is multifactorial (consistent with the construct). Objective: to study the relationship between the level of gaudiebility and the risky and harmful consumption of alcohol in adolescence using a new scale that presents adequate construct validity. Method: a sample of 464 adolescents (53.7% women) with a mean age of 15.99 (SD = 1.29), with risky and harmful consumption of alcohol and consumption without risk, was used. The GSCA (Gaudiebility Scale for Children and Adolescents) and AUDIT (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test) were administered. Results: the group with risky and harmful alcohol consumption did not show a mean in the level of gaudiebility (or with the factors) different from that observed in the group with non-risky alcohol consumption. Only the interest factor of the GSCA scale showed a negative and significant correlation with risky and harmful alcohol consumption, but this was very low. Discussion and conclusions: research suggests that the level of gaudiebility in adolescence is not a risk factor for an adolescent to present a risky and harmful consumption of alcohol. In future research, it is proposed to study the relationship between alcohol dependence and gaudiebility.

The role of response efficacy and risk aversion in promoting compliance during crisis

AbstractThis research examines consumers' compliance with behaviors that focus on preventing the spread of COVID‐19. Drawing on Protection Motivation Theory and research on efficacy, we find that, during a pandemic, consumers who have higher perceptions of response efficacy are less likely to engage in risky consumption behaviors (Study 1) and more likely to engage in protective consumption behaviors (Study 2). This effect is moderated by risk aversion, such that as risk aversion increases, COVID‐compliant behaviors increase even when consumers do not believe in their ability to effectuate change. Further, the relationship between response efficacy and COVID‐compliant behaviors is mediated by anticipated guilt. Importantly, these constructs are relevant beyond the COVID‐19 pandemic. As situations like drought, rising sea levels, and infectious diseases persist, consumers will continually be asked to sacrifice for their own wellbeing and the wellbeing of others. Thus, we discuss implications for policymakers.

Analysis of AUDIT Domains in Freshman Students in Spain: Three Cross-Sectional Surveys (2005, 2012 and 2016).

Purpose: We aimed to evaluate changes in the frequency of drinking, alcohol dependence and alcohol-related harm in freshman college students from 2005, 2012 and 2016, and identify risk-associated factors. Method: A cross-sectional study involving 5009 freshman students was carried out in Spain in 2005, 2012 and 2016. The Dimensions of Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (frequency of drinking, symptoms of dependence and alcohol-related harm) was analysed. Adjusted relative risks (RRs) and their 95% confidence intervals were estimated using negative binomial regression. Results: Place of residence, positive expectancies and early onset of alcohol consumption continue to be crucial conditions for developing patterns of risky consumption, alcohol dependence and harm. Women and men were more vulnerable to alcohol harm and dependence when living away from home, having higher economic status and positive alcohol expectancies. Cohorts from 2012 and 2016 were at lower risk of risky alcohol consumption. Men belonging to the 2012 and 2016 cohorts were at lower risk of alcohol negative consequences compared with the 2005 cohort. However, women remained vulnerable over time to alcohol dependence and harm. Starting drinking after 16 protects them both from alcohol dependence and harm. Conclusions: Women are more vulnerable to alcohol dependence and harm in recent cohorts of freshmen. Limiting access to alcohol at a younger age and working on false positive expectancies could benefit freshmen by avoiding alcohol damage and alcohol dependence.

Living with ‘New Diseases’ in Dakar: Embodied Time and the Emergence of Chronicity

In this article, I examine how the emergence of chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and heart disease reshapes perceptions of time, embodiment, ageing and the life course in the West African city of Dakar. Focusing on the complex, discontinuous and cyclical nature of chronic disease in this context, I argue that experiences of chronicity in Dakar can be analysed using a ‘biocircular’ lens. Biocircular approaches draw attention to new forms of embodied temporality that emerge in the wake of ‘new diseases’. I identify three new forms of embodied time produced and engaged by ailing and ageing people in Dakar. First, chronic symptoms emerge out of time, at unexpected junctures in the life course. Second, chronic diseases are understood to speed up or accelerate body pace. Finally, food can be implicated not just in harmful and risky consumption, but in healing and metabolic repair.

Hubungan Tingkat Pengetahuan dan Pengaruh Media Sosial dengan Perilaku Konsumsi Makanan Berisiko Diabetes Melitus pada Mahasiswa Universitas Diponegoro

Background: Currently, diabetes mellitus is starting to be suffered by many people at a young age. close to 22.3% of people with diabetes mellitus in Indonesia aged 15-24 years. Diabetes mellitus risk food behavior is one of the risk factors that must be avoided. However, there are still many young people, including univeristy students who still apply this behavior. The level of knowledge and social media is considered to have an influence on the eating behavior of students. So it is necessary to know the relationship between knowledge level and the influence of social media with the behavior of consuming food at risk of diabetes mellitus, so that diabetes mellitus prevention efforts are carried out effectively.Methods: This research is a analytical study with a cross-sectional study design. The sample in this study were 435 students at Diponegoro University. The sampling technique used in this study was accidental sampling. This study used an online questionnaire to determine the variables studied.Result: The results of this study indicate 53.3% of respondents have a high level of knowledge, 64.4% of respondents have a high influence of social media, and 56.1% have a risky food consumption behavior of diabetes mellitus. This study indicate a correlation between the level of knowledge (p=0.000) and the influence of social media (p=0.045) to the behavior of consuming food at risk of diabetes mellitus in Diponegoro University students.Conclusion: Based on the result, there is a relationship between the level of knowledge and the influence of social media with the behavior of consuming food at risk of diabetes mellitus in Diponegoro University students.