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My research assignment on binge drinking and the health effects, review request [12]
Ok as just done a preview on here thought would post my report..
The research question for this report is titled: Why do people binge drink and are they aware of the long term mental and physical health effects. This part I am posting is the discussion of results section..I need to cut my word count down another 100 words so not sure what to cut out.Just be great if someone could proof read it.Thanks Nigel...Report below
Binge Drinking Effects - Discussion of Findings
The sample for this study involved 26 males and 26 females. To gain a better representatives of the population the researcher arranged two age groups, the younger being 18-39, while the older was 40 plus. Both age groups were represented equally.
First respondents were asked to define binge drinking. From the sample of 52, 12 stated binge drinking as a behaviour that presents a risk to health, while nine stated it is where 4 or more drinks are consumed. This definition is shared by the government, as reported by The Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology. This suggests that while some may not understand the correct term for binge drinking, many are aware of the negative impact it has on health. This may be attributed to the government's alcohol awareness campaigns.
The next question revealed patterns of drinking between males and females. As shown on figure 1 on page 2 differences are quite considerable on alcohol consumption for 3-5 days per week as eight males and only three females choose this option. This may be attributed to bars showing sports events. To support this idea the interviewee stated he has consumed alcohol up to 5 days per week due to football been shown at his local pub (see appendix 3).
The majority of respondents stated they have consumed 4 or more drinks in a sitting. As shown on table 1 on page 3, 85 per cent of males admitted to consuming 4 or more drinks in a sitting compared to 77 per cent females. Those figures may be high due to people drinking to relieve feelings of stress. This was also suggested by research conducted by Drink Aware (2010).
Results revealed that men are more likely to consume 4 or more drinks in a sitting. As shown on figure 2 on page 3, nine men stated they are likely to consume 4 or more drinks up to five times a week compared to three females. This may be attributed to males buying rounds, which encourage faster consumption. The interviewee also stated he rarely drinks less than 4 drinks when he is with friends (see appendix 3).
The study also revealed men are more likely to consume four or more drinks on their own. As shown on table 2 on page 4 of the 52 respondents only 27% of females compared to 73% of males admitted to consuming 4 or more drinks on their own. Perhaps those findings suggest that men drink to relieve stress. To reinforce this idea the interviewee, who was a male stated that a few beers after a day's works helps him relax (see appendix 3). Although it could be argued males drink individually to self medicate, this was suggested by research conducted by The Mental Health Foundation.
Respondents were asked what would lead them to drink 4 or more drinks in a sitting. As shown on figure 3 on page 4, 39 of the 52 respondents stated that socialising would lead them to drink 4 or more drinks. This is similar to findings reported by the Institute of Alcohol Studies (2008) where 91% reported to consume alcohol to socialise.
Regarding drinking to get drunk table 3 on page 5 reveals that 73% of males compared to 58% females admitted to this behaviour. This was similar to the research conducted by The Institute of Alcohol Studies (2008) which concluded that 78% of men and 72% of women drink to get drunk. Those statistics may be attributed to alcohol industries portraying alcohol as exciting where individuals feel to have a good time they must get drunk. This opinion is highlighted by The British Medical Association (2008).
The survey also revealed as shown on table 4 on page 5 that 85% of males and 96% of females believed they can stop drinking when they want to. The researcher acknowledges those statistics may not be valid as respondents may not want to admit they have an alcohol problem.
When respondents were asked what influences them to drink more than they should. As shown on figure 4 on page 6, 44, of the 52 respondents stated that special offers or drinks promotions influence them to drink more. The theory of cheap alcohol as a cause of binge drinking was also suggested by a survey conducted by The Medical Profession of Britain (Medical News, 2009).
In relation to the research question are people aware of the long term effects from binge drinking. As shown on Table 5 on page 7 reveals that 65% of females compared to 46% of males felt they were aware of the long term effects. This suggests females are more alert concerning health issues regarding alcohol. This may be attributed to females spending more time in GP surgeries allowing them to have better access to health promotion material.
Respondents were then asked which of the long term physical and mental health risks from binge drinking were they aware of. As shown on figure 5 on page 8, while the majority were aware of liver disease only 10 of the 52 surveyed were aware that binge drinking can cause alcohol related pancreatitis and diabetes. Also just over half of the women surveyed were aware binge drinking can cause breast cancer. This suggests that health promotion material is not focusing on other serious effects from binge drinking. Perhaps this can explain findings by The University of Liverpool (2004) that stated 20,000 people in the UK each year are affected with alcohol related pancreas.
Knowledge of the long term mental effects from binge drinking was also limited. As shown on figure 6 on page 9, only 10 from the sample of 52 were aware that binge drinking can cause dementia The Journal of Alcohol and Alcoholism revealed that the rise in dementia cases may be linked to limited knowledge concerning alcohol.
The final question asked respondents on whether they would drink less if they were more aware of the long term effects. As shown on figure 7 on page 10, 15 stated they would not drink less. This may be attributed to alcohol being a central part to people's social life; this was also highlighted by the interviewee (see appendix 3).
ConclusionsIn relation to the research question why do people binge drink and are they aware of the long term effects. The researcher concludes that the key findings have shown that both genders although men in particular binge drink to get drunk. The survey also revealed respondents consume over the daily limit in order to socialise or feel good, while cheap alcohol and drinks promotions are also a factor. The research objectives on patterns of drinking between each gender demonstrate that men consume alcohol more often than females, while also being more likely to drink individually.
Despite the majority of respondents been able to define binge drinking as a behaviour that presents a risk to health, many were unaware of the long term effects. For example, the questionnaires have shown that respondents have little knowledge that binge drinking can cause dementia or alcohol related pancreas. Furthermore, just over half of the women surveyed stated they were aware binge drinking can cause breast cancer. The researcher concludes that knowledge of the long term mental and physical effects are limited.
RecommendationsThe purpose of this study was to highlight issues regarding health in relation to binge drinking. The findings would suggest that perhaps the government should review its health promotion material, as knowledge seems to be limited with regards to alcohol related health risks. Perhaps also training should be given to health care workers on ways to advise clients on those risks involved. Finally the researcher feels more research could be done on this topic to develop a better understanding on the health risks involved.
LimitationsThis study was primarily limited due to its small sample size which meant findings could not be generalised. Also an earlier start in data collection would off allowed the researcher more time to survey a larger number of participants, which would have helped increase validity.
AbstractThis study aims to investigate reasons why individuals binge drink and are they aware of the long term health risks. Data were obtained through self completion questionnaires and one semi structured interview. The report concludes that while individuals drink to socialise or get drunk, inexpensive alcohol also influences them to drink more. Knowledge of the long term effects proved to be limited which suggests there needs to more health promotion material focusing on the less well known alcohol related diseases.