The changing alcohol drinking patterns among older adults show that women are closing the gender gap in more frequent drinking: the Tromsø study, 1994–2016

Abstract Background As the population of older adults continues to grow, changes in alcohol consumption are important to monitor because an increase may have public health consequences. Rates of alcohol use vary with geographical location. The aim of this study was to examine trends in alcohol consumption among older adults in a geographically defined area in Norway, especially changing sex differences in drinking patterns over a 22-year period. Methods Repeated cross-sectional survey (in 1994–95, 2007–08, and 2015–16) of a general population of older adults. Eligible for this study were 20,939 participants (aged 60–99 years). The data were analysed using generalized estimating equations, stratified by age and sex. Alcohol consumption and drinking patterns were assessed, using an adaptation of the AUDIT-C. Results Between 1994 and 2016, there has been a significant increase in the proportion of current drinkers among older adults. Furthermore, the probability of frequent drinking (alcohol consumption at least twice weekly) increased significantly between 1994 and 2016, particularly among older women; OR 8.02 (CI 5.97–10.79) and OR 5.87 (CI 4.00–8.63) in the age groups 60–69 and 70+ respectively for women, and OR 4.13 (CI 3.42–4.99) and OR 3.10 (CI 2.41–3.99), in the age groups 60–69 and 70+ respectively for men. The majority of older adults drank small amounts of alcohol on typical drinking days, but there was an increasing probability of drinking three drinks or more on each occasion over the study period, except among women aged 70+ years. Conclusions Among older adults in Norway, alcohol consumption in terms of frequency and quantity on typical drinking days has increased considerably from 1996 to 2016. This change is in the opposite direction of what has been reported among younger adults. The gap between women and men in frequent drinking has been markedly narrowed, which indicate that women’s drinking patterns are approaching those of men. This may involve a need to change alcohol policy in Norway to more targeted interventions aimed at older people.

Download Full-text

Do emotions related to alcohol consumption differ by alcohol type? An international cross-sectional survey of emotions associated with alcohol consumption and influence on drink choice in different settings

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2017-016089 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 7 (10) ◽

pp. e016089 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Kathryn Ashton ◽

Mark A Bellis ◽

Alisha R Davies ◽

Karen Hughes ◽

Adam Winstock

Keyword(s):

Alcohol Consumption ◽

Negative Emotions ◽

Public Health Practice ◽

White Wine ◽

Alcoholic Beverages ◽

Alcohol Dependency ◽

Drinking Patterns ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Positive And Negative Emotions

ObjectivesTo examine the emotions associated with drinking different types of alcohol, explore whether these emotions differ by sociodemographics and alcohol dependency and whether the emotions associated with different drink types influence people’s choice of drinks in different settings.DesignInternational cross-sectional opportunistic survey (Global Drug Survey) using an online anonymous questionnaire in 11 languages promoted through newspapers, magazines and social media from November 2015 to January 2016.Study populationIndividuals aged 18–34 years who reported consumption of beer, spirits, red and white wine in the previous 12 months and were resident in countries with more than 200 respondents (n=21 countries; 29 836 respondents).Main outcome measuresPositive and negative emotions associated with consumption of different alcoholic beverages (energised, relaxed, sexy, confident, tired, aggressive, ill, restless and tearful) over the past 12 months in different settings.ResultsAlcoholic beverages vary in the types of emotions individuals report they elicit, with spirits more frequently eliciting emotional changes of all types. Overall 29.8% of respondents reported feeling aggressive when drinking spirits, compared with only 7.1% when drinking red wine (p<0.001). Women more frequently reported feeling all emotions when drinking alcohol, apart from feelings of aggression. Respondents’ level of alcohol dependency was strongly associated with feeling all emotions, with the likelihood of aggression being significantly higher in possible dependent versus low risk drinkers (adjusted OR 6.4; 95% CI 5.79 to 7.09; p<0.001). The odds of feeling the majority of positive and negative emotions also remained highest among dependent drinkers irrespective of setting.ConclusionUnderstanding emotions associated with alcohol consumption is imperative to addressing alcohol misuse, providing insight into what emotions influence drink choice between different groups in the population. The differences identified between sociodemographic groups and influences on drink choice within different settings will aid future public health practice to further comprehend individuals’ drinking patterns and influence behaviour change.

Download Full-text

Smoking and Smoking Cessation Among Criminal Justice–Involved Older Adults

Tobacco Use Insights ◽

10.1177/1179173x19833357 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

pp. 1179173X1983335

Author(s):

Cyrus Ahalt ◽

Timothy Buisker ◽

Janet Myers ◽

Brie Williams

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Smoking Cessation ◽

Criminal Justice ◽

Tobacco Use ◽

Age Groups ◽

Integrated Treatment ◽

Survey Study ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Attitudes Toward Smoking

Background: In jails and prisons worldwide, older adults are among the fastest growing demographic groups. Criminal justice–involved populations smoke tobacco at high rates. Older adults are also disproportionate smokers and have more difficulty quitting smoking than other age groups. Yet, little is known about tobacco use or knowledge and attitudes toward smoking cessation among the growing population of incarcerated older adults. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional survey study of 102 adults aged 55 years or older recently incarcerated in an urban jail using items from the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS). Results: More than 70% of participants reported being current smokers despite strong knowledge (95%) of the connection between smoking and serious illness. More than half of current smokers reported a past failed quit attempt (62%) and/or said they would like to quit (60%). Conclusions: High rates of tobacco use in this population suggest that correctional institutions represent a critical site for the delivery of appropriate smoking cessation interventions to older adults, including integrated treatment approaches for those with co-occurring behavioral health diagnoses.

Download Full-text

Alcohol consumption and fruits and vegetable intake among older adults in Ghana: a cross-sectional survey based on WHO-SAGE Wave 2 data

BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health ◽

10.1136/bmjnph-2020-000102 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. bmjnph-2020-000102 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Kenneth Tachi ◽

John Tetteh ◽

Alfred Edwin Yawson ◽

Adwoa Agyei-Nkansah ◽

Timothy Archampong

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Alcohol Consumption ◽

Vegetable Intake ◽

Daily Intake ◽

Prevalence Ratio ◽

Adult Health ◽

Probit Regression ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Data Set

BackgroundAlcohol consumption and inadequate fruits and vegetable (FnV) intake are major reasons for the shift from communicable to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) over the years. The older Ghanaian adult is at high risk of NCD and data on alcohol and FnV consumption are required to guide policy to mitigate its effect. This analysis aimed to determine the factors associated with alcohol consumption and assess the relationship between alcohol consumption and FnV intake among Ghanaians aged 50 years and older.MethodsThis analysis used WHO Study on Global Ageing and Adult Health (SAGE) Wave 2, Ghana data set conducted between 2014 and 2015. Data on demographic characteristics, FnV intake, and alcohol consumption were collated and analysed. Multivariable Poisson, logistic and probit regression analyses were performed to assess the associations between alcohol consumption and inadequate FnV intake.ResultsA total of 3533 Ghanaians aged 50 years and older, 41.0% men and 59.0% women, were included in this study. The prevalence of lifetime alcohol consumption was 22.8% (95% CI 20.7% to 25.1%). Alcohol consumption was significantly associated with sex, age group, marital status, religion, place of residence and history of smoking. The prevalence of adequate FnV intake was 52.6% with a mean daily intake of 6.45 servings: 2.98 for fruits and 3.47 for vegetables. There was a significant positive correlation between inadequate FnV intake and alcohol consumption. Inadequate FnV consumption was significantly higher among lifetime alcohol consumers compared with non-alcohol consumers. (Poisson estimate; adjusted Prevalence Ratio (aPR) (95% CI)=1.35 (1.12 to 1.63), logistic estimate; adjusted Old Ratio (aOR) (95% CI)=1.13 (1.05 to 1.21) and probit estimate; adjusted normalized coefficient (aβ) (95% CI)=0.19 (0.07 to 0.31))ConclusionAbout a quarter and nearly half of older Ghanaian adults consume alcohol and inadequate FnV, respectively. Alcohol consumption is significantly associated with inadequate FnV intake. Interventions to address inadequate FnV intake among older adults in Ghana should also include policies that regulate the use of alcohol in this population.

Download Full-text

Knowledge, attitudes, and factors associated with mobile health application use among middle-aged and older adults: quantitative survey (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.16110 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Mangyeong Lee ◽

Danbee Kang ◽

Jung Hee Yoon ◽

Sungkeun Shim ◽

Im Ryung Kim ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Mobile Health ◽

Age Groups ◽

College Education ◽

Perceived Benefits ◽

Middle Aged ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Self Confidence

BACKGROUND Despite the great benefits of mobile health applications (mHAs) in managing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) internationally, studies have documented general challenges to broad adoption of mHAs among middle to older age groups. By focusing on broad adoption, these studies have been limited in their evaluation of patients who can benefit the most from the functionalities provided by mHAs. OBJECTIVE This study aims to evaluate the knowledge, self-confidence, perceived benefits, and barriers of using mHAs depending on experience with mHAs among the middle-aged and older adults. Furthermore, we aim to identify the factors associated with the actual use of mHAs. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional survey at a single tertiary hospital in Seoul, Korea, between May 1 and May 31, 2018. Of the 625 patients who were contacted, 323 participants were granted full inclusion to the study. We compared demographics, knowledge, self-confidence, and perceived benefits and barriers by experience with using mHAs, then performed logistic regression to identify the factors associated with mHA use. RESULTS Among the participants, 64.1% (N = 207) had experience using mHAs. Those in the experienced group were more likely to have more than college education (55.1% vs. 27.5%, P < 0.001) and to report a higher monthly income (≥ $7,000, 22.7% vs. 18.1%, P = 0.05) than their less-experienced counterparts. Although the experienced group was more likely to have higher self-confidence in using mHAs, about half of the study participants, including people with experience using mHAs, did not have appropriate knowledge of mobile technology. With adjusted logistic model, higher educated (adjusted PR (aPR) = 1.53, 95% CI, 1.26–1.80), higher perceived benefits of mHAs (aPR = 1.43, 95% CI, 1.04–1.83), and higher self-confidence using mHAs (aPR = 1.41, 95% CI, 1.12–1.70) were significant factors associated with mHA use. CONCLUSIONS The use of mHAs among middle-aged and older adults is becoming more common globally; nevertheless, there are still people unable to use mHAs properly because of lack of experience and knowledge. Strategies are needed to encourage the reliable usage of mHAs among those who may need it the most by improving self-confidence and better articulating benefits.

Download Full-text

Immigration and the decline in adolescent binge drinking

10.31235/osf.io/5a8us ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Adrian F. Rogne ◽

Willy Pedersen ◽

Anders Bakken

Keyword(s):

Alcohol Consumption ◽

Children Of Immigrants ◽

Heavy Episodic Drinking ◽

Drinking Patterns ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Past ◽

Immigrant Background ◽

Majority Population ◽

Low Alcohol

Background: Adolescent alcohol consumption has fallen in most Western countries over the past two decades, while immigrants and children of immigrants from low-consumption countries constitute a growing proportion of teenagers in many Western nations. We investigate the extent to which immigrants and children of immigrants have contributed to the decline in adolescent heavy episodic drinking in Oslo, the capital of Norway.Methods: We use repeated cross-sectional survey data on adolescents in grades 9-11 in Oslo (aged around 14–16, N = 54,474) from 1996 to 2018. We use data on heavy episodic drinking/intoxication in the past 12 months (dichotomized), immigrant background, sex and grade. We decompose the trend into components attributable to changes in the demographic composition of the adolescent population (by immigrant background, grade and sex), and to changes in drinking patterns within different groups. Confidence intervals (CIs) are obtained by bootstrap resampling.Results: The proportion of adolescents with immigrant backgrounds increased from 21% to 35% over the time span. The proportion reporting having been intoxicated fell from 42% to 25%. Most of the decline stems from reduced heavy episodic drinking in the majority population, accounting for 70.8% of the reduction (95% CI: 67.5–74.2). The increased proportion of adolescents with an immigrant background accounts for 21.4% of the decline (95% CI: 19.2–23.8).Conclusions: An increasing proportion of immigrants and children of immigrants with low alcohol consumption explains one-fifth of the decline in the prevalence of adolescent heavy episodic drinking in Oslo.

Download Full-text

A Cross Sectional Survey of Chicken Astroviruses Antibody in Broiler and Sonali (Cross-Bred) Chickens in Selected Areas in Bangladesh

Macedonian Veterinary Review ◽

10.2478/macvetrev-2020-0016 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 43 (1) ◽

pp. 75-80

Author(s):

Md Zulfekar Ali ◽

Mohammad Moktader Moula ◽

Zafar Ahmed Bhuiyan ◽

Muhammad Tariq Javed

Keyword(s):

Age Groups ◽

Winter Season ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Blood Samples ◽

Elisa Kit ◽

Published Report ◽

Poultry Birds ◽

Wide Range ◽

Group B

AbstractChicken astroviruses (CAstV) are enteric viruses of poultry causing gastroenteritis, malabsorption, gout and white chick disease commonly known as runting-stunting syndrome (RSS). It can affect the wide range of poultry birds, especially chicken, turkey and duck worldwide. To our best knowledge there is no published report on presence of antibodies against CAstV in Bangladesh. Therefore, the study aimed to detect the presence of CAstV antibodies in broilers and sonali chickens (a cross-bread) in Bangladesh through a cross-sectional survey. A total of 454 blood samples from 66 flocks of broiler (n=343) and sonali chickens (n=111) of different ages were obtained during 2017 from four districts. The birds were healthy but were not vaccinated against CAstV. The samples were tested for specific antibodies against CAstV Group B by using commercially available ELISA kit. Overall, 16.74% (76/454) samples and 34.84% (23/66) flocks were positive for CAstV antibodies. The seroprevalence of CAstV was significantly (p=0.001) higher in sonali chickens (36.96%) than broiler (10.20%), while it was significantly higher (p=0.001) in birds of Bogura district (36.94%) than the other three districts. Regarding the age groups, seroprevalence was insignificantly (p=0.192) higher in sonali chicken before laying age (45%) than during laying age (27.45%). Regarding the seasons, CAstV infection was prevalent significantly (p=0.001) higher in winter season. Thus, the present study indicated the presence of CAstV in poultry in Bangladesh, so further studies are required to find out the magnitude of the problem in the country.

Download Full-text

Health Concerns of Older Adults: Observations from a Survey and Public Education Programme in Bhubaneswar, India

10.35262/jiag.v15i1.10-16 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 15 (1) ◽

pp. 10-16

Author(s):

Shreyan Kar ◽

Tushar Kanti Das ◽

Prasanta Kumar Mohapatra ◽

Brajaballav Kar ◽

Anupama Senapati ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Older Adults ◽

Cardiovascular Risk ◽

Mood State ◽

Physical Symptoms ◽

Considerable Proportion ◽

Cardiovascular Risks ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Health Concerns

Background: While it is apparent that old age is associated with multiple health concerns, the extent of its multiplicity and burden is often not clear. It was intended to find out self-reported health concerns for one month and cardiovascular risk factors in middle and older adults. Methods: In the cross-sectional survey, attendees of a Healthy Ageing Conference were approached with a semi-structured questionnaire about their health concerns and cardiovascular risks. Risk of a cardiovascular event in 10 years based on QRISK3 was calculated. Results: A considerable proportion of older adults had a range of physical symptoms, depressive mood state and memory problems. Mean number of health problems reported were 4.8±3.3 (male 4.4±3.1 and female 5.0±4.3). Cardiovascular risk was high, mean QRISK3 score for males were 22.2% (±14.4), and for females 10.3% (±6.6) (p<0.05). On average, the heart age was increased by 7.9±6.2 years (8.6±6.6 years for males and 5.0±3.3 for females). The relative risk of participants was 2.1 for males and 1.5 for females for heart attack or stroke within the ten years, compared to healthy persons. The symptoms and risk factors were elicited easily, and the process probably facilitated improving the awareness about the health concerns holistically. The survey also identified issues related to the engagement of older adults in the existing health care systems. Conclusions: The results suggested that questionnaire-based health screening in a community can identify a range of health concerns and identify multi-morbidity in general and cardiovascular risks in particular. This process may help to focus on the appropriate public health awareness and intervention programmes required in the community.

Download Full-text

Association between Social Media Use for Health Purpose and Depressive Symptoms: A Cross-Sectional Survey (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.25007 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Hee Yun Lee ◽

Yan Luo ◽

Cho Rong Won ◽

Jiyoung Lee ◽

Jeongwon Baik

Keyword(s):

Social Media ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Social Networking Sites ◽

Inverse Relationship ◽

Age Groups ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Use Of Social Media ◽

The Relationship ◽

Health Purpose

BACKGROUND The use of social media or social networking sites (SNS) is increasing across all age groups, and one of the primary motives of using SNS is to seek health-related information. Although previous research examining the effect of SNS use on depression exist, studies regarding the effect of SNS use for health purpose on depression is limited. OBJECTIVE Our study aims to explore the relationship between SNS use for health purpose and depression across the four age groups (18-34 years old, 35-49 years old, 50-64 years old, and above 65 years old). METHODS A sample of 6,789 adults aged 18 and older was extracted from a 2017 and 2018 Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS). Univariate and bivariate analyses to examine the association between each variable and four age groups were conducted. Multiple linear regression analyses to predict depression level among participants with use of SNS for health purpose were conducted. RESULTS SNS use for health purpose and depression were positively associated for three age groups but not for those 65 years or older (=0.13, P<0.05; =0.08, P<0.05; =0.09, P<0.05). Income and self-reported health status indicated an inverse relationship for all age groups. The relationship with marital status differed based on age group with 18 and 34 years old showing an inverse relationship (=-0.13, P<0.01) while 65 years or older showing a positive relationship (=0.06, P<0.05). Gender was positively associated among those in the 35-49 years old (=0.09, P<0.05) and 65 years or older (=0.07, P<0.05). Being Non-Hispanic White was positively associated with depression among 50-64 years old (=0.07, P<0.001) and 65 years or older (=0.08, P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Age-tailored education on determining accurate and reliable information shared via SNS is needed to reduce depressive symptoms.

Download Full-text

Prevalence and risk factors of worry among teachers during the COVID-19 epidemic in Henan, China: a cross-sectional survey

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-045386 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (7) ◽

pp. e045386

Author(s):

Yanqing Wang ◽

Quanman Li ◽

Clifford Silver Tarimo ◽

Cuiping Wu ◽

Yudong Miao ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Influencing Factors ◽

Age Groups ◽

Educational Status ◽

Henan Province ◽

Anxiety Level ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

School Location ◽

Fear Level ◽

Attention Level

ObjectiveTo evaluate the level of worry and its influencing factors during the COVID-19 epidemic among teachers in Henan Province in China.Study designA cross-sectional study was conducted.MethodsWe designed a cross-sectional survey that included 88 611 teachers from three cities in Henan Province, China between 4 February 2020 and 12 February 2020. Level of worry was measured using a five-item Likert scale, with 1 being ‘not worried’ and 5 being ‘very worried’. The OR and 95% CI of potential influencing factors for level of worry among study participants were estimated using ordinal logistic regression models.ResultsAbout 59% of teachers reported being ‘very worried’ about the COVID-19 epidemic. The proportion of female teachers was higher than of male teachers (60.33% vs 52.89%). In all age groups considered in this study, a ‘very worried’ condition accounted for the highest proportion. The age group 40–49 years had the lowest proportion of participants who were very worried, 52.34% of whom were men and 58.62% were women. After controlling for potential confounding factors, age, education level, type of teacher, school location, attention level, fear level, anxiety level and behaviour status were all related to level of worry (all p<0.05).ConclusionDuring the COVID-19 epidemic, there was a high proportion of teachers who were ‘very worried’ about the situation in Henan Province, China. Our study may remind policymakers to consider factors including age, educational status, type of teacher, school location, source of information on COVID-19, attention level, anxiety level, fear level and behaviour status to alleviate worry.

Download Full-text

Determinants of alcohol consumption and marijuana use among young adults in the Republic of Palau

Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine ◽

10.1186/s12199-020-00928-8 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 26 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Mizuki Sata ◽

Renzhe Cui ◽

Chifa Chiang ◽

Singeru Travis Singeo ◽

Berry Moon Watson ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Young Adults ◽

Alcohol Consumption ◽

Age Groups ◽

Marijuana Use ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Education Levels ◽

The Status ◽

The Republic ◽

Republic Of Palau

Abstract Background This study aimed to describe the status of alcohol consumption and drug use among young adults as well as their determinants. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study of 356 young adults (aged 18 to 24 years) living in Palau in 2013. The prevalence of self-reported alcohol and marijuana usage were compared within and between sexes, age groups, ethnicities, and education levels. Results The proportion of current drinking was higher in people aged 21–24 than in those aged 18–20 (73.2% vs. 60.9%, p = 0.09 in men and 48.3% vs. 30.0%, p = 0.02 in women), while that of marijuana use did not differ between the age groups. The proportions of current drinking and marijuana use were higher in Palauan than in other ethnicities (current drinking: 70.6% vs. 40.6%, p = 0.005 in men and 38.8% vs. 16.6%, p = 0.04 in women; lifetime marijuana use: 80.0% vs. 52.9%, p = 0.02 in men and 56.1% vs. 30.6%, p = 0.09 in women). The proportion of frequent (3 times or more) marijuana users was higher for the lower educated than for the higher educated (62.5% vs. 32.1%, p < 0.001 in men and 33.9% vs. 24.4%, p = 0.12 in women). Conclusions Sex, age, ethnicity, and education were significant determinants of alcohol and marijuana use.

Download Full-text