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Corcoran E, Doucette H, Merrill JE, Pielech M, López G, Egbert A, Nelapati S, Gabrielli J, Colby SM, Jackson KM. A qualitative analysis of adolescents' perspectives on peer and influencer alcohol-related posts on social media. Drug Alcohol Rev 2024; 43:13-27. [PMID: 37533232 PMCID: PMC10834843 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Adolescent exposure to alcohol-related content on social media is common and associated with alcohol use and perceived norms; however, little is known about how exposure differs by the source of the content (e.g., peer or 'influencer'). The purpose of this study was to utilise qualitative methods to compare adolescent perspectives on peer- versus influencer-generated alcohol content on social media. METHODS Nine virtual semi-structured focus groups were conducted with adolescents (aged 15-19 years), following a general script aimed at ascertaining adolescent comparative perspectives on peer and influencer alcohol-related media content and the contexts in which it occurs. RESULTS Five main themes emerged: (i) although both influencers and peers post predominantly positively-valenced alcohol content online, adolescents perceived some differences between these posts; (ii) adolescents perceived their peers to be more cautious and strategic when posting about alcohol than influencers are; (iii) the decision to engage with peer or influencer alcohol-related posts is influenced by a number of factors; (iv) both peer and influencer posts were perceived to send the message that drinking is acceptable, normal or cool; and (v) adolescents believed they are more likely to be influenced by peers' alcohol posts than influencers' alcohol posts, with some exceptions. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Future studies should aim to further understand the unique attributes and circumstances in which exposure to peer and influencer alcohol-related posts impact adolescent alcohol-related cognitions and behaviours. This knowledge will inform prevention and intervention efforts, such as media literacy training and media-specific parenting practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Corcoran
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA
| | - Hannah Doucette
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, USA
| | - Jennifer E. Merrill
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, USA
| | - Melissa Pielech
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, USA
| | - Gabriela López
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, USA
| | - Amy Egbert
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Storrs, USA
| | - Shimei Nelapati
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA
| | - Joy Gabrielli
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA
| | - Suzanne M. Colby
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, USA
| | - Kristina M. Jackson
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, USA
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Booth L, Miller M, Pettigrew S. The potential adverse effects of minors' exposure to alcohol-related stimuli via licenced venues: A narrative review. Drug Alcohol Rev 2024; 43:141-155. [PMID: 37934620 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
ISSUES Young people are particularly impressionable when it comes to forming expectations and attitudes around alcohol consumption. Any stimuli that normalise and foster positive expectations around alcohol use may increase the risk of underage alcohol consumption. Alcohol venues that market themselves as being appropriate 'family friendly' establishments for children risk exposing minors to environments that are saturated with alcohol-related stimuli. However, research examining how exposure to licenced venues affects underage people is very limited. The aim of this narrative review was to identify and synthesise relevant evidence to better understand how attending these venues might affect minors. APPROACH A narrative review of research published between January 2016 and November 2022 was conducted to investigate the potential effects on underage people of exposure to licenced venues and stimuli encountered in/around these venues. Examined stimuli included alcohol advertising, people consuming alcohol and alcohol outlets. KEY FINDINGS The reviewed literature indicates that the risk of alcohol-related harm among minors is likely to increase with greater exposure to alcohol venues due to the associated exposure to alcohol advertising, exposure to others consuming alcohol and higher outlet density. In combination, these factors are likely to normalise alcohol consumption for minors and create positive alcohol expectancies. IMPLICATIONS AND CONCLUSION Venues serving alcohol should be discouraged from targeting families and parents should be warned about the risks associated with taking minors to venues where alcohol is sold and consumed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leon Booth
- The George Institute for Global Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Mia Miller
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Australia
| | - Simone Pettigrew
- The George Institute for Global Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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Dumbili EW, Uwa-Robinson K. Navigating Alcogenic Brand Environment: Exploring How Young Nigerians Negotiate and Make Sense of Alcohol Brand Preferences. Journal of Drug Issues 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/00220426221135765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
No previous research has examined how and why Nigerians choose their alcohol brands. Using qualitative data, this study explored brand preference and the reasons for brand choice among 18 to 24 year-old Nigerians who use alcohol. Participants were divided into three categories based on their beer, spirit, and wine preferences. While most men preferred beer and spirits, many women chose traditional and recently developed flavoured beers and spirit-based drinks, which the alcohol industry promotes as women-friendly alcoholic drinks. Some participants chose low-strength brands to avoid heavy drinking and intoxication, while others preferred high-strength brands for immediate bodily thrills/intoxication. Some participants preferred expensive brands to cheaper beverages to construct social identity and portray an affluent lifestyle, while others used the consumption of ‘foreign’ or uncommon brands to enact distinction. Alcohol advertising and peer influence significantly impacted brand awareness and preferences. Interventions should focus on reducing alcohol/brand availability and accessibility in Nigeria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emeka W. Dumbili
- Institute for Therapy and Health Research, Harmsstrasse 2, 24114, Kiel, Germany
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Kato M, Ishikawa H, Kiuchi T, Akiyama M, Kawamura Y, Okuhara T, Ono N, Miyawaki R. Patterns of alcohol and alcohol-flavoured non-alcoholic beverage advertisements over Japanese free-to-air television networks. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1864. [PMID: 36203148 PMCID: PMC9536255 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-14276-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Alcohol use is a serious public health challenge worldwide. Japan has no government regulations or legal penalties against advertising alcoholic beverages on television (TV). Instead, advertisements depend on the Japanese alcohol industry’s self-regulation on airtime (no advertisements from 5 am to 6 pm) and the content of alcoholic beverages, which must not tempt minors. However, many adolescents (10 to 19 years old) watch TV from 6 pm to 11 pm. The aim of this study was to describe the pattern in the advertising of alcoholic beverages and alcohol-flavoured non-alcoholic beverages (AFNAB) in Japan during the popular TV viewing time for adolescents. Methods A secondary analysis of advertising airtime data from five free-to-air Japanese TV networks in the Greater Tokyo area that aired between 12 August and 3 November 2019, was performed. Results During the study period, 5215 advertisements for alcoholic beverages and AFNABs aired (1451.75 min). In total, 2303 advertisements (44.2%) were beer, low-malt beer, or beer-taste beverages, 277 (5.3%) were whisky, 2334 (44.8%) were local alcoholic beverages (shochu and seishu), and 301 (5.8%) were AFNAB. On average, more advertisements aired on weekends (67.6 advertisements) than on weekdays (59.3 advertisements) per day. Approximately 30% of advertisements for AFNABs were aired during the time restricted for alcohol advertising, although AFNABs are considered alcohol according to industry guidelines. During the popular television viewing time for young adolescents, about two to three times more advertisements were aired per hour than during the rest of the day, on both weekdays and weekends (p < 0.001). Conclusion The number of alcohol advertisements aired at times when adolescents often watch TV is 2 to 3.2 times higher than that at other times of the day. Furthermore, despite the industry’s self-imposed regulations, some alcoholic beverages are still advertised. Therefore, other methods to protect children and adolescents from exposure to advertisements for alcoholic beverages should be investigated and implemented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mio Kato
- Graduate School of Public Health, Teikyo University, 2-11-1 Kaga, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Hirono Ishikawa
- Graduate School of Public Health, Teikyo University, 2-11-1 Kaga, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takahiro Kiuchi
- Department of Health Communication, School of Public Health, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Miki Akiyama
- Faculty of Environment and Information Studies, Keio University, 5322, Endo, Fujisawa-shi, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Yoko Kawamura
- School of Health Sciences, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, 1-1, Iseigaoka, Yahatanishi-ku Kitakyushu-shi, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Okuhara
- Department of Health Communication, School of Public Health, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Naoko Ono
- Graduate School of Medicine, Juntendo University, 2-1-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Rina Miyawaki
- School of Arts and Letters, Meiji University, 1-9-1 Eifuku, Suginami-ku, Tokyo, Japan
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Meiksin R, Er V, Thompson C, Adams J, Boyland E, Burgoine T, Cornelsen L, de Vocht F, Egan M, Lake AA, Lock K, Mytton O, White M, Yau A, Cummins S. Restricting the advertising of high fat, salt and sugar foods on the Transport for London estate: Process and implementation study. Soc Sci Med 2022; 292:114548. [PMID: 34776289 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2021.114548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION One in five UK children aged 10-11 years live with obesity. They are more likely to continue living with obesity into adulthood and to develop obesity-related chronic health conditions at a younger age. Regulating the marketing of high fat, salt and sugar (HFSS) foods and beverages has been highlighted as a promising approach to obesity prevention. In 2019, Transport for London implemented restrictions on the advertisement of HFSS products across its network. This paper reports on a process evaluation of the design and implementation of this intervention. METHODS In 2019-2020, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 23 stakeholders. Interviews with those responsible for implementation (n = 13) explored stakeholder roles, barriers and facilitators to policy development/implementation and unintended consequences. Interviews with food industry stakeholders (n = 10) explored perceptions and acceptability of the policy, changes to business practice and impact on business. Data were analysed using a general inductive approach. RESULTS Practical challenges included limited time between policy announcement and implementation, translating the concept of 'junk food' into operational policy, the legal landscape, and reported uneven impacts across industry stakeholders. Political challenges included designing a policy the public views as appropriate, balancing health and financial impacts, and the perceived influence of political motivations. Consultation during policy development and close communication with industry reportedly facilitated implementation, as did the development of an exceptions process that provided a review pathway for HFSS products that might not contribute to children's HFSS consumption. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest that restricting the outdoor advertisement of HFSS foods and beverages at scale is feasible within a complex policy and business landscape. We outline practical steps that may further facilitate the development and implementation of similar policies and we report on the importance of ensuring such policies are applied in a way that is perceived as reasonable by industry and the public.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Meiksin
- Population Health Innovation Lab, Department of Public Health, Environments & Society, Faculty of Public Health & Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Vanessa Er
- Population Health Innovation Lab, Department of Public Health, Environments & Society, Faculty of Public Health & Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Claire Thompson
- Centre for Research in Public Health and Community Care, School of Health and Social Work, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, United Kingdom.
| | - Jean Adams
- UKCRC Centre for Diet and Activity Research (CEDAR), MRC Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Box 285 Institute of Metabolic Science, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Emma Boyland
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas Burgoine
- UKCRC Centre for Diet and Activity Research (CEDAR), MRC Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Box 285 Institute of Metabolic Science, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Cornelsen
- Population Health Innovation Lab, Department of Public Health, Environments & Society, Faculty of Public Health & Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Frank de Vocht
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, United Kingdom; National Institute for Health Research Applied Research Collaboration West (NIHR ARC West), Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Matt Egan
- Department of Public Health, Environments & Society, Faculty of Public Health & Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Amelia A Lake
- Centre for Public Health Research, School of Health and Life Sciences, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, United Kingdom; Fuse, The Centre for Translational Research in Public Health, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Karen Lock
- Department of Health Services Research & Policy, Faculty of Public Health & Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Oliver Mytton
- UKCRC Centre for Diet and Activity Research (CEDAR), MRC Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Box 285 Institute of Metabolic Science, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Martin White
- UKCRC Centre for Diet and Activity Research (CEDAR), MRC Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Box 285 Institute of Metabolic Science, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Amy Yau
- Population Health Innovation Lab, Department of Public Health, Environments & Society, Faculty of Public Health & Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Steven Cummins
- Population Health Innovation Lab, Department of Public Health, Environments & Society, Faculty of Public Health & Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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