Patterns of drinking alcohol and intentions to binge drink among medical students in Vietnam

Sun-safe behavior and perceptions during winter sports: an Austrian study based on the Theory of Planned Behavior

As a preventable disease, skin cancer is a public health issue in Austria. Most sun-safety studies focus on people's activities in summer, but little is known about sun-protective behavior in winter. Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), this study examines psychological perceptions among people who engage in winter sports in Austria. Following a TPB-based belief elicitation study, a consequent survey was conducted among 114 participants (51.8% female; M_age = 29.54 years) in South Austria. Intention, attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, and risk perception showed strong and significant associations with sun-safe behavior among people who engage in winter sports. The TPB framework explained a large portion of variance in sun-safe behavior (75%) and intention (73%). Gender differences have been identified in TPB-variables as well as several beliefs. Based on the utility of the TPB, our findings suggest guidelines for sun-safety in winter sports settings. Gender differences are in line with previous research, highlighting the vulnerability of men to sun damage during winter sports.

Changes in alcohol-related perceptions and behavior among Vietnamese early career doctors after graduation

BACKGROUND: Vietnamese medical students believe becoming “strong” drinkers is important for their future careers working as doctors. However, it is unclear if this is a temporary behaviour associated with life as a student, or a phenomenon associated with the transition to working as a medical practitioner. OBJECTIVE: This study explored changes in alcohol-related perceptions and behaviour among Vietnamese early career doctors working after graduation. METHODS: In-depth interviews were conducted with 15 Vietnamese early career doctors in Hanoi city. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the qualitative data. RESULTS: Vietnamese early career doctors perceived binge drinking as common among doctors, especially male doctors, surgeons, and preventive medicine doctors. This perception was different from when they were medical students because, at that time, they believed doctors would not drink alcohol at hazardous levels. Additionally, Vietnamese early career doctors’ drinking behaviour changed in the frequency and quantity of alcohol consumption after graduation due to peer pressure, job stress, working collaborations, and working environment. CONCLUSIONS: Vietnamese early career doctors changed their alcohol-related perceptions and behaviour after graduation. Gender, mental health (stress), factors related to the working environment, and the role of professional relationships should be considered in strategies to reduce risky alcohol consumption among Vietnamese early career doctors.

Binge drinking among male medical students in Viet Nam: a qualitative exploration of norms

Alcohol is a commonly used substance among Vietnamese medical students, especially males. Vietnamese male medical students drink more alcohol, report more intentions to binge drink, and experience more alcohol-related problems than females. As medical students' alcohol consumption may influence their attitudes and medical practice relating to alcohol counseling and prevention, research about the cultural and drinking norms underlying the drinking behavior of Vietnamese male medical students is warranted. This study aims to explore the norms underlying drinking behavior of Vietnamese male medical students. A qualitative study including 32 in-depth interviews with Vietnamese male medical students at a medical university. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. This study found Vietnamese male medical students considered alcohol consumption as a way to show their masculinity and become accepted by groups. Given these beliefs and adherence to norms, they followed rules to force others to consume more alcohol or be intoxicated in drinking occasions among medical students. This study showed the importance of gender and group norms in influencing Vietnamese male medical students' alcohol consumption. These norms should be considered in future research and interventions addressing alcohol use among this target population.