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Steers MLN, Strowger M, Tanygin AB, Ward RM. Do you 'like' problems? The linkage between college students' interactions with alcohol-related content on social media and their alcohol-related problems. Drug Alcohol Rev 2024; 43:75-85. [PMID: 37539618 PMCID: PMC10838370 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Alcohol-related content (ARC) on social media and drinking motives impact college students' drinking. Most studies have examined peer-generated ARC on drinking outcomes but have yet to extend this relationship to other sources of influence. The current study explores the link between drinking motives, alcohol company ARC, celebrity ARC, and alcohol-related problems among college students. METHODS Students (N = 454) from two US universities completed a cross-sectional online survey assessing demographics; drinking motives (Drinking Motives Questionnaire-Revised; Cooper, Psychol Assess. 1994;6:117-28); following/awareness of alcohol company ARC; engagement with celebrity ARC; peak drinks (most drinks consumed on one occasion); and alcohol-related problems (e.g., passed out). RESULTS Greater celebrity ARC was linked to coping, enhancement, and conformity motives, and peak drinks. Frequent engagement with celebrity ARC was associated with higher problems. Positive indirect effects were observed from celebrity ARC to problems through coping and conformity motives, and peak drinks. After having adjusted for the influence of celebrity ARC, no significant pathways were found between alcohol company ARC and any of the drinking motives, peak drinks or problems, nor were there any indirect effects between alcohol company ARC and problems. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Results revealed that a possible explanation for why students who engaged with celebrity ARC experience problems was due to coping and conformity motives as well as peak drinks. Interventions targeting alcohol cognitions might assess engagement with and exposure to different sources of ARC given their potential to influence problems.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Megan Strowger
- Old Dominion University College of Sciences, Norfolf, USA
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Wallhed Finn S, Mejldal A, Baskaran R, Nielsen AS. Effects of media campaign videos on stigma and attitudes towards treatment seeking for alcohol use disorder: a randomized controlled study. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1919. [PMID: 37794390 PMCID: PMC10552234 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16811-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is one of the most stigmatized diagnosis, and stigma imposes a major barrier to treatment seeking. There is a need to develop interventions that can reduce stigma and increase treatment seeking. Little is known about the effects of video materials. The aim of this study was to investigate effects of different videos. The primary outcome was public stigma, and secondary outcomes were: self-stigma, and motivation to change own alcohol use; talking to someone else about their alcohol use; seeking information about AUD treatment or seeking AUD treatment. METHODS This is a three-armed double blind randomized controlled study. The study included 655 Danish adults. Data was collected at a study webpage, and the survey could be completed anywhere with Internet access. After informed consent and completing baseline measures, participants were randomized, 1:1:1 ratio, to a video (video 1 n = 228; video 2 n = 198; video 3 n = 229). Video 1 and 2 have been used in a national mass media campaign and video 3 was recorded for use in the present study. Immediately after exposure, follow-up measures were completed. Outcomes were analyzed with mixed effects linear regression. RESULTS In total n = 616 completed follow-up (video 1 n = 215; video 2 n = 192; video 3 n = 209). Randomization to video 1 and 3 decreased public stigma measured with "Difference, Disdain & Blame Scales", while video 2 increased stigma. Video 2 compared to 1: 2.262 (95% CI 1.155; 3.369) p < 0.001. Video 3 compared to 1: -0.082 (95% CI -1.170; 1.006) p = 0.882. Video 3 compared to 2: -2.344 (95% CI -3.455; -1.233) p = 0.882. All videos reduced motivation to change own alcohol use. Participants with hazardous alcohol use, were more sensitive to the different videos, compared to low-risk alcohol use. Video 2 decreased motivation to seek information about treatment. No effects were seen on motivation to seek treatment, motivation to talk to someone else or self-stigma. CONCLUSIONS Videos can have an immediate effect on level of public stigma. Other types of interventions are needed to increase motivation and reduce self-stigma. To avoid adverse effects in future interventions, the use of theoretical frameworks and stakeholder involvement is emphasized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Wallhed Finn
- Unit of Clinical Alcohol Research, Institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, J.B. Winsløws Vej 20, entrance. 220 B, Odense, 5000, Denmark.
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Anna Mejldal
- Unit of Clinical Alcohol Research, Institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, J.B. Winsløws Vej 20, entrance. 220 B, Odense, 5000, Denmark
| | - Ruben Baskaran
- Unit of Clinical Alcohol Research, Institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, J.B. Winsløws Vej 20, entrance. 220 B, Odense, 5000, Denmark
- SDU Health informatics and technology, Faculty of engineering, The Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller institute, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Anette Søgaard Nielsen
- Unit of Clinical Alcohol Research, Institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, J.B. Winsløws Vej 20, entrance. 220 B, Odense, 5000, Denmark
- Psychiatric Hospital, University Function, Region of Southern, Odense, Denmark
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Wallhed Finn S, Mejldal A, Nielsen AS. The impact of an annual mass media campaign on treatment seeking for alcohol use disorders in the Danish population: An interrupted time-series analysis. Drug Alcohol Depend 2023; 248:109910. [PMID: 37224672 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2023.109910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION A minority of individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD) seek treatment. In Denmark, a mass media campaign, "RESPEKT", aiming to increase treatment seeking, has been broadcasted nationwide since 2015. The campaign is unique from an international perspective. Similar interventions have, up until now, not been scientifically evaluated. AIM To investigate whether there was an association between campaign periods and treatment seeking for AUD. A secondary aim was to investigate possible gender differences. The hypotheses were that treatment seeking would increase during the campaign periods, and that men would increase their treatment seeking more compared to women. METHOD Study design: Interrupted time-series analysis. PARTICIPANTS Adults aged 18 years and above in the Danish population seeking AUD treatment. EXPOSURE Campaign periods year 2015-2018. OUTCOME Changes in treatment seeking defined as treatment entry respectively filled prescription of AUD pharmacotherapy. DATA National Alcohol Treatment Register on treatment entries for specialist addiction care and National Prescription Registry for filled prescriptions on AUD pharmacotherapies 2013-2018. ANALYSIS Segmented negative binomial regression, including the full cohort and stratified by sex. RESULTS The results show no association between campaign periods and treatment seeking. Nor were there any gender differences in treatment seeking. The hypotheses were not confirmed. CONCLUSION The campaign periods showed no association with treatment seeking. Eventual future campaigns should possibly focus on earlier steps of the treatment seeking process, as problem recognition, to increase treatment seeking. There is a great need to develop other ways to narrow the treatment gap for AUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Wallhed Finn
- Unit of Clinical Alcohol Research, University of Southern Denmark, J.B. Winsløws Vej 20, entrance. 220 B, Odense5000, Denmark; Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden.
| | - Anna Mejldal
- Unit of Clinical Alcohol Research, University of Southern Denmark, J.B. Winsløws Vej 20, entrance. 220 B, Odense5000, Denmark; Open Patient Data Explorative Network, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Anette Søgaard Nielsen
- Unit of Clinical Alcohol Research, University of Southern Denmark, J.B. Winsløws Vej 20, entrance. 220 B, Odense5000, Denmark
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Oldham M, Perski O, Loebenberg G, Brown J, Garnett C. The Effect of the First UK COVID-19 Lockdown on Users of the Drink Less App: Interrupted Time Series Analysis of Sociodemographic Characteristics, Engagement, and Alcohol Reduction. J Med Internet Res 2022; 24:e42320. [PMID: 36240461 PMCID: PMC9693718 DOI: 10.2196/42320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The first UK COVID-19 lockdown had a polarizing impact on drinking behavior and may have impacted engagement with digital interventions to reduce alcohol consumption. OBJECTIVE We examined the effect of lockdown on engagement, alcohol reduction, and the sociodemographic characteristics of users of the popular and widely available alcohol reduction app Drink Less. METHODS This was a natural experiment. The study period spanned 468 days between March 24, 2019, and July 3, 2020, with the introduction of UK lockdown measures beginning on March 24, 2020. Users were 18 years or older, based in the United Kingdom, and interested in drinking less. Interrupted time series analyses using generalized additive mixed models (GAMMs) were conducted for each outcome variable (ie, sociodemographic characteristics, app downloads and engagement levels, alcohol consumption, and extent of alcohol reduction) for existing (downloaded the app prelockdown) and new (downloaded the app during the lockdown) users of the app. RESULTS Among existing users of the Drink Less app, there were increases in the time spent on the app per day (B=0.01, P=.01), mean units of alcohol recorded per day (B>0.00 P=.02), and mean heavy drinking (>6 units) days (B>0.00, P=.02) during the lockdown. Previous declines in new app downloads plateaued during the lockdown (incidence rate ratio [IRR]=1.00, P=.18). Among new app users, there was an increase in the proportion of female users (B>0.00, P=.04) and those at risk of alcohol dependence (B>0.00, P=.01) and a decrease in the proportion of nonmanual workers (B>-0.00, P=.04). Among new app users, there were step increases in the mean number of alcohol units per day (B=20.12, P=.03), heavy-drinking days (B=1.38, P=.01), and the number of days the app was used (B=2.05, P=.02), alongside a step decrease in the percentage of available screens viewed (B=-0.03, P=.04), indicating users were using less of the intervention components within the app. CONCLUSIONS Following the first UK lockdown, there was evidence of increases in engagement and alcohol consumption among new and existing users of the Drink Less app.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Oldham
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Olga Perski
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Gemma Loebenberg
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jamie Brown
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Claire Garnett
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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Irizar P, Puddephatt JA, Warren JG, Field M, Jones A, Rose AK, Gage SH, Goodwin L. "Drinkers Like Me": A Thematic Analysis of Comments Responding to an Online Article About Moderating Alcohol Consumption. Front Psychol 2022; 13:780677. [PMID: 35360610 PMCID: PMC8963980 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.780677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There has been media coverage surrounding the dangers of heavy drinking and benefits of moderation, with TV and radio presenter, Adrian Chiles, documenting his experience of moderating alcohol consumption in an online article for the Guardian. By analysing the comments in response to Chiles' article, this study aimed to explore (i) posters' (someone who has posted a comment in response to the article) attitudes or beliefs toward moderating alcohol and (ii) posters' experiences of moderating or abstaining from alcohol. Method A secondary qualitative analysis of online comments in response to an article about moderating alcohol consumption. Main outcome measures: Comments (n = 784) in response to a United Kingdom online news article about moderating alcohol consumption were extracted and inductive thematic analysis was used. Results For aim one, two themes were developed; "general attitudes toward drinking" and "general attitudes toward reducing consumption". These themes reflect negative perceptions of alcohol and issues around changing attitudes. For aim two, three themes were developed: "moderation vs. abstention", "reflection on past drinking behaviours", and "current drinking behaviours". These themes represent posters' experiences and implications changing their drinking habits. Conclusion Our analysis provides a novel insight into perceptions and experiences of moderating or abstaining from alcohol. Alcohol is embedded within United Kingdom culture, creating difficulties for those who choose to moderate or abstain from alcohol. Our analysis highlights the need for public health to focus on shifting the current drinking culture, through clearer drinking guidelines and a wider availability of alcohol-free alternatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Irizar
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Liverpool Centre for Alcohol Research, Liverpool Health Partners, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Jo-Anne Puddephatt
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Liverpool Centre for Alcohol Research, Liverpool Health Partners, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Jasmine G. Warren
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Liverpool Centre for Alcohol Research, Liverpool Health Partners, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Matt Field
- Department of Psychology, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Jones
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Liverpool Centre for Alcohol Research, Liverpool Health Partners, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Abigail K. Rose
- Liverpool Centre for Alcohol Research, Liverpool Health Partners, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- School of Psychology, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Suzanne H. Gage
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Liverpool Centre for Alcohol Research, Liverpool Health Partners, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Goodwin
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Liverpool Centre for Alcohol Research, Liverpool Health Partners, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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Wallhed Finn S, Mejldal A, Baskaran R, Søgaard Nielsen A. The Danish RESPEKT Campaign: Impact of a National Mass Media Campaign Aiming to Increase Treatment Seeking for Alcohol Use Disorders. Subst Use Misuse 2022; 57:1082-1096. [PMID: 35422189 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2022.2063897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Background: A minority of all with alcohol use disorders seek treatment. In Denmark, a media campaign, "RESPEKT," has been broadcast nationwide since 2015. The campaign is unique from an international perspective and aims to increase treatment-seeking. Similar interventions have, up until now, not been scientifically evaluated.Aim: To investigate campaign awareness, understanding, attitudes, and information-seeking pre- and post the campaign period. Also, associations to demographic factors and year of campaign will be investigated.Method: Study design: Repeated cross-sectional studyParticipants: Adults aged 30-70 years, in total n = 9169.Data: Pre- and post the campaign period between 2017 and 2020, an online questionnaire was administered by a market research company. The questionnaire covered demographic data, campaign awareness, understanding, attitudes, and information-seeking about treatment for alcohol use disorders. In addition, complete-case logistic regression was performed to model dichotomous outcomes, and odds ratios were calculated.Results: Campaign awareness varied between 8 and 40% over the different years. Understanding of the main message was high and received higher endorsements over the study period. A majority expressed positive attitudes toward the campaign and support for the main message regarding free treatment. However, very few self-reported seeking information about AUD treatment. Female sex was associated with higher awareness of the campaign, higher understanding and more positive attitudes toward the campaign.Conclusion: The campaign evoked positive attitudes and had an impact on increasing knowledge and changing attitudes. However, no effect on self-reported information seeking about treatment was found.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Wallhed Finn
- Unit of Clinical Alcohol Research, Institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna Mejldal
- Unit of Clinical Alcohol Research, Institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Ruben Baskaran
- Unit of Clinical Alcohol Research, Institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,SDU Health Informatics and Technology, The Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Institute, The Faculty of Engineering, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Anette Søgaard Nielsen
- Unit of Clinical Alcohol Research, Institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Psychiatric Hospital, University Function, Odense, Denmark
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