International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

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11 pages, 660 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Association among Alcohol Consumption Patterns, Drink-Driving Behaviors, and the Harm from Alcohol-Related Road Traffic Injuries Due to the Drinking of Others in Thailand

by Sopit Nasueb, Jintana Jankhotkaew, Polathep Vichitkunakorn and Orratai Waleewong

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(23), 16281; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192316281 - 5 Dec 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2009

Abstract

Thailand has one of the highest rates of traffic-related fatalities and alcohol-related road traffic injuries globally. Previous studies focused on alcohol consumption and road traffic injuries. However, no existing studies investigate the association between drink-driving behaviors and road traffic injuries due to the [...] Read more.

Thailand has one of the highest rates of traffic-related fatalities and alcohol-related road traffic injuries globally. Previous studies focused on alcohol consumption and road traffic injuries. However, no existing studies investigate the association between drink-driving behaviors and road traffic injuries due to the drinking of others. This study aims to explore any potential associations among alcohol drinking patterns, drink-driving behaviors, and the harm from alcohol-related road traffic injuries due to the drinking of others. The Thai Tobacco and Alcohol Use Household National Survey data in 2017 (n = 80,797) were analyzed using multiple logistic regression. This study found that current drinkers and binge drinkers were more likely to suffer from road traffic injuries due to others’ drink-driving behavior, i.e., 1.50 times (95% CI: 1.49–1.51) and 2.31 times (95% CI: 2.30–2.33), respectively, compared with non-drinkers. In addition, we found that drink-driving behavior was associated with harm from road traffic injuries due to others’ drink-driving behavior by 2.12 times (95% CI: 2.10–2.14) compared with the non-drinker group. This study calls for effective measures to reduce drink-driving behaviors to prevent road traffic injuries due to the drinking of others. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Public Health by Alcohol Control: International Perspectives)

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11 pages, 629 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Preventing Alcohol-Related Harm in East Africa: Stakeholder Perceptions of Readiness across Five Countries

by Monica H. Swahn, Zakaria Robow, Adelaide Balenger, Catherine A. Staton, Rogers Kasirye, Joel M. Francis, Sophia Komba and Patterson Siema

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(22), 14979; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192214979 - 14 Nov 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2257

Abstract

Objective: While alcohol-related harm is a recognized public health priority, the capacity to address and mitigate its harm is lacking, primarily in low-income countries. Recent developments including new tools that can assess readiness for preventing alcohol-related harm, specifically in low-resource settings, can be [...] Read more.

Objective: While alcohol-related harm is a recognized public health priority, the capacity to address and mitigate its harm is lacking, primarily in low-income countries. Recent developments including new tools that can assess readiness for preventing alcohol-related harm, specifically in low-resource settings, can be used to determine strengths and opportunities for supporting, planning, and resource allocation. In this study, we determined the perceptions of readiness and capacity for the prevention of alcohol-related harm across East Africa among stakeholders engaged in such work. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey in 2020, distributed by the East Africa Alcohol Policy Alliance to their member alliances and stakeholders across five countries in East Africa (i.e., Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda). The survey included modified measures from the Readiness Assessment for the Prevention of Child Maltreatment (RAP-CM) short form, organizational size and funding, research capacity and priorities, and perceptions related to alcohol prevention and harm both locally and in the region. Analyses were computed based on 142 persons/organizations completing the survey. Results: In terms of general readiness, the overall adjusted aggregate score for East Africa was 39.70% (ranging from 30.5% in Burundi to 47.0% in Kenya). Of the 10 domains assessed (on a 0–10 scale), across all countries, knowledge of alcohol prevention (8.43), institutional links and resources (6.15) and legislation, mandates and policies (5.46) received the highest scores. In contrast, measures pertaining to resources (i.e., material, human, technical, and informal) received the lowest score. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate substantial variability in the readiness to address alcohol-related harm across East Africa. The highest capacity was noted for knowledge towards alcohol prevention, institutional links, and legislative mandates and policies. However, important gaps were noted in terms of attitudes towards alcohol prevention, the will to address the problem, as well as material, human, and informal resources, which need to be urgently addressed to strengthen capacity for addressing and mitigating the significant toll of alcohol-related harm in the region. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Public Health by Alcohol Control: International Perspectives)

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14 pages, 960 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Comprehensive Alcohol Advertising Ban in Lithuania: A Case Study of Social Media

by Lukas Galkus, Shannon Lange, Vaida Liutkutė-Gumarov, Laura Miščikienė, Janina Petkevičienė, Jürgen Rehm, Mindaugas Štelemėkas, Alexander Tran and Justina Vaitkevičiūtė

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(19), 12398; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191912398 - 29 Sep 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3263

Abstract

Alcohol advertising exposure is a risk factor for earlier alcohol initiation and higher alcohol consumption. Furthermore, engagement in digital alcohol marketing, such as liking or sharing an ad on social media, is associated with increased alcohol consumption and binge or hazardous drinking behavior. [...] Read more.

Alcohol advertising exposure is a risk factor for earlier alcohol initiation and higher alcohol consumption. Furthermore, engagement in digital alcohol marketing, such as liking or sharing an ad on social media, is associated with increased alcohol consumption and binge or hazardous drinking behavior. In light of these challenges, Lithuania has enacted a total prohibition on alcohol advertising, including social media. This study monitored the two most popular social media networks, Facebook and Instagram, to determine compliance with current legislation. In total, 64 Facebook and 51 Instagram profiles were examined. During the 60-day study period, 1442 and 749 posts on the selected Facebook and Instagram profiles, respectively, were published. There were a total of 163 distinct social media alcohol-related posts. Alcohol-related posts accounted for 5.9 percent of total Instagram posts and 8.3 percent of total Facebook posts. Alcohol advertisements accounted for 1.4 percent of all posts (infringement of the Alcohol Control Law). Influencers were responsible for nearly half (45.5 percent) of all observed alcohol-related Instagram posts. The study demonstrates high compliance with Lithuania’s total alcohol advertising ban on social media and emphasizes the importance of adequately monitoring the growing prominence of influencers on social media. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Public Health by Alcohol Control: International Perspectives)

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12 pages, 1010 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Alcohol Recognition and Desire to Drink of Extended Alcohol Brand Logos

by Polathep Vichitkunakorn, Sawitri Assanangkornchai, Jirawan Jayuphan, Teerohah Donroman, Tagoon Prappre and Monsicha Sittisombut

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(18), 11756; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191811756 - 17 Sep 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2106

Abstract

Alcohol companies in Thailand have adopted surrogate marketing that uses similar logos on non-alcoholic products. We aimed to assess variations of the alcohol recognition using reaction time and desire to drink among consumers exposed to original logos and modified logos (i.e., black logos, [...] Read more.

Alcohol companies in Thailand have adopted surrogate marketing that uses similar logos on non-alcoholic products. We aimed to assess variations of the alcohol recognition using reaction time and desire to drink among consumers exposed to original logos and modified logos (i.e., black logos, partial logos, logos on non-alcoholic beverages and other merchandise). Participants aged ≥19 years took part in this cross-sectional study. The primary independent variables were types of logos: original logos, modified logos (i.e., black logos, partial logos, logos on non-alcoholic beverages, and logos on other merchandise). An in-house-developed online survey randomly presented the logos. Alcohol recognition and the desire to drink alcohol were assessed. The study included 1185 participants. More time (estimated coefficient of reaction time <0.5 s) was required to recognize the modified logos than the original logos. Younger participants (19–24 years) reacted significantly faster than the older participants (>25 years) after seeing all types of logos. The desire to drink alcohol (<0.5 point) upon seeing the modified logos was lower than the original logos. No significant difference in the desire was observed between the younger and older participants upon seeing the original and partial logos. The modified logos reminded consumers of the alcohol products of that brand with a tiny difference in reaction time and the desire to drink without practical significance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Public Health by Alcohol Control: International Perspectives)

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14 pages, 505 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Estimated Impacts of Alcohol Control Policies on NCD Premature Deaths in Thailand

by Surasak Chaiyasong, Jie Gao and Kanitta Bundhamcharoen

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(15), 9623; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19159623 - 4 Aug 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2429

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to assess the impacts of achieving a 10% alcohol reduction target and different alcohol policy interventions on NCD premature deaths during 2010–2025 in Thailand. Methods: The researchers estimated the impacts on three main NCDs: cancers, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes. [...] Read more.

Background: This study aimed to assess the impacts of achieving a 10% alcohol reduction target and different alcohol policy interventions on NCD premature deaths during 2010–2025 in Thailand. Methods: The researchers estimated the impacts on three main NCDs: cancers, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes. These represent two ideal scenarios, which are the target reduction and five intervention scenarios. These intervention scenarios comprise taxation with 50% price increases, a total ban on advertisements, availability restriction by shortening sales times, early psychological intervention, and combined interventions. Consumption data and mortality trends were obtained from available national data. Relative risks and intervention effects were derived from the literature. Results: Achieving a 10% reduction target would lead to 3903–7997 avoidable NCD deaths. Taxation was the most effective intervention, with the highest number of avoidable NCD deaths, followed by early psychological intervention, availability restriction, and an advertisement ban. A combination of these four interventions would reduce 13,286 NCD deaths among men and 4994 NCD deaths among women, accounting for 46.8% of the NCD mortality target. Conclusion: This study suggests using Thailand as an example for low- and middle-income countries to enhance implementation and enforcement of the recommended effective alcohol policies for achieving the global targets. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Public Health by Alcohol Control: International Perspectives)

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16 pages, 918 KiB

Open AccessArticle

by Marieke Theron, Rina Swart, Mukhethwa Londani, Charles Parry, Petal Petersen Williams and Nadine Harker

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(4), 2422; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19042422 - 19 Feb 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 6205

Abstract

Background: South Africa has a high prevalence of heavy episodic drinking (HED). Due to the high levels of alcohol misuse and violence, public hospital intensive care units were often overrun during the COVID-19 pandemic. This research investigated alcohol intake behaviour change during differing [...] Read more.

Background: South Africa has a high prevalence of heavy episodic drinking (HED). Due to the high levels of alcohol misuse and violence, public hospital intensive care units were often overrun during the COVID-19 pandemic. This research investigated alcohol intake behaviour change during differing levels of lockdown restrictions, which included bans on alcohol sales. Methods: A self-reported Facebook survey ran from July to November 2020. The questions included socio-demographics, income, alcohol intake, purchasing behaviour, and reasoning. Chi-square tests/Fisher’s exact test for categorical data, Student’s t-test for normal continuous data, and the Mann–Whitney U test for non-normal data were applied. Multiple logistic regression was run for HED versus moderate drinkers. Results: A total of 798 participants took part in the survey, of which 68.4% were female. Nearly 50% of participants fell into the HED category and the majority bought alcohol illegally during restrictions. HED respondents who drank more alcohol than usual during restrictions reported that they felt stressed, needed to relax, and were bored. Conclusions: Policies intended to increase the pricing of alcohol may have the potential to reduce alcohol intake. Reducing stress and anxiety may be key to curtailing HED during emergency situations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Public Health by Alcohol Control: International Perspectives)

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Review

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13 pages, 714 KiB

Open AccessReview

Barriers and Facilitators to the Implementation of Effective Alcohol Control Policies: A Scoping Review

by Jintana Jankhotkaew, Sally Casswell, Taisia Huckle, Surasak Chaiyasong and Payao Phonsuk

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(11), 6742; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19116742 - 31 May 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3575

Abstract

Implementation of effective alcohol control policies is a global priority. However, at the global and national levels, implementing effective policies is still challenging, as it requires commitment from multiple stakeholders. This review provides a synthesis of barriers and facilitators to implementing effective alcohol [...] Read more.

Implementation of effective alcohol control policies is a global priority. However, at the global and national levels, implementing effective policies is still challenging, as it requires commitment from multiple stakeholders. This review provides a synthesis of barriers and facilitators to implementing effective alcohol control policies. We conducted a scoping review from two main databases: Scopus and Web of Science, and the grey literature from the World Health Organization’s website. We included any studies investigating barriers and facilitators to implementing four effective policies: Alcohol pricing and taxation, control of physical availability, alcohol marketing control, and drink-driving policy. Articles published between 2000 and 2021 were included. The search yielded 11,651 articles, which were reduced to 21 after the assessment of eligibility criteria. We found five main barriers: resource constraint; legal loopholes; lack of evidence to support policy implementation, particularly local evidence; low priority of policy implementation among responsible agencies; and insufficient skills of implementers. Facilitators, which were scarce, included establishing monitoring systems and local evidence to support policy implementation and early engagement of implementing agencies and communities. We recommend that national governments pay more attention to potential barriers and facilitators while designing alcohol control regulations and implementing effective policies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Public Health by Alcohol Control: International Perspectives)

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9 pages, 316 KiB

Open AccessReview

China’s Changing Alcohol Market and Need for an Enhanced Policy Response: A Narrative Review

by Shiwei Liu, Fulin Huang, Xiaolei Zhu, Suhua Zhou, Xiang Si, Yan Zhao, Yang Liu, Xiaochang Zhang and Sally Casswell

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(10), 5866; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19105866 - 11 May 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3416

Abstract

This study describes trends in alcohol consumption in the context of an expanding commercial context, current policy responses, and flaws in relation to international best practice for alcohol control in China. We surveyed the literature and other documents in Chinese or English up [...] Read more.

This study describes trends in alcohol consumption in the context of an expanding commercial context, current policy responses, and flaws in relation to international best practice for alcohol control in China. We surveyed the literature and other documents in Chinese or English up to December 2020 on policy responses to alcohol consumption and harm, industry structure, and marketing practices in China. Databases searched included PubMed, China National Knowledge Internet, Wanfang Data, Web of Science, and Baidu Scholar. We also scanned the official websites of government organizations and gathered information using snowballing. We analyzed existing alcohol policy against evidence-based, cost-effective policies for reducing alcohol harm. Our findings show that although some restrictive policies have been enacted with potential impacts on alcohol harm, they are not comprehensive, and some are poorly executed. The long history of alcohol use remains an important element in alcohol consumption by the Chinese population. However, alcohol marketing and promotion, ease of access, and affordability have become increasingly prominent. The gaps identified in alcohol policy suggest improved strategies and measures to reduce the harmful use of alcohol are urgently needed in China. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Public Health by Alcohol Control: International Perspectives)

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