ORCID Profile
0000-0002-6896-5437
Current Organisation
Deakin University
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Research Topics
In Research Link Australia (RLA), "Research Topics" refer to ANZSRC FOR and SEO codes. These topics are either sourced from ANZSRC FOR and SEO codes listed in researchers' related grants or generated by a large language model (LLM) based on their publications.
Top 5 Research Topics
ANZSRC Field of Research (FoR)
Public Health and Health Services not elsewhere classified | Public Health and Health Services | Social and Community Psychology | Health Policy | Social and personality psychology | Psychology | Public Policy | Social Policy | Social psychology | Policy and Administration | Counselling psychology | Community psychology | Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health | Health Promotion |
ANZSRC Socio-Economic Objective (SEO)
Substance Abuse | Public Health (excl. Specific Population Health) not elsewhere classified | Public Services Policy Advice and Analysis | Behaviour and Health | Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health - Health System Performance (incl. Effectiveness of Interventions) | Social Structure and Health | Government and Politics not elsewhere classified | Expanding Knowledge in Psychology and Cognitive Sciences |
Related Links
Publications
Situational Characteristics Uniquely Associated With Children’s Exposure to Intimate Partner Violence
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 11-10-2019
Abstract: Exposure to parental violence can have devastating consequences for children, including significant personal, social, and academic problems. The present study determined the situational factors that are associated with children’s exposure to intimate partner violence (IPV) incidents. To examine whether these factors were unique to child witnesses’ presence at IPV incidents, we also determined the factors that are associated with children’s exposure to family violence (FV) and other family member witnesses’ exposure to IPV incidents. Participants responded to an online panel survey investigating the role of alcohol and other drugs in family and domestic violence incidents in Australia. Nine hundred fifty-two respondents reported an IPV incident and 299 reported an FV incident they provided details about their most recent incident. Results showed that child witnesses were more likely to be present during IPV incidents if the incident took place at home (odds ratio [OR] = 3.10), if a similar incident had occurred previously (OR = 1.66), if drugs were involved (OR = 1.60), and if a police report was made (OR = 2.61). There was some overlap with the other witness and violence combinations: The presence of a police report also predicted child witnesses’ presence at FV incidents, and a home location also predicted other family member witnesses’ presence at IPV incidents. These results enhance our understanding of the situations in which children might witness IPV incidents future research is needed to determine whether these situational factors can be used to judge risk.
Media reports of heroin overdose spates: Public health messages, moral panics or risk advertisements?
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 06-2007
Social Desirability Bias in the Reporting of Alcohol Consumption: A Randomized Trial.
Publisher: Alcohol Research Documentation, Inc.
Date: 05-2016
DOI: 10.15288/JSAD.2016.77.526
Abstract: To investigate reporting of alcohol consumption, we manipulated the contexts of questions in ways designed to induce social desirability bias. We undertook a two-arm, parallel-group, in idually randomized trial at an Australian public university. Students were recruited by email to a web-based "Research Project on Student Health Behavior." Respondents answered nine questions about their physical activity, diet, and smoking. They were unknowingly randomized to a group presented with either (A) three questions about their alcohol consumption or (B) seven questions about their alcohol dependence and problems (under a prominent header labeled "Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test"), followed by the same three alcohol consumption questions from (A). A total of 3,594 students (mean age = 27, SD = 10) responded and were randomized: 1,778 to Group A and 1,816 to Group B. Outcome measures were the number of days they drank alcohol, the typical number of drinks they consumed per drinking day, and the number of days they consumed six or more drinks. The primary analysis included participants with any alcohol consumption in the preceding 4 weeks (1,304 in Group A 1,340 in Group B) using between-group, two-tailed t tests. In Groups A and B, respectively, means (and SDs) of the number of days drinking were 5.89 (5.92) versus 6.06 (6.12), p = .49 typical number of drinks per drinking day: 4.02 (3.87) versus 3.82 (3.76), p = .17 and number of days consuming six or more drinks: 1.69 (2.94) versus 1.67 (3.25), p = .56. We could not reject the null hypothesis because earlier questions about alcohol dependence and problems showed no sign of biasing the respondents' subsequent reports of alcohol consumption. These data support the validity of university students' reporting of alcohol consumption in web-based studies.
Typology of alcohol consumers in five Australian nighttime entertainment districts
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 14-12-2016
DOI: 10.1111/DAR.12370
Abstract: Understanding how types of alcohol consumers differ is important for public policy targeted at reducing adverse events. The aims of the present study were to identify typologies of alcohol consumers in Australian nighttime entertainment districts based on risk factors for harm and to examine variation between the identified groups in drinking setting and harms. Street-intercept surveys were conducted with 5556 alcohol consumers in and around licensed venues in five Australian cities between November 2011 and June 2012. Latent class analysis identified groups based on age and sex, and blood alcohol concentration, pre-drinking, energy drink use and illicit drug use during that night. Four classes were identified: general patron group (33%), young pre-drinker group (27%), intoxicated male pre-drinker group (31%) and intoxicated illicit drug male group (9%). The proportion of the general patron group interviewed decreased over the night, while the other groups increased (particularly in regional cities). As compared with the general patron group, the remaining three groups reported increased odds of being involved in aggression and any alcohol-related injuries in the past 3 months, with highest rates of harm amongst the intoxicated illicit drug male group. Alcohol consumers in nighttime entertainment districts are not a homogeneous group. One-third have a low likelihood of risky consumption practices however, representation of this consumer class diminishes throughout the night. Elevated harms amongst groups characterised by certain risk factors (e.g. pre-drinking and illicit drug use) emphasise the importance of addressing these behaviours in public policy. [Peacock A, Norman T, Bruno B, Pennay, Droste N, Jenkinson R, Quinn B, Lubman DI, Miller P. Typology of alcohol consumers in five Australian nighttime entertainment districts. Drug Alcohol Rev 2016 :539-548].
Scapegoating, self-confidence and risk comparison: The functionality of risk neutralisation and lay epidemiology by injecting drug users
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2005
Benzodiazepine use and aggressive behaviour: A systematic review
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 02-09-2014
Abstract: The relationship between benzodiazepine consumption and subsequent increases in aggressive behaviour in humans is not well understood. The current study aimed to identify, via a systematic review, whether there is an association between benzodiazepine consumption and aggressive responding in adults. A systematic review was conducted and reported in line with the PRISMA statement. English articles within MEDLINE, PsycARTICLES, PsycINFO, Academic Search Complete, and Psychology and Behavioural Sciences Collection databases were searched. Additional studies were identified by searching reference lists of reviewed articles. Only articles that explicitly investigated the relationship between benzodiazepine consumption and subsequent aggressive behaviour, or a lack thereof, in human adults were included. Forty-six studies met the inclusion criteria. It was not possible to conduct a meta-analysis due to the heterogeneity of study design and benzodiazepine type and dose. An association between benzodiazepine use and subsequent aggressive behaviour was found in the majority of the more rigorous studies, although there is a paucity of high-quality research with clinical or forensic populations. Diazepam and alprazolam have received the most attention. Dose-related findings are inconsistent: therapeutic doses may be more likely to be associated with aggressive responding when administered as a once-off, whereas higher doses may be more risky following repeated administration. Trait levels of anxiety and hostility may indicate a vulnerability to the experience of benzodiazepine-related aggression. There appears to be a moderate association between some benzodiazepines and subsequent aggressive behaviour in humans. The circumstances under which aggressive responding may be more likely to follow benzodiazepine use remain unclear, although some evidence suggests dose and/or personality factors may influence this effect.
Assessing the impact of Queensland's late‐night alcohol restrictions using health system data
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 19-05-2021
DOI: 10.1111/DAR.13182
Abstract: In an attempt to reduce alcohol‐related harm in night‐time entertainment precincts, the Queensland state government (Australia) introduced the Tackling Alcohol‐Fuelled Violence strategy in July 2016, including restrictions on late‐night service of alcohol and—later—compulsory ID scanners at venues. In this article, we examined the impact of these changes on emergency department (ED) presentations and hospital admissions for alcohol‐related harm. We used data on ED presentations (July 2009–June 2019) and hospital admissions (July 2009–December 2018). Interrupted time series models using seasonal auto‐regressive integrated moving average methods were developed to test the impact of the policy change on presentations for alcohol intoxication, any injury or maxillofacial fractures, and admissions for rates of assault‐related injuries or maxillofacial fractures. Analyses were conducted using state‐wide Queensland data with a sub‐analysis focussing on major Brisbane hospitals. The introduction of 3 am last drinks and mandatory ID scanners had no significant impact on most outcome measures, either across the state or within Brisbane. State‐wide, there was a significant decline in ED injury presentations following the introduction of mandatory ID scanners. The introduction of the Tackling Alcohol‐Fuelled Violence strategy in Queensland Safe Night Precincts was potentially associated with a small reduction in injury presentations to EDs. The lack of other impacts may relate to the relative lack of specificity in health system data, which challenges in the implementation of the Tackling Alcohol‐Fuelled Violence policies or other local factors.
Combined use of alcohol and energy drinks: Dose relationship with self-reported physiological stimulation and sedation side effects
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.ADDBEH.2017.02.031
Abstract: Negative physiological stimulation and sedation side effects are experienced by a significant proportion of consumers who consume alcohol mixed with energy drinks (AmED). Few studies have compared the frequency of side effects between sessions of AmED and sessions of alcohol only within-subject, and none have explored a dose relationship. Explore the occurrence of self-reported physiological stimulant and sedative side effects between sessions of AmED and alcohol only, and at varying ED dosage levels within AmED sessions. A convenience s le of 2953 residents of New South Wales, Australia completed an online survey. N=731 AmED users reported daily caffeine intake, typical alcohol and AmED consumption, and past 12-month experience of physiological stimulation and sedation side effects during AmED and alcohol only sessions. Within-subject analyses compared occurrence of side effects between session types. Hierarchical binary logistic regression analyses explored the association of ED dose during AmED sessions with the experience of physiological side effects. There were greater odds of most stimulant side effects, and lower odds of sedation side effects, during AmED sessions compared to alcohol only sessions. Compared to one ED, consumption of three or more EDs was significantly associated with the majority of both stimulant and alcohol intoxication side effects after controlling for demographics and consumption covariates. AmED is associated with perceived changes in physiological stimulant and sedation side effects of alcohol. Experience of side effects is positively associated with ED dosage. Future research should account for varying ED dosage, and reflect real world consumption levels.
The value of identification scanner technology in monitoring and detecting banned patrons in entertainment precincts
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 09-12-2021
DOI: 10.1111/DAR.13225
Abstract: Networked identification (ID) scanner technology is a novel approach to collecting licensed venue attendance data, and potentially reducing alcohol‐related violence by detecting banned patrons. Using ID scanner data from three Queensland entertainment precincts (Safe Night Precincts SNPs), we aim to: (i) examine patterns in patron attendance to licensed venues and (ii) examine patterns in the detection of banned patrons. We conducted descriptive analyses of licensed venue patron entries between 1 October 2017 and 30 June 2019. Scans during high alcohol hours (Friday and Saturday, 20:00–06:00) were stratified by patron sex and key age groups. We described scans associated with a detected banning notice issued by venues, courts or police across all Queensland SNPs and three key SNPs. ID scanner data showed similar attendance trends across SNPs. The peak licensed venue entry hour was 23:00–23:59, with Saturday being the peak day. Approximately two‐thirds of scanned patrons were male, and patrons had a mean age of 25.8 years (SD = 8.80). Scanners detected 48 657 attempted entries by banned patrons, with the majority of attempts made by males (85%) aged 18–24 years (61%). This study adds to the limited evidence on the use of ID scanners in the night‐time economy and highlights the feasibility of ID scanner use in this setting. Results demonstrate the value of scanners to passively collect data on patrons, identify banned patrons and assist in the enforcement of bans.
Adolescent energy drink consumption: An Australian perspective
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.APPET.2016.07.001
Abstract: Caffeinated Energy Drinks (EDs) are not recommended for consumption by children, yet there is a lack of age-specific recommendations and restrictions on the marketing and sale of EDs. EDs are increasingly popular among adolescents despite growing evidence of their negative health effects. In the current study we examined ED consumption patterns among 399 Australian adolescents aged 12-18 years. Participants completed a self-report survey of consumption patterns, physiological symptoms, and awareness of current ED consumption guidelines. Results indicated that ED consumption was common among the s le 56% reported lifetime ED consumption, with initial consumption at mean age 10 (SD = 2.97). Twenty-eight percent of the s le consumed EDs at least monthly, 36% had exceeded the recommended two standard EDs/day, and 56% of consumers had experienced negative physiological health effects following ED consumption. The maximum number of EDs/day considered appropriate for children, adolescents, and adults varied, indicating a lack of awareness of current consumption recommendations. These findings add to the growing body of international evidence of adolescent ED consumption, and the detrimental impact of EDs to adolescent health. Enforced regulation and restriction of EDs for children's and adolescents' consumption is urgently needed in addition to greater visibility of ED consumption recommendations.
ID Scanners in the Australian Night-Time Economy
Publisher: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Date: 2011
A systematic mapping review of interventions to improve adolescent mental health literacy, attitudes and behaviours
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 03-01-2021
DOI: 10.1111/EIP.13109
Abstract: The onset of mental illness is most common in adolescence, therefore mental health promotion efforts frequently target this age group. Evaluation literature in this area is largely segmented into specific domains in terms of settings, countries, and/or groups of young people, but an overall understanding and comparison across these areas is lacking. The current review aims to provide such an overview of interventions rograms which attempt to improve adolescents' mental health literacy, attitudes/stigma and behaviours. A systematic mapping review synthesized the strengths and weaknesses of published interventions rograms to improve mental health outcomes in youth. Ten databases and grey literature sources were searched, and results were categorized according to s le, location/setting, type of information presented, delivery and testing procedures, mental health outcome/s evaluated, and limitations. One hundred and forty articles met the inclusion criteria 126 were original records and 14 were reviews. Mental health literacy and attitudes/stigma were examined most frequently, and studies were predominantly conducted in school‐based environments and high income economies. Intervention rogram effectiveness varied across outcome/s measured, setting, and control group usage, with mental health literacy exhibiting the most positive changes overall. Common limitations included no long‐term follow up or control group inclusion. Despite generally positive changes seen throughout studies in this area, effectiveness differed across a range of methodological domains. Most research is conducted in schools and higher income economies, but the lack of investigation in other contexts (i.e., internet or community) or lower income countries suggests our understanding in this area is constrained.
Benzodiazepine use of community-based violent offenders: a preliminary investigation
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 06-07-2017
A historical overview of legislated alcohol policy in the Northern Territory of Australia: 1979–2021
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 23-10-2021
DOI: 10.1186/S12889-021-11957-5
Abstract: The Northern Territory (NT) has the highest levels of alcohol consumption and harms in Australia. Since the creation of the NT Liquor Act 1978, which came into effect in 1979, numerous legislated alcohol policies have been introduced to attempt to address these harms. We present a narrative historical overview of alcohol policies implemented in the NT from 1979 to 2021. Using scoping review methodology, databases were searched from 1979 to 2021. Of 506 articles screened, 34 met inclusion criteria. Reference lists of all included articles were searched, resulting in the inclusion of another 41 articles and reports, totalling 75 final documents. Policies were organised using Babor and colleagues (2010) established framework: 1. pricing/ taxation 2. regulating physical availability 3. modifying drinking environments 4. drink-driving countermeasures 5. restrictions on marketing 6. education ersuasion 7. treatment/early intervention. Two pricing/taxation policies have been implemented, Living With Alcohol (LWA) and Minimum Unit Price, both demonstrating evidence of positive effects on health and consumption outcomes. Eight policies approaches have focused on regulating physical availability, implemented at both in idual and local area levels. Several of these policies have varied by location and been amended over time. There is some evidence demonstrating reduction in harms attributable to Liquor Supply Plans, localised restrictions, and General Restricted Areas, although these have been site specific. Of the three policies which targeted modifying the drinking environment one was evaluated, finding a relocation of social harms, rather than a reduction. The literature outlines a range of controversies, particularly regarding policies in domain 2–3, including racial discrimination and a lack of policy stability. No policies relating to restricting marketing or education ersuasion programs were found. The only drink-driving legislated policy was considered to have contributed to the success of the LWA program. Three policies relating to treatment were described two were not evaluated and evidence showed no ongoing benefits of Alcohol Mandatory Treatment. The NT has implemented a large number of alcohol policies, several of which have evidence of positive effects. However, these policies have often existed in a context of clear politicisation of alcohol policy, frequently with an implicit focus on Aboriginal people’s consumption.
Prevalence of drink‐driving in Thimphu, Bhutan: Targeted surveillance at sentinel sites
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 12-2020
DOI: 10.1111/DAR.13224
Alcohol Advertising in Sport and Non-Sport TV in Australia, during Children’s Viewing Times
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 11-08-2015
Australia’s discretionary police-imposed banning powers: oversight, scrutiny and accountability
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 09-01-2020
Combined Alcohol and Energy Drink Use: Motivations as Predictors of Consumption Patterns, Risk of Alcohol Dependence, and Experience of Injury and Aggression
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 20-05-2014
DOI: 10.1111/ACER.12438
Abstract: Coconsumption of alcohol with energy drinks (AED) is becoming increasingly popular among adolescents and young adults and has been associated with a range of harms. Motivations related to determined drunkenness and hedonistic drinking are potentially important in explaining both alcohol and AED consumption, given that a relationship has been identified between AED use and heavy alcohol consumption. This study aimed to explore motives for combined AED consumption, as well as their relationship with alcohol dependence and experiences of harm and aggression. Students (n = 594) enrolled at Deakin University, Victoria, Australia, completed an anonymous online survey in 2012. Approximately two-thirds of the s le (66.5%) were female, and the mean age was 22.3 (SD = 4.5), consistent with 2012 Deakin University enrollment. Principal axis factor analysis of 14 items measuring motivations for AED use identified 4 factors, categorized as "hedonistic," "social," "energy/endurance," and "intoxication-reduction" motives. Multinomial and binary logistic regression analyses demonstrated that hedonistic motives for AED use significantly predicted increases in alcohol and energy drink coconsumption during AED episodes, risk of alcohol dependence, as well as experiencing harm and aggression. Intoxication-reduction motives significantly predicted harm outcomes. Hedonistic motives specific to sensation and pleasure ideals are implicated in negative consequences associated with coconsumption of alcohol and energy drinks. Further, consumers who reported using AEDs to reduce alcohol intoxication were at increased risk of negative outcomes, a finding indicating that consumer knowledge of the effects of AED use may be limited.
Policy forum
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 24-09-2009
DOI: 10.1108/17459265200900024
Abstract: This editorial will contend that the execution of people convicted of drug trafficking and other drug‐related offences is a penalty that should be abolished, as it is both ineffective as a policy measure and abhorrent in terms of human rights violation (Lines, 2007). That conclusion will be offered after due examination of contrary arguments, and with respectful acknowledgement of the fact that different cultures have different beliefs as to what constitutes justice. The editorial will go on to argue that the international addictions science community has a responsibility to support the abolitionist cause ‐ silence cannot be an appropriate response in the face of such continued and irrational judicial killings.
McCarthyism, conflict of interest andAddiction's new transparency declaration procedures
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 13-02-2014
DOI: 10.1111/ADD.12384
Where to next? An exploration of ‘night-out’ location progression and propensity to experience violence in night -time entertainment precincts
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2022
DOI: 10.1016/J.DRUGPO.2022.103874
Abstract: Alcohol related violence in night-time entertainment precincts (NEPs) is a significant public health concern. Studies suggest characteristics including venue density, bar hopping and permissive social norms facilitate violence in NEPs. Yet, we have a limited understanding of how in idual drinking occasions progress within NEPs and how location sequence is associated with the propensity to experience violence in these spaces. In this study we apply sequence analysis and logistic regression to examine the association between location sequences and experiences of violence among a s le of NEP patrons (N=387). We find that in iduals who stay out longer and visit a greater number of unique location types are more likely to experience a violent event. We also find that attending a 'non-venue' pre-event such as a private party, gathering, sporting or celebratory event, is associated with elevated risk experiencing violence during a night out. The findings offer important insights into the dynamic context in which risky drinking occasions may emerge and suggest that the context and location in which pre-drinking occurs should be considered in future research.
Why we will not accept funding from Drinkwise
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 05-2009
‘The ones that turn up are the ones that are responsible’: Key stakeholders perspectives on liquor accords
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 13-04-2016
DOI: 10.1111/DAR.12407
Abstract: Liquor accords were introduced as an intervention to reduce alcohol-related harm in and around licensed venues. There have been very few evaluations of the accords, made all the more difficult given the multitude of measures that are often implemented under their banner. This study provides perspectives on the effectiveness of the liquor accords from key stakeholders who were involved in the strategy. In-depth interviews were conducted with 97 key stakeholders as part of a larger study, of which 46 spoke about the effectiveness of liquor accords. Responses were analysed using thematic analysis. Stakeholders reported the greatest benefit of liquor accords to be their ability to improve communication. Many stakeholders recognised the need for mandatory attendance and discussed whether the accords are a waste of time of resources. Stakeholders did not generally view liquor accords as effective means of reducing alcohol-related harm. There was a lack of positive feedback about liquor accords provided by stakeholders, indicating a clear need to better understand the role of liquor accords, and what they aim to achieve. Responsive regulation theory suggests that the dual roles of communication and intervention are confused, leading to some of the inherent problems with accords. The role and aims of liquor accords need to be clearly defined. The findings suggest that separating the communication and regulatory functions from accords will lead to a clearer role for accords, and interventions and regulation might be better placed in the hands of regulators and enforcement. [Curtis A, Miller P, Droste N, McFarlane E, Martino F, Palmer D. 'The ones that turn up are the ones that are responsible': Key stakeholders perspectives on liquor accords. Drug Alcohol Rev 2016 :273-279].
Violence Prevention and Intervention Programmes for Adolescents in Australia: A Systematic Review
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 06-2016
DOI: 10.1111/AP.12168
Original live music venues in hyper-commercialised nightlife precincts: exploring how venue owners and managers navigate cultural, commercial and regulatory forces
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 22-10-2021
Side-loading prevalence and intoxication in the night-time economy
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2022
The impact of liquor legislation changes on police‐recorded serious assault in Queensland, Australia
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 20-05-2021
DOI: 10.1111/DAR.13181
Abstract: In July 2016, the Queensland government introduced the Tackling Alcohol‐Fuelled Violence policy, with some amendments over the subsequent 12 months. Key measures included restricting alcohol sales to 3 am in safe night precincts (SNPs), limiting the annual number of extended trading permits (i.e. trading until 5 am) and introducing mandatory networked identification scanners. We examined the policy impact on the number of serious assaults across all combined SNPs and in five major SNPs: Fortitude Valley, Cairns, Surfers Paradise, Toowoomba and Townsville. Using police data (July 2009–June 2019), we examined the impact of the policy on serious assaults during high‐alcohol hours (high‐alcohol hours 8 pm–6 am, Friday and Saturday), employing time series methods. Across all SNPs there was no significant change in the number of serious assaults during overall high‐alcohol hours, but a significant 49% decrease in the monthly number of serious assaults between 3 am and 6 am on Friday/Saturday. A significant decrease in the monthly count of serious assaults during high‐alcohol hours and specifically 3 am–6 am on Friday/Saturday was evident in Fortitude Valley SNP (52%), and during high‐alcohol hours in Toowoomba SNP (43%). Although results were mixed, there was evidence of some promising reductions in alcohol‐related violence in SNPs. It is likely that factors such as extended trading permits (venues not closing at 3 am), continued drinking in some venues and 24‐h trading in casinos have reduced the potential impacts seen elsewhere.
When the C ats are away: The impact of sporting events on assault‐ and alcohol‐related emergency department attendances
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 20-06-2012
DOI: 10.1111/J.1465-3362.2012.00481.X
Abstract: Despite the attention given to the broad topic of alcohol and violence, there are few studies of this relationship in the context of sporting events and their impact on alcohol-related hospital emergency department (ED) attendances, none of which are Australian. De-identified patient records from Barwon Health's Geelong Hospital ED were analysed from 1 July 2005 to 16 February 2010. Information contained in these records included age, gender, suburb of residence, attendance date and time, arrival mode and reason for attendance. The ED triage database was searched for attendances relating to alcohol, drugs and assault of which 16,940 cases were returned. There was a substantial increase in annual alcohol-related ED attendances from 2006 to 2009. Hierarchical binary logistic regression analyses showed that having a game on a particular day did not contribute to the model, but there were significantly more ED attendances for assaults on days when the Geelong Cats won. There were no significant predictors of ED attendance for alcohol-related harm in the variables studied. The findings of the study suggest that there are significantly more assault-related attendances at the ED in Geelong when the local national football team, the Geelong Cats, won. None of the variables under investigation appears to have impacted on alcohol-related attendances which were not assaults (i.e. injuries or intoxication). It appears that increases in ED attendances associated with the success of a local sporting team are not significantly associated with alcohol use and are more influenced by other factors.
The impact of changes to alcohol policy on patron drinking behaviours in Queensland
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 20-05-2021
DOI: 10.1111/DAR.13299
Abstract: On 1 July 2016, stage 1 of the Tackling Alcohol‐Fuelled Violence (TAFV) policy was introduced in Queensland, Australia and included restricted alcohol service to 03:00 in dedicated entertainment precincts (safe night precincts or SNPs). During stage 2 (from 1 February 2017), the number of extended trading permits (i.e. trading until 05:00) per venue were reduced and during stage 3 (from 1 July 2017), networked identification scanners were mandated for late‐night venues. We aim to examine whether patron drinking behaviours in two key SNPs changed significantly following stages 2 and 3. The study design was repeated cross‐sectional, with three data collection (policy) stages. Patrons street surveys were conducted in Fortitude Valley ( n = 2066) and Cairns ( n = 1021) SNPs between July 2016 and November 2018. Linear or negative binomial regressions were conducted to examine changes in three key outcomes: blood alcohol concentration (BAC) reading, proportion of pre‐drinkers and number of pre‐drinks. We found no significant difference in BAC reading, proportion of pre‐drinkers or number of pre‐drinks at stages 2 and 3 of the policy compared to baseline in Fortitude Valley. In Cairns, we found significant reductions in patron BAC at stage 3 of the policy, and female BAC at stages 2 and 3 compared to baseline while the proportion of females pre‐drinking significantly reduced by half in stage 2. Despite evidence of some reductions in alcohol consumption, high levels of intoxication remain, suggesting harm reduction may be more difficult to achieve in these drinkers.
Underage purchasing of alcohol from packaged liquor outlets: an Australian study.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 22-03-2017
Abstract: Access to the supply of alcohol is an important factor influencing adolescent alcohol consumption. Although alcohol sales outlets are prohibited from selling alcohol to underage youth, there has been limited research investigating compliance. The present study sought to estimate the extent to which adolescents that appeared underage were successfully able to purchase alcohol from packaged liquor outlets in Australia and to identify store and sales characteristics associated with illegal purchasing. In 2012, purchase surveys were conducted (n= 310) at packaged liquor outlets in 28 urban and rural communities across three states of Australia: Western Australia, Queensland and Victoria. Confederates successfully purchased alcohol at 60% (95% CI: 55-66) of outlets. The density of general alcohol outlets in the surrounding area and the type of liquor outlet were predictors of successful alcohol purchases however, this was moderated by the state in which the purchase was made. Regional geographical location was also found to predict underage alcohol purchase. The majority of alcohol sales outlets in Australia breach regulations prohibiting sales to underage youth. Consistent enforcement of policies across the states of Australia, and reducing the number of alcohol outlets, will help prevent alcohol outlets illegally selling alcohol to underage adolescents.
A pilot study using the internet to study patterns of party drug use: processes, findings and limitations
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 03-2007
DOI: 10.1080/09595230601146629
Abstract: Since the 1990s there has been a rise in both the prevalence of party drug use in Australia and the use of party drug-related websites. This study investigates whether it is feasible to recruit and survey party drug users via the internet. It took place in Victoria, Australia. Participants were directed to a website where they completed a brief, structured internet-based survey. A total of 460 responses were received over 31 days, 393 of which fitted all inclusion criteria. The s le consisted predominately of young, male polydrug users and is one of the largest s les of party drug users in Australia reported thus far. It was concluded that it is feasible to recruit and survey current party drug users via the internet and that this method is quicker and cheaper than traditional survey methods, although s les are not necessarily representative of the party drug-using population. Other limitations and advantages are discussed.
Ambulance attendance at heroin overdose in Melbourne: the establishment of a database of Ambulance Service records
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 03-2000
Key stakeholder perspectives of drink restrictions in Newcastle, Australia
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 07-11-2017
Aggression‐related alcohol expectancies and barroom aggression among construction tradespeople
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 12-2015
DOI: 10.1111/DAR.12360
Abstract: Few studies have investigated the relationship of barroom aggression with both general and barroom-specific alcohol expectancies. The present study investigated these associations in a rarely studied and high-risk population: construction tradespeople. Male construction tradespeople (n = 211) aged 18-35 years (M = 21.91, SD = 4.08 years) participated in a face-to-face questionnaire assessing general and barroom-specific alcohol expectancies and perpetration of physical and verbal barroom aggression as well as control variables, age, alcohol consumption and trait aggression. Sequential logistic regression analyses revealed that general alcohol-aggression expectancies of courage or dominance were not predictive of either verbal or physical barroom aggression after controlling for age, alcohol consumption and trait aggression. However, barroom-specific alcohol expectancies were associated with both verbal and physical barroom aggression, with positive associations found for expected hyper-emotionality and protective effects for expected cognitive impairment. In a population where rates of risky drinking and barroom aggression are high, specific expectations about the effects of drinking in bars may influence subsequent aggressive behaviour in bars. [Zinkiewicz L, Smith G, Burn M, Litherland S, Wells S, Graham K, Miller P. Aggression-related alcohol expectancies and barroom aggression among construction tradespeople. Drug Alcohol Rev 2016 :549-556].
The combined impact of higher-risk on-license venue outlet density and trading hours on serious assaults in night-time entertainment precincts
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2021
Alcohol-related aggression and antisocial behaviour in sportspeople/athletes
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2012
DOI: 10.1016/J.JSAMS.2011.10.008
Abstract: There is no empirical research on alcohol-related aggression and antisocial behaviour in non-US collegiate athletes. The present study addressed this gap by examining these behaviours in Australian university sportspeople. Cross-sectional. University sportspeople and non-sportspeople completed questionnaires on alcohol consumption, aggressive and antisocial behaviours (e.g., abused, hit or assaulted someone, made unwanted sexual advance, damaged property) when intoxicated. Participants also reported whether they had been the victim of similar aggressive or antisocial behaviours. Demographic data and known confounders were collected. Hierarchical logistic regression models accounting for confounders and alcohol consumption scores found that university sportspeople were significantly more likely than non-sportspeople to have displayed aggressive behaviour (i.e., insulted or assaulted someone OR 1.65, 95% CI: 1.19, 2.28, p=.003), and damaged property (OR 1.98, 95% CI: 1.38, 2.84, p<.0005) in the past year when intoxicated. Sportspeople were no more likely to have received aggression, had property damaged due to others intoxication (OR 1.21, 95% CI: .90, 1.62, p=.20 and OR 1.10, 95% CI: .79, 1.53, p=.57, respectively), or to have made unwanted sexual advances (OR 1.10, 95% CI: .65, 1.83, p=.74). Sportspeople were less likely to have reported being sexually assaulted when intoxicated (OR .44, 95% CI: .23, .83, p<.01). Consistent with work from the US alcohol-related aggressive and antisocial behaviours were greater in male Australian university sportspeople/athletes than in their female and non-sporting counterparts. There is a need for research explicating the interaction between alcohol, contextual and cultural aspects of sport, and sport participants.
Restrictions in pub closing times and lockouts in Newcastle, A ustralia five years on
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 03-03-2014
DOI: 10.1111/DAR.12123
Abstract: In 2008 pub closing times were restricted from 5 am to 3:30 am in the central business district (CBD) of Newcastle, Australia. A previous study showed a one-third reduction in assaults in the 18 months following the restriction. We assessed whether the assault rate remained lower over the following 3.5 years and whether the introduction of a 'lockout' in nearby Hamilton was associated with a reduction in assaults there. We used a pre-post design with comparison against two post-change periods. The setting was Greater Newcastle (population 530,000) and subjects were persons apprehended for assault in the CBD and nearby Hamilton, an area with late trading pubs where a lockout and other strategies were implemented in 2010. Cases were police-recorded assault apprehensions occurring from 10 pm to 6 am in one pre-change period: January 2001 to March 2008, and two post-change periods: (i) April 2008 to September 2009 and (ii) October 2009 to March 2013. Negative binomial regression with terms for secular trend and seasonal effects was used to estimate Post1: Pre and Post2: Pre Incidence Rate Ratios and confidence intervals. In the CBD recorded assaults fell from 99/quarter before the restriction to 68/quarter in the first post-change period [incidence rate ratio (IRR) 0.67, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.55-0.82] and 71/quarter (IRR: 0.68, 95% CI: 0.55-0.85) in the later post-change period. In the same periods in Hamilton, assault rates were 23, 24, and 22 per quarter respectively. The restriction in closing time was associated with a sustained lower assault rate in the Newcastle CBD. We find no evidence that lockouts and other outlet management strategies were effective in Hamilton.
Comparing subjective well-being and health-related quality of life of Australian drug users in treatment in Regional and Rural Victoria
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 06-03-2014
DOI: 10.1111/DAR.12124
Abstract: The aim of this study is to examine the self-reported subjective well-being and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of alcohol and other drug users and to examine whether subjective well-being in this s le would be predicted by either HRQOL and/or severity of dependence. A cross-sectional survey was conducted of 201 Victorian substance users in in idual targeted outpatient treatment for a variety of types of substance use. Participants were administered an interview, including the personal well-being index, the SF-8 health survey and the severity of dependence scale, in order to assess subjective well-being, the mental health component of HRQOL and severity of drug dependence respectively. Subjective well-being was predicted by mental health aspects of HRQOL (sr(2) = 0.03) and by employment (sr(2) = 0.05), rather than by severity of dependence [F(5, 146) = 5.60, P < 0.001, R(2) = 0.14]. The current s le of urban and regional substance users in outpatient treatment shows poorer levels of subjective well-being than do the general population. Subjective well-being was predicted by mental aspects of HRQOL and not by severity of drug dependence or by physical aspects of HRQOL. Treatment which aims to improve substance users' well-being should include mental health interventions and pathways to employment.
Correction: Gilmore et al. Association between Nightlife Goers’ Likelihood of an Alcohol Use Disorder and Their Preferred Bar’s Closing Time: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study in Perth, Australia.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 05-08-2022
Abstract: In the original publication [...]
Description of Trends over the Week in Alcohol-Related Ambulance Attendance Data
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 19-04-2023
Abstract: Alcohol harms are often determined using a proxy measure based on temporal patterns during the week when harms are most likely to occur. This study utilised coded Australian ambulance data from the Victorian arm of the National Ambulance Surveillance System (NASS) to investigate temporal patterns across the week for alcohol-related ambulance attendances in 2019. These patterns were examined by season, regionality, gender, and age group. We found clear temporal peaks: from Friday 6:00 p.m. to Saturday 3:59 a.m. for both alcohol-involved and alcohol-intoxication-related attendance, from Saturday 6:00 p.m. to Sunday 4:59 a.m. for alcohol-involved attendances, and from Saturday 5:00 p.m. to Sunday 4:49 a.m. for alcohol-intoxication-related attendances. However, these temporal trends varied across age groups. Additionally, hours during Thursday and Sunday evenings also demonstrated peaks in attendances. There were no substantive differences between genders. Younger age groups (18–24 and 25–29 years) had a peak of alcohol-related attendances from 7:00 p.m. to 7:59 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights, whereas the peak in attendances for 50–59 and 60+ years was from 5:00 p.m. to 2:59 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights. These findings further the understanding of the impacts of alcohol during different times throughout the week, which can guide targeted policy responses regarding alcohol use and health service capacity planning.
Let's Not “Relax” Evidence Standards when Recommending Risky Preventive Therapeutic Agents
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 23-04-2015
DOI: 10.1111/ACER.12724
Investigating Differences Between Drugs Used in the Australian Night-Time Economy: Demographics, Substance Use, and Harm.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 26-09-2017
DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2016.1214153
Abstract: Understanding the characteristics of drug users in the night-time economy (NTE), and whether particular drugs are associated with risky practices and experience of harm, is necessary to inform targeted policy responses in this context. To investigate the correlates of drugs used in the Australian NTE relating to demographics, alcohol use, and experience of harm. Patrons were interviewed in the NTE of five Australian cities in 2012-2013 (n = 7,028 61.9% male, median age 22 years). A custom designed survey gathered demographic data, alcohol, and substance use on the current night, and experience of harm in/around licensed venues in the past 3 months. Multivariate logistic regression analyses examined the correlates of drug use. Ecstasy was most commonly reported (4.0%), followed by cannabis (2.9%), meth hetamine (2.6%), and cocaine (1.6%). Ecstasy users were more likely to be younger and report energy drink consumption. Cannabis users were more likely to be male, and to have been involved in intoxication-related accidents/injuries and sexual aggression in/around licensed venues in the past 3 months. Meth hetamine users were more likely to have been interviewed later, and to have engaged in pre-drinking. Cocaine users were more likely to be male, aged 21 years or more, have a blood alcohol concentration of greater than 0.10%, and to have been involved in intoxication-related accidents/injuries in the past three months. Conclusions/Importance: We identified significant differences between types of drug users and the harms they experience, underscoring the need to develop innovative harm reduction policies in the NTE rather than blanket population-based approaches.
Effectiveness of interventions for convicted DUI offenders in reducing recidivism: A systematic review of the peer-reviewed scientific literature
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 16-10-2015
DOI: 10.3109/00952990.2014.966199
Abstract: Driving under the influence (DUI) is a major cause of death and disability. Although a broad array of programs designed to curb DUI incidents are currently offered to both first-time and reci ist DUI offenders, existing evaluations of the effectiveness of these programs have reported mixed results. To synthesize the results of DUI program evaluations and determine the strength of the available evidence for reducing reci ism for different types of programs. A systematic review of all EBSCO databases, EMBASE, PubMed, ProQuest, Sociological Abstracts and TRIS was conducted to identify evaluations of treatments/interventions to prevent DUI offenses. Additional articles were identified from reference lists of relevant articles. A total of 42 relevant studies were identified by the search strategy. Of these, 33 utilized non-experimental evaluation designs or reported insufficient data to allow effect sizes to be calculated, making meta-analysis unfeasible. Evaluations of several different program types reported evidence of some level of effectiveness. Because of the general lack of high quality evidence assessing the effectiveness of DUI prevention programs, it is not possible to make conclusive statements about the types of programs that are likely to be most effective. Nonetheless, there was some evidence to support the effectiveness of programs that utilize intensive supervision and education. There is a need for future evaluations to adopt more scientifically rigorous research designs to establish the effects of these programs.
Blood alcohol and injury in Bhutan: targeted surveillance in a national referral hospital emergency department
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 07-03-2016
DOI: 10.1136/INJURYPREV-2015-041911
Abstract: Bhutan is a low-middle-income country with poor roads, rapidly increasing motor vehicle use and heavy alcohol consumption. We estimated the proportion of emergency department patients presenting with injury who had positive blood alcohol. We sought to breathalyse and interview all adult patients (≥18 years) presenting with injury at the Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital in the capital city Thimphu, from April to October 2015. Breath tests and interviews were conducted with 339 (91%) of 374 eligible adult patients. A third (34%) were alcohol-positive and 22% had blood alcohol concentrations >0.08 g/dL. The highest alcohol-positive fractions were for assault (71%), falls (31%) and traffic crashes (30%). Over a third (36%) of patients had a delay of >2 h between injury and breath test. The results underestimate blood alcohol concentrations at the time of injury so the true prevalence of pre-injury alcohol impairment is greater than our estimates suggest. Countermeasures are urgently needed, particularly roadside random breath testing and alcohol controls.
Research Independence Matters for Practitioners and Researchers in the Addictions
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 17-07-2008
Compulsory detention, forced detoxification and enforced labour are not ethically acceptable or effective ways to treat addiction
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 08-05-2012
Typology of Alcohol Mixed with Energy Drink Consumers: Motivations for Use
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 18-05-2015
DOI: 10.1111/ACER.12729
Abstract: Previous research on alcohol mixed with energy drinks (AmED) has shown that use is typically driven by hedonistic, social, functional, and intoxication-related motives, with differential associations with alcohol-related harm across these constructs. There has been no research looking at whether there are subgroups of consumers based on patterns of motivations. Consequently, the aims were to determine the typology of motivations for AmED use among a community s le and to identify correlates of subgroup membership. In addition, we aimed to determine whether this structure of motivations applied to a university student s le. Data were used from an Australian community s le (n = 731) and an Australian university student s le (n = 594) who were identified as AmED consumers when completing an online survey about their alcohol and ED use. Participants reported their level of agreement with 14 motivations for AmED use latent classes of AmED consumers were identified based on patterns of motivation endorsement using latent class analysis. A 4-class model was selected using data from the community s le: (i) taste consumers (31%): endorsed pleasurable taste (ii) energy-seeking consumers (24%): endorsed functional and taste motives (iii) hedonistic consumers (33%): endorse pleasure and sensation-seeking motives, as well as functional and taste motives and (iv) intoxication-related consumers (12%): endorsed motives related to feeling in control of intoxication, as well as hedonistic, functional, and taste motives. The consumer subgroups typically did not differ on demographics, other drug use, alcohol and ED use, and AmED risk taking. The patterns of motivations for the 4-class model were similar for the university student s le. This study indicated the existence of 4 subgroups of AmED consumers based on their patterns of motivations for AmED use consistently structured across the community and university student s le. These findings lend support to the growing conceptualization of AmED consumers as a heterogeneous group in regard to motivations for use, with a hierarchical and cumulative class order in regard to the number of types of motivation for AmED use. Prospective research may endeavor to link session-specific motives and outcomes, as it is apparent that primary consumption motives may be fluid between sessions.
Size does matter: An exploration of the relationship between licensed venue capacity and on-premise assaults
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 06-2021
DOI: 10.1111/ACER.14621
Abstract: Venue capacity has been proposed as a factor associated with increased number of violent incidents on‐premises, though no specific research has demonstrated this association, and instead has tended to focus on the relationship between crowding and aggression. The aim of current paper is to investigate the association between venue capacity and the number of violent incidents on‐premises. Venue capacity data (the maximum capacity listed on the liquor license) were obtained for all venues in central Melbourne from 2010 until 2016. These data were then matched with police‐recorded on‐premises assaults that occurred within high‐alcohol hours (Friday and Saturday 8 pm –6 am ) inside the venue. Analyses were conducted on 5729 venue‐years (yearly assault counts per venue, per year) across central Melbourne. Compared with venues that have a maximum capacity of between 0 and 100 patrons, venues with higher capacities have increasingly more recorded assaults. Venues with maximum capacities between 501 and 1000 are 6.1 times more likely to have an assault recorded compared with venues with a maximum capacity between 0 and 100. Further, each additional high‐alcohol hour that a venue can be open for is associated with a 72% increase in the number of recorded assaults. Greater venue capacity was found to be strongly associated with an increased risk of violent incidents for any given venue. This was further exacerbated by late‐night trading which substantially adds to the risk of assaults inside the venue.
Neurocognitive functioning among people accessing an addiction neuropsychology clinic with and without a history of offending behaviour
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 17-03-2021
A critical review of the harm minimization ideology in Australia
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 06-2001
Evaluating a Sport-Based Mental Health Literacy Intervention in Australian Amateur Sporting Adolescents
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 09-10-2021
Development and validation of the Alcohol Message Perceived Effectiveness Scale
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 18-01-2023
DOI: 10.1038/S41598-023-28141-X
Abstract: To assist intervention developers assess the likely effectiveness of messages designed to encourage greater use of protective behavioral strategies, this study developed and tested the Alcohol Message Perceived Effectiveness Scale (AMPES). Recommendations from the message effectiveness literature were used to guide AMPES development. The resulting scale was administered in online surveys at two time points to Australian drinkers aged 18–70 years (3001 at Time 1 and 1749 at Time 2). An exploratory factor analysis identified the presence of two factors (‘effect perceptions’ and ‘message perceptions’) that accounted for 71% of the variance in scores. Internal consistency of scores was good for the overall scale (ω = 0.83) and ‘effect perceptions’ factor (ω = 0.85), but suboptimal for the ‘message perceptions’ factor (α = 0.60). Scores on both factors significantly predicted enactment of protective behavioral strategies. The AMPES appears to be an appropriate tool to assess perceived message effectiveness and assist in the development of public health messages designed to reduce alcohol consumption.
Understanding risk-based licensing schemes for alcohol outlets: A key informant perspective
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 16-02-2020
DOI: 10.1111/DAR.13043
Young adolescents’ perceptions, patterns, and contexts of energy drink use. A focus group study
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2014
DOI: 10.1016/J.APPET.2014.05.013
Abstract: Caffeinated energy drinks (EDs) are purported to increase energy and improve performance, but have been associated with adverse health effects and death. EDs are popular among adolescents and young adults, yet little is known about their use among young adolescents. This study explored perceptions, patterns, and contexts of ED use in six focus groups with 40 adolescents aged 12-15 years from two regional Australian schools. A thematic analysis of the data was used to investigate knowledge about ED brands and content, ED use, reasons for ED use, physiological effects, and influences on ED use. Participants were familiar with EDs and most had used them at least once but had limited knowledge of ED ingredients, and some had difficulty differentiating them from soft and sports drinks. EDs were used as an alternative to other drinks, to provide energy, and in social contexts, and their use was associated with short-term physiological symptoms. Parents and advertising influenced participants' perceptions and use of EDs. These findings suggest young adolescents use EDs without knowing what they are drinking and how they are contributing to their personal risk of harm. The advertising, appeal, and use of EDs by adolescents appear to share similarities with alcohol and tobacco. Further research is needed to replicate and extend the current findings, informed by the lessons learned in alcohol research.
What is the purpose of diagnosing addiction or dependence and what does this mean for establishing diagnostic criteria?
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 08-04-2011
Demographic and substance use factors associated with non-violent alcohol-related injuries among patrons of Australian night-time entertainment districts
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 12-01-2017
Impulsivity, masculine norms and patron pre-drinking levels in Queensland
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2023
Changes in injury-related hospital emergency department presentations associated with the imposition of regulatory versus voluntary licensing conditions on licensed venues in two cities
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 26-02-2014
DOI: 10.1111/DAR.12118
Abstract: Regulatory and collaborative intervention strategies have been developed to reduce the harms associated with alcohol consumption on licensed venues around the world, but there remains little research evidence regarding their comparative effectiveness. This paper describes concurrent changes in the number of night-time injury-related hospital emergency department presentations in two cities that implemented either a collaborative voluntary approach to reducing harms associated with licensed premises (Geelong) or a regulatory approach (Newcastle). This paper reports findings from Dealing with Alcohol-Related problems in the Night-Time Economy project. Data were drawn from injury-specific International Classification of Disease, 10th Revision codes for injuries (S and T codes) presenting during high-alcohol risk times (midnight--5.59 am, Saturday and Sunday mornings) at the emergency departments in Geelong Hospital and Newcastle (John Hunter Hospital and the Calvary Mater Hospital), before and after the introduction of licensing conditions between the years of 2005 and 2011. Time-series, seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average analyses were conducted on the data obtained from patients' medical records. Significant reductions in injury-related presentations during high-alcohol risk times were found for Newcastle since the imposition of regulatory licensing conditions (344 attendances per year, P < 0.001). None of the interventions deployed in Geelong (e.g. identification scanners, police operations, radio networks or closed-circuit television) were associated with reductions in emergency department presentations. The data suggest that mandatory interventions based on trading hours restrictions were associated with reduced emergency department injury presentations in high-alcohol hours than voluntary interventions.
Aggression in the Australian night time economy: A comparison of alcohol only versus alcohol and illicit drug consumption
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 23-10-2019
DOI: 10.1111/DAR.12998
Abstract: Associations between substance use and aggression may be lified by simultaneous alcohol and illicit drug use. This study aims to compare differences in involvement in past aggression between people who use different substances while accounting for broader risk propensity. Self-reported data on past three-month involvement in verbal and physical aggression (victim or perpetrator) were drawn from interviews conducted in night-time entertainment districts in seven Australian cities (n = 5078). Using inverse probability of treatment weighting techniques, participants who reported alcohol versus alcohol and illicit drug use on the night of interview (including ecstasy, cannabis and other illicit stimulant subgroups) were weighted on the basis of drug use risk covariates (e.g. alcohol consumed, gender) to determine differences in involvement in aggression involvement. After weighting for covariates, in iduals who reported consuming any illicit drug + alcohol and ecstasy + alcohol combinations were more likely to be involved in physical (33% and 105%, respectively) and verbal (36% and 116%, respectively) aggression in the previous 3-months when compared to those who consumed alcohol only. Cannabis + alcohol and other illicit stimulant + alcohol combinations were no more likely to be involved in either forms of aggression. The likelihood of having been involved in past aggressive incidents was higher among those who reported any illicit drug + alcohol and ecstasy + alcohol combinations than those who reported alcohol exclusively, after accounting for covariates. These findings highlight in iduals that may benefit most from the development of tailored health promotion reventative safety interventions in night-time settings.
Pre-drinking behaviour of people in the night-time economy: Evidence from a street-intercept survey in New Zealand.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 13-02-2022
DOI: 10.1111/DAR.13447
Abstract: Pre-drinking behaviour has grown in prevalence and generates harm for pre-drinkers and others. In this article, we answer three research questions: (i) Where and when do pre-drinkers obtain their alcohol? (ii) What is the difference in the level of intoxication of pre-drinkers versus non-pre-drinkers, and how does this difference vary over the course of a night? and (iii) Is the level of intoxication of pre-drinkers related to where and when they obtain their alcohol? We obtained data from 469 respondents using a street-intercept survey conducted in Hamilton, New Zealand in 2019. Data were analysed by cross-tabulation, linear regression and plotting the average intoxication level in the night-time economy over time. The majority of pre-drinkers purchase their alcohol for pre-drinking on the day of consumption. Half of the same-day purchasers purchase before 6 pm. The average level of intoxication increases over the course of the night, and is unambiguously higher for pre-drinkers than non-pre-drinkers. The level of intoxication does not differ based on the source or timing of pre-drinking purchases. The main motivation for pre-drinking was price, especially among women. Pre-drinking is a contributor to intoxication in the night-time economy, but most drinkers purchase their alcohol for pre-drinking before 7 pm. Further research is required to understand whether trading hours restrictions for off-premises alcohol suppliers will affect the most harmful drinking patterns. Price interventions to reduce the price differential between on-licenced and off-licence alcohol outlets offer the greatest potential to reduce pre-drinking and associated harm.
A ddiction journal is committed to publishing qualitative research
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 03-01-2013
DOI: 10.1111/ADD.12051
Investigating the relationship between inaccurate blood alcohol concentration estimates, harm and other negative consequences
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 30-11-2023
DOI: 10.1111/DAR.13569
Abstract: Alcohol‐related harms place a significant burden on the Australian economy and health‐care system. The current study aims to: (i) explore the relationship between blood alcohol concentration (BAC) and self‐estimated blood alcohol concentration (EBAC) and (ii) determine whether BAC underestimation is related to an increased risk of experiencing physical aggression, verbal aggression, drink driving, ejection from a venue or refusal of service. Patron street surveys were conducted in four night‐time entertainment precincts (NEP) across Queensland, Australia, between June 2016 and November 2018. Participants ( N = 2144) reported on their EBAC and recent negative or harmful experiences in NEPs. BAC was measured via a breathalyser. Paired s les t tests were conducted to determine if patrons' BAC and EBAC were significantly different. Logistic regressions were conducted to examine whether BAC underestimation is a significant predictor of harm and negative outcomes. Analyses identified a small, significant difference between patron's BAC and EBAC. Patrons with a low BAC were more likely to overestimate their BAC, while patrons with higher BACs were more likely to underestimate their BAC. Moderately intoxicated patrons had the most precise BAC estimations. Patrons with a high BAC and who underestimated their intoxication level were more likely to have been recently ejected from licensed venues, compared to accurate estimators or over‐estimators. Overall, patrons are poor evaluators of their own intoxication level, which may have implications for their experiences in NEPs. The findings highlight the need for improved BAC education for patrons.
Alcohol, masculinity, honour and male barroom aggression in an Australian sample
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 16-01-2014
DOI: 10.1111/DAR.12114
Abstract: The link between alcohol and men's aggression is well established, although growing evidence also points to in idual and learned social factors. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationships between male alcohol-related aggression (MARA) among young Australian men and heavy episodic drinking, trait aggression, masculinity, concerns about social honour and expected positive consequences of MARA. The total s le comprised 170 men aged 18-25 years who completed an online questionnaire exploring beliefs and attitudes towards MARA. Those who reported heavy episodic drinking were more likely to be involved in an incident of MARA. In addition, those who were involved in MARA had higher levels of trait aggression, concern for social honour and expected positive consequences of aggression in bars than did those without such involvement. The relationship between socially constructed masculinity factors (a combined variable reflecting masculinity, social honour and expected positive consequences) and MARA was mediated by heavy episodic drinking. Social honour accounted for almost all of the predictive power of masculinity factors. Heavy episodic drinking and trait aggression remained significant predictors of MARA in a multivariate model. The findings from the current study may assist in developing preventative techniques for young men which target masculinity concerns and the consequences of participating in MARA.
Safe using messages may not be enough to promote behaviour change amongst injecting drug users who are ambivalent or indifferent towards death
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 2009
Using the internet to research hidden populations of illicit drug users: a review
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 05-08-2010
DOI: 10.1111/J.1360-0443.2010.02992.X
Abstract: To review the current research of hidden populations of illicit drugs users using web-based methods and discuss major advantages and disadvantages. Systematic review of 16 databases, including PubMed, PsycINFO (EBSCOhost), CSA Sociological Abstracts, Expanded Academic ASAP and Google Scholar. Substances researched were most commonly 'party/club drugs' (such as ecstasy) and cannabis. All of the studies reviewed concluded that the internet is a useful tool for reaching hidden populations, but is likely to impose some bias in s les. Advantages include: access to previously under-researched target groups speed international applications increased ease of data entry and improved confidentiality for respondents. The major disadvantage is a lack of representativeness of s les. Internet research is successful at accessing hidden populations of illicit drugs users, when appropriately targeted and provides unprecedented opportunities for research across a wide range of topics within the addictions field. Findings are unlikely to be generalisable to the general public, but appropriate for describing target populations.
Key informant perspectives on 3 am last drinks legislation in Queensland, Australia
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 27-10-2023
DOI: 10.1111/DAR.13564
Abstract: The objective of this study was to explore key informant attitudes towards the ‘Last Drinks at 3am’ legislation in Safe Night Precincts in Queensland, Australia. Sixty‐six interviews were conducted with a range of stakeholders including licensees, law enforcement and frontline health professionals. Interviews were semi‐structured and analysed using thematic analysis. Key informants responded to questions regarding their experiences of, and opinions about, the last drinks legislation. Key informants reported a range of experiences around the impact of last drinks restrictions, including reduced staffing costs and patron‐related problems within licensed venues. While some venues reported that their businesses lost money, others reported no change in income or that they changed their business model to compensate. Law enforcement and health professionals reported a range of benefits including reduced alcohol‐related anti‐social behaviour, drunkenness and injury. The majority of key informants reported that the last drinks legislation reduced harm, while having minimal detrimental impact on business.
The community impact of RIOTT, a medically supervised injectable maintenance clinic in south London
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 09-2010
Analysis of alcohol industry submissions against marketing regulation
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 24-01-2017
Night‐time assaults in N ewcastle 6–7 years after trading hour restrictions
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 30-09-2015
DOI: 10.1111/DAR.12342
Attitudinal factors associated with drink counting
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 14-03-2021
DOI: 10.1111/DAR.13277
Abstract: 'Count your drinks' is a protective behavioural strategy (PBS) that has been found to be effective in reducing alcohol consumption. Previous research has shown that females, older people and low-risk drinkers are more likely to use this strategy, but little is known about the attitudinal factors associated with engaging in drink counting. This information is important for developing effective interventions to encourage use of this PBS. The aim of this paper was to assess whether the following attitudinal factors are associated with frequency of enactment of the 'Count your drinks' PBS: (i) perceived ease of use (ii) perceived effectiveness (iii) personal relevance and (iv) believability. A total of 683 Australian drinkers completed an online survey assessing demographic variables, alcohol consumption, frequency of drink counting and attitudes to the 'Count your drinks' PBS. A hierarchical regression analysis was used to determine whether the attitudinal factors were associated with frequency of enactment after controlling for demographic and alcohol-related factors. Attitudes to the 'Count your drinks' PBS accounted for 28% of the variance in reported frequency of drink counting. Perceptions of personal relevance, ease of use and effectiveness were found to be significantly associated with frequency of enactment. Interventions designed to encourage drinkers to count their drinks should aim to increase the perceived personal relevance, ease of use and effectiveness of this strategy.
Alcohol Industry and Non-Alcohol Industry Sponsorship of Sportspeople and Drinking
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 30-01-2011
Abstract: To examine the relationship between direct alcohol and non-alcohol sponsorship and drinking in Australian sportspeople. Australian sportspeople (N = 652 51% female) completed questionnaires on alcohol and non-alcohol industry sponsorship (from bars, cafes etc.), drinking behaviour (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT)) and known confounders. 31% reported sponsorship (29.8% alcohol industry 3.7% both alcohol and non-alcohol industry and 1.5% non-alcohol industry only) Multivariate regression showed that receipt of alcohol industry sponsorship was predictive of higher AUDIT scores (β(adj) = 1.67, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.56-2.78), but non-alcohol industry sponsorship and combinations of both were not (β(adj) = 0.18, 95% CI: -2.61 to 2.68 and β(adj) = 2.58, 95% CI: -0.60 to 5.76, respectively). Governments should consider alternatives to alcohol industry sponsorship of sport. Hypothecated taxes on tobacco have been used successfully for replacing tobacco sponsorship of sport in some countries, and may show equal utility for the alcohol industry's funding of sport.
Do community interventions targeting licensed venues reduce alcohol-related emergency department presentations?
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 09-2011
DOI: 10.1111/J.1465-3362.2011.00337.X
Abstract: Excessive alcohol consumption is related to substantial health and social order costs. Many of the harms have been identified as coming from licensed venues. Most communities struggle to find interventions that are effective, particularly in an environment of little federal government action. Furthermore, most interventions are based on little or no empirical evidence. This study aims to investigate the effect of a suite of interventions on emergency department (ED) attendances in Geelong, Australia. This paper reports stage one findings from the Dealing with Alcohol-Related Problems in the Night-time Economy project (DANTE) and specifically examines all alcohol-related injury frequencies before to after intervention in the City of Greater Geelong of Victoria, Australia, from 2005 to 2009. Auto-regressive integrated moving average time-series were used to determine the effect of the interventions on ED attendances in Geelong. There were 3934 triage presentations involving alcohol. Over two-thirds (68.9%) of triage presentations were male and over half (58.5%) of alcohol-related attendances occurred on the weekend. The time-series analyses indicated that ID scanners (z = 2.66, P < 0.001) and the Just Think awareness c aign (z = 4.21, P < 0.001) were significant predictors of increases in alcohol-related injury presentation rates to the ED. Overall, the community interventions implemented have not been associated with reduced alcohol-related attendances at the ED. The findings raise questions about whether targeting the night-time economy is effective and whether interventions should instead be targeted at reducing whole-of-community alcohol consumption.
Australasian Professional Society on Alcohol and other Drugs Conference 2012
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 11-2012
The impact of the Queensland Government's Tackling Alcohol‐Fuelled Violence Policy on live music performances in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane, Australia
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 20-05-2021
DOI: 10.1111/DAR.13274
Abstract: The Queensland Government's Tackling Alcohol‐Fuelled Violence (TAFV) Policy was met with concern from live music venue owners who feared decreased patronage and associated revenue. This study investigates the impact of the TAFV Policy on live music venues and performances in Fortitude Valley, an inner‐city suburb of Brisbane, Australia recognised as a hub of live music performances. Data relating to live music venues and performances in Fortitude Valley for the 2000–2018 financial years were obtained from the Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA AMCOS), who maintains an online data portal allowing artists to enter performance details to collect royalty payments. These data were supplemented with six precinct mapping audits of live music venues operating in the Fortitude Valley Safe Night Precinct between July 2016 and September 2019. APRA AMCOS data show increases in the number of reported live music performances and venues in Fortitude Valley between 2000 and 2019. Precinct mapping audits show minimal changes in the operation of live music venues in Fortitude Valley between 2016 and 2019. As the first study to independently document the impact of licenced venue trading hour changes on live music, this study shows the number of live performances reported to APRA AMCOS and original live music venues trading in the Fortitude Valley Safe Night Precinct were unchanged by the introduction of the TAFV. The study highlights the value of using performance returns and venue audits to track live music in a contested policy space.
The Effect of Community Interventions on Alcohol-related Assault in Geelong, Australia
Publisher: Bentham Science Publishers Ltd.
Date: 22-06-2012
Summarising the impacts of the Queensland Alcohol‐related violence and Night‐Time Economy (QUANTEM) project
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 19-05-2021
DOI: 10.1111/DAR.13272
Abstract: This closing commentary to the special section presents an overview of the Queensland Alcohol‐related violence and Night‐Time Economy Monitoring evaluation findings in comparison to those from other jurisdictions where similar interventions have been implemented (such as Sydney and Newcastle), and especially with previous studies that have used similar evaluation methodologies, such as the Dealing with Alcohol and the Night‐Time Economy study. Overall, the articles documented promising reductions in alcohol‐related harm, building on the existing evidence base for multi‐pronged interventions in entertainment districts. Importantly, this is the first comprehensive investigation to also look at impacts on nightlife‐related business and findings demonstrated, that there were improvements for many businesses. There are substantial policy implications for Queensland and other jurisdictions (nationally and globally) wanting to reduce late night alcohol‐related harm in entertainment districts.
Last drinks: A study of rural emergency department data collection to identify and target community alcohol‐related violence
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 26-02-2015
Abstract: The present study summarises the methodology and findings of a pilot project designed to measure the sources and locations of alcohol-related harm by implementing anonymised 'last drinks' questions in the ED of a rural community. 'Last drinks' questions were added to computerised triage systems at South West Healthcare ED in rural Warrnambool, Victoria, from 1 November 2013 to 3 July 2014. For all injury presentations aged 15 years or older, attendees were asked whether alcohol was consumed in the 12 h prior to injury, how many standard drinks were consumed, where they purchased most of the alcohol and where they consumed the last alcoholic drink. From 3692 injury attendances, 10.8% (n = 399) reported consuming alcohol in the 12 h prior to injury. 'Last drinks' data collection was 100% complete for participants who reported alcohol use prior to injury. Approximately two-thirds (60.2%) of all alcohol-related presentations had purchased their alcohol at packaged liquor outlets. During high-alcohol hours, alcohol-related injuries accounted for 36.1% (n = 101) of all ED injury presentations, and in total 41.7% of alcohol-related attendances during these hours reported consuming last drinks at identifiable hotels, bars, nightclubs or restaurants, or identifiable public areas/events. This pilot demonstrates the feasibility and reliability of implementing sustainable 'last drinks' data collection methods in the ED, and the ability to effectively map the source of alcohol-related ED attendances in a rural community.
Illicit drug use and experience of harm in the night-time economy
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 29-04-2014
Review article: Emergency department data sharing to reduce alcohol‐related violence: A systematic review of the feasibility and effectiveness of community‐level interventions
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 16-06-2014
Abstract: The present paper aims to review current evidence for the effectiveness and/or feasibility of using inter-agency data sharing of ED recorded assault information to direct interventions reducing alcohol-related or nightlife assaults, injury or violence. Potential data-sharing partners involve police, local council, liquor licensing regulators and venue management. A systematic review of the peer-reviewed literature was conducted. The initial search discovered 19,506 articles. After removal of duplicates and articles not meeting review criteria, n = 8 articles were included in quantitative and narrative synthesis. Seven of eight studies were conducted in UK EDs, with the remaining study presenting Australian data. All studies included in the review deemed data sharing a worthwhile pursuit. All studies attempting to measure intervention effectiveness reported substantial reductions of assaults and ED attendances post-intervention, with one reporting no change. Negative logistic feasibility concerns were minimal, with general consensus among authors being that data-sharing protocols and partnerships could be easily implemented into modern ED triage systems, with minimal cost, staff workload burden, impact to patient safety, service and anonymity, or risk of harm displacement to other licensed venues, or increase to length of patient stay. However, one study reported a potential harm displacement effect to streets surrounding intervention venues. In future, data-sharing systems should triangulate ED, police and ambulance data sources, and assess intervention effectiveness using randomised controlled trials that account for variations in venue capacity, fluctuations in ED attendance and population levels, seasonal variations in assault and injury, and control for concurrent interventions.
Queensland Alcohol‐related violence and Night‐time Economy Monitoring (QUANTEM): Rationale and overview
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 18-05-2021
DOI: 10.1111/DAR.13270
Abstract: This commentary introduces the special section on the outcomes of the Queensland Alcohol‐related violence and Night‐time Economy Monitoring project and outlines the political and policy context of the interventions put in place under the Queensland government's Tackling Alcohol‐Fuelled Violence strategy. The development of the strategy was informed by alcohol policy initiatives trialled in other major Australian cities over the past two decades. The articles in this special section examine the impact of the Tackling Alcohol‐Fuelled Violence policy stages on alcohol‐related harms and local economies across selected entertainment precincts (Safe Night Precincts). A rich array of data were utilised, including administrative health and justice data, data reflective of nightlife trading (i.e. foot traffic data, ID scanner data and live music performances) and street surveys. Findings have implications for research, policy and practice and demonstrate the need for comprehensive evaluations that can accommodate the complexities of modern alcohol policy in Australia.
The impact of Queensland's Tackling Alcohol-Fuelled Violence Policy on nightlife and business trade
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 20-05-2021
DOI: 10.1111/DAR.13271
Abstract: Key elements of the Queensland Government's Tackling Alcohol Fuelled Violence (TAFV) policy included the introduction of mandatory identification (ID) scanners and reduced trading hours for licensed venues located within Safe Night Precincts (SNP). These measures raised concerns among licensed venue owners and other key stakeholders regarding the potential negative impact of the policy on business trade and nightlife. Using multiple data sources, this paper examines the impact of the TAFV policy on nightlife and trade in three Queensland SNPs: Fortitude Valley, Surfers Paradise and Cairns. Data from ID scanners (2017–2019), foot traffic counters (2017–2019) and counts of liquor licences issued (2015–2019) were used to measure the policy's impact on the number of patrons and licensed venues within SNPs. Joinpoint regression and auto‐regressive integrated moving average models were developed to examine changes in these measures over time. No significant changes were observed in the number of ID scans over time, although Surfers Paradise showed a 0.13% reduction during high alcohol hours. Foot traffic counts from Fortitude Valley showed no significant impact of the policy on the number of patrons in the area during high‐alcohol hours. The number of commercial hotel licenses increased in all three regions, and commercial other‐bar licenses increased in all regions except Surfers Paradise SNP where numbers remained stable. Patterns in trading and the number of patrons within SNPs were mostly stable or increasing following the implementation of the TAFV policy beyond normal fluctuations.
Effectiveness of community-based interventions for reducing alcohol-related harm in two metropolitan and two regional sites in Victoria, Australia
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 20-04-2017
DOI: 10.1111/DAR.12501
Abstract: The relationship between alcohol intoxication and harm is well known, and many community-based interventions have been introduced in an attempt to reduce the rates of alcohol-related harm. The current paper uses two metropolitan and two regional Australian cities as sites to investigate the impact of community-based interventions on the reduction of alcohol-related harms. Data for injury-related emergency department (ED) presentations and police attended assaults during high-alcohol hours (i.e. 20:00-06:00 h, Friday and Saturday nights) were obtained for each site from 2000 to 2015 for ED presentations and from 2000 to 2016 for police assaults. Autoregressive integrated moving average time series analyses were conducted to determine the impact of the community-based interventions introduced at each site for reducing these rates of ED injury presentations and police attended assaults. None of the community-level interventions that were introduced across the four sites resulted in a reduction in ED presentation rates or assault rates. The majority of interventions introduced across the four sites were proposed and implemented by local liquor accords. Given none of the interventions demonstrated a reduction in ED injury presentation rates or police attended assault rates, it is argued that local liquor accords may not be best placed to propose alcohol-related harm reduction measures, and instead, there should be a focus on the implementation of evidence-based regulatory strategies, such as restricted trading hours. [Curtis A, Coomber K, Droste N, Hyder S, Palmer D, Miller PG. Effectiveness of community-based interventions for reducing alcohol-related harm in two metropolitan and two regional sites in Victoria, Australia. Drug Alcohol Rev 2017 :359-368].
Do patron bans act as a deterrent to future anti-social offending? An analysis of banning and offending data from Victoria, Australia
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 13-03-2022
Relationships between problematic alcohol consumption and delinquent behaviour from adolescence to young adulthood
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 23-10-2015
DOI: 10.1111/DAR.12345
Abstract: Heavy episodic drinking (HED) has been associated with increased risk for short- and long-term injury and harms, such as violence and delinquent behaviour however, the temporal relationship between the two remains unclear, particularly on transition to young adulthood. This study investigates transactional pathways between HED and delinquent behaviour from adolescence to emerging adulthood. Data were drawn from the Australian Temperament Project a population-based longitudinal study that has followed the health and development of participants (and parents) across 30 years from birth in 1982. The analytic s le was 1650 participants and included five measurement waves spanning adolescence (3 waves: 13-18 years) and young adulthood (2 waves 19-24 years). There was strong continuity across waves of both HED and delinquency, as well as across-time associations between them. Delinquent behaviour in adolescence was associated with up to twofold increases in the odds of HED at each subsequent adolescent wave. HED in the late teens was associated with over fourfold increases in the odds of persistent (two waves) HED in young adulthood. HED in the late teens was associated with increases in the odds of delinquent behaviour in young adulthood (over twofold for male and one and a half-fold for female participants). While delinquent behaviour predicts both future HED and future delinquent behaviour in adolescence, once young people reach the legal drinking age of 18 years, HED becomes a predictor of current and future delinquent behaviour and future HED, suggesting that increased access to alcohol increases the likelihood of young people engaging in delinquent behaviour. [Miller PG, Butler E, Richardson B, Staiger PK, Youssef GJ, Macdonald JA, Sanson A, Edwards B, Olsson CA. Relationships between problematic alcohol consumption and delinquent behaviour from adolescence to young adulthood. Drug Alcohol Rev 2016 :317-325].
Drug trafficking: Time to abolish the death penalty
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 18-07-2011
Is groin injecting an ethical boundary for harm reduction?
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2008
DOI: 10.1016/J.DRUGPO.2007.10.001
Abstract: Femoral vein (or groin) injecting by street drug users is an emerging public health issue in the UK. It has been proposed that groin injecting is becoming normalised among UK injecting drug users (IDUs), yet harm reduction strategies are currently piecemeal and some may be crossing the boundary of responsible provision of information. This paper discusses the interventions available to service providers dealing with groin injecting and explores the utility of ethical frameworks for informing service provider decisions. Methods analysis of possible service provider responses using White and Popovits' ethical decision-making framework. The use of ethical frameworks suggest that different types of groin injectors should receive different interventions. Injectors for whom the groin is a site of 'last resort' should be given information about how to inject there less dangerously, whereas 'convenience' groin injectors should be actively encouraged to inject elsewhere. Groin injecting is a behaviour which represents a boundary for some harm reduction practices (such as providing 'how to' booklets to all injectors) as well as being an argument for more complex and environmentally appropriate harm reduction responses such as drug consumption rooms and training IDUs to maintain healthier injecting sites.
Longitudinal predictors of domestic violence perpetration and victimization: A systematic review
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2015
Time for precautionary action on alcohol industry funding of sporting bodies
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 09-11-2009
The association of childhood physical abuse, masculinity, intoxication, trait aggression with victimization in nightlife districts
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2022
DOI: 10.1016/J.CHIABU.2021.105396
Abstract: High-risk intoxication, trait aggression and conformity to masculine norms are associated with increased risk of barroom aggression however, less is understood regarding the factors associated with victimization in the night-time environment. This study aimed to explore the influence of childhood physical abuse, high-risk intoxication, conformity to masculine norms and trait aggression on physical and/or verbal victimization in the night-time environment. A s le of N = 490 patrons aged 18-50 years (M = 23.02, SD = 5.89, 58.8% female) were recruited in Fortitude Valley and West End district, Queensland. Participants completed a street interview, including breathalyser, and a follow-up online survey asking about experiences of aggression on the night of interview, experiences of childhood physical abuse and psychosocial correlates. For males, but not females, childhood physical abuse (OR = 3.98) increased the risk of physical and/or verbal victimization. Conformity to the masculine norm of Winning (OR = 0.21) was protective against physical and/or verbal victimization for males, and trait aggression (OR = 1.51) was significantly associated with increased risk of physical and/or verbal victimization for females. These findings add to the growing literature surrounding the long-term impacts of childhood physical abuse, demonstrating experiences of childhood physical abuse are significantly associated with victimization in the night-time economy. The current findings should be taken into consideration when constructing public policy or directed interventions, to help reduce aggression and violence in the night-time economy.
The impact of late‐night alcohol restrictions on ambulance call‐outs in entertainment precincts
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 20-05-2021
DOI: 10.1111/DAR.13308
Abstract: In July 2016, the Queensland Government introduced the Tackling Alcohol‐Fuelled Violence (TAFV) policy to address alcohol‐related harm in entertainment precincts [safe night precincts (SNP)]. Additional measures were introduced in February and July 2017. We aim to examine the impact of the policy on Queensland Ambulance Service call‐outs in Fortitude Valley, Surfers Paradise, all 15 SNP suburbs combined and statewide. Auto‐regressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) models and seasonal ARIMA (SARIMA) models were developed to test the impact of TAFV policy stages on monthly number of ambulance call‐outs during high alcohol hours (HAH Friday and Saturday nights, 20:00–05:59) over an 8‐year period (July 2011–June 2019). The average number of monthly call‐outs in HAH reduced by 26.2% in Fortitude Valley, 21.1% in Surfers Paradise and 4.3% in all 15 SNP suburbs combined. In Fortitude Valley, there was a significant decline in the monthly number of call‐outs between 00:00 and 02:59 and across all HAH combined when examining the cumulative effect of the policy stages and significant declines between 03:00 and 05:59 after each stage and cumulatively. Across the 15 SNP suburbs combined, there was a significant decline in call‐outs between 03:00 and 05:59 after the third policy stage (July 2017). There were no significant declines in Surfers Paradise or statewide. Overall, the introduction of the TAFV policy stages in Queensland had a limited effect on ambulance call‐outs during HAH. However, there were some notable declines in HAH ambulance call‐outs in some of the state's key nightlife suburbs.
Risk-based licensing of alcohol venues and emergency department injury presentations in two Australian states
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.DRUGPO.2019.06.014
Abstract: Risk-based licensing (RBL) is among the more recent policy interventions to reduce alcohol-related harm in and around licensed venues. RBL sets licence fees to reflect the venue's propensity to cause harm as a means of encouraging operators to improve their practices. We assessed whether the introduction of RBL in the Australian states of Queensland and Victoria was associated with a reduction in the incidence of emergency department (ED) injury presentations. We employed an interrupted time series design using Prais-Winsten and Cochrane-Orcutt regression modelling to estimate step and slope parameters in injury incidence rates in each state. We defined the population as residents of the state, aged 15-54 years, the age group we considered most likely to be exposed to the night-time economy. To reduce noise, we confined cases to presentations during times previously identified as correlated with a high probability of alcohol involvement, namely 'high alcohol hours' (HAH). We adjusted our models for the alcopops tax, implemented shortly before RBL, and for assaults during low alcohol hours (LAH) as a proxy for other risk factors for assault. RBL was not associated with an overall reduction in the incidence of ED injury presentations during HAH in Queensland (β = 0.003 95% CI: -0.010, 0.003, p = 0.318) or Victoria (β=-0.010 95% CI: -0.021, 0.001, p = 0.087). Post-hoc subgroup analyses showed a reduction in ED injury presentations among men aged 20-39 years in Victoria (β=-0.026 95% CI:-0.012, -0.040, p-0.0003) but this was not replicated in Queensland. There was little evidence that RBL affected the incidence of ED presentations for injury. This may be due to weak financial penalties being applied to venues assessed as high-risk.
Barroom aggression perpetration by Australian women: Associations with heavy episodic drinking, trait aggression, and conformity to gender norms
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 13-02-2017
Key stakeholder views of venue lockouts in Newcastle and Geelong
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 24-01-2014
DOI: 10.1057/CPCS.2013.12
Funder interference in addiction research: An international survey of authors
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.ADDBEH.2017.03.026
Abstract: Scientific research is essential to the development of effective addiction treatment and drug policy. Actions that compromise the integrity of addiction science need to be understood. The aim of this study is to investigate funder (e.g. industry, government or charity) interference in addiction science internationally. Corresponding authors of all 941 papers published in an international specialist journal July 2004 to June 2009 were invited to complete a web questionnaire. A sensitivity analysis with extreme assumptions about non-respondents was undertaken. The questionnaire was completed by 322 authors (response fraction 34%), 36% (n=117) of whom had encountered at least one episode (median=3, Interquartile range=4) of funder interference in their research: 56% in Australasia, 33% in Europe, and 30% in North America. Censorship of research outputs was the most common form of interference. The wording or writing of reports and articles, as well as where, when and how findings were released were the areas in which influence was most often reported. Funder interference in addiction science appears to be common internationally. Strategies to increase transparency in the addiction science literature, including mandatory author declarations concerning the role of the funder, are necessary.
Self-reported risk-taking behavior during matched-frequency sessions of alcohol versus combined alcohol and energy drinks consumption: Does co-ingestion increase risk-taking?
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 04-2015
DOI: 10.1111/ACER.12700
Abstract: Emerging evidence indicates that consumers of alcohol mixed with energy drink (AmED) self-report lower odds of risk-taking after consuming AmED versus alcohol alone. However, these studies have been criticized for failing to control for relative frequency of AmED versus alcohol-only consumption sessions. These studies also do not account for quantity of consumption and general alcohol-related risk-taking propensity. The aims of the present study were to (i) compare rates of risk-taking in AmED versus alcohol sessions among consumers with matched frequency of use and (ii) identify consumption and person characteristics associated with risk-taking behavior in AmED sessions. Data were extracted from 2 Australian community s les and 1 New Zealand community s le of AmED consumers (n = 1,291). One-fifth (21% n = 273) reported matched frequency of AmED and alcohol use. The majority (55%) of matched-frequency participants consumed AmED and alcohol monthly or less. The matched-frequency s le reported significantly lower odds of engaging in 18 of 25 assessed risk behaviors in AmED versus alcohol sessions. Similar rates of engagement were evident across session type for the remaining behaviors, the majority of which were low prevalence (reported by <15%). Regression modeling indicated that risk-taking in AmED sessions was primarily associated with risk-taking in alcohol sessions, with increased average energy drink (ED) intake associated with certain risk behaviors (e.g., being physically hurt, not using contraception, and driving while over the legal alcohol limit). Bivariate analyses from a matched-frequency s le align with past research showing lower odds of risk-taking behavior after AmED versus alcohol consumption for the same in iduals. Multivariate analyses showed that risk-taking in alcohol sessions had the strongest association with risk-taking in AmED sessions. However, hypotheses of increased risk-taking post-AmED consumption were partly supported: Greater ED intake was associated with increased likelihood of specific behaviors, including drink-driving, sexual behavior, and aggressive behaviors in the matched-frequency s le after controlling for alcohol intake and risk-taking in alcohol sessions. These findings highlight the need to consider both personal characteristics and beverage effects in harm reduction strategies for AmED consumers.
Do patron bans reduce crime? An examination of assault offences in Western Australia, before and after the introduction of police-imposed barring notices
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 22-09-2023
Patron Banning in the Nightlife Entertainment Districts: A Key Informant Perspective
Publisher: Alcohol Research Documentation, Inc.
Date: 07-2016
DOI: 10.15288/JSAD.2016.77.606
Abstract: Alcohol-related harm in and around licensed venues is associated with substantial costs. Many interventions have been introduced in an effort to combat these harms, and one such intervention is known as patron banning. Patron banning involves prohibiting patrons who have been violent or disorderly in a licensed venue in an attempt to reduce alcohol-related harm. It can be implemented by the venue, by members of police, or by liquor accords. This study aimed to obtain key informant perspectives on the benefits of patron banning as well as on the effectiveness of patron banning in reducing alcohol-related harm. Thirty-six key informants provided perspectives on patron banning through in-depth interviews that were part of a larger study. Key informants were supportive of patron banning for reducing alcohol-related harm, noting that it had many benefits including increased venue safety, general risk management, and deterrence of antisocial behavior. Although processes for banning were not always consistent, identification scanners were generally recognized as a way to ensure that patron banning was enforced. Key informants viewed patron banning as an effective measure for increasing patron safety and reducing alcohol-related harms.
An Examination of Community Awareness and Understanding of Patron Banning Provisions in Western Australia: Implications for Policy Development and Success
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 10-10-2022
DOI: 10.1007/S10610-022-09531-9
Abstract: In iduals who engage in problematic behaviours within Australian night-time entertainment precincts can be banned from entering certain locations. Bans are expected to deter recipients and the wider community from further inappropriate behaviours. The collective effect is intended to reduce crime and increase safety within entertainment precincts. This study examined public awareness and understanding of two patron banning mechanisms (police barring notices and prohibition orders) used across Western Australia (WA). An anonymous survey was completed by 1018 respondents, and interviews were conducted with 54 stakeholders. Survey participants had limited awareness of patron banning: 75% had not heard of police barring notices 87% had not heard of prohibition orders. Knowledge was higher for in iduals directly associated with a ban recipient. Stakeholders also perceived a low level of community awareness and understanding of patron banning. Patron banning may have some merit as a specific deterrent for recipients but, in WA, the lack of public knowledge means that the banning provisions may currently have limited effect as a general deterrent. Public awareness should be increased in order to optimise the direct and consequential effects of patron banning policy.
The effects of gender, clothing style, and alcohol consumption on the perception of sexual intent
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 13-06-2016
Mandatory Networked ID Scanners in Nightlife Precincts Across Queensland, Australia: Key Stakeholder Perspectives on Policy and Practice
Publisher: Queensland University of Technology
Date: 20-06-2023
DOI: 10.5204/IJCJSD.2674
Abstract: This study explored stakeholder experiences and attitudes regarding the use of ID scanners in licensed venues in Queensland, Australia. In July 2017, the Queensland Government introduced mandatory, networked ID scanners in licensed venues within designated nightlife districts (SNPs). After 10pm, people seeking to enter late-night licensed venues must provide identification, which is verified by the scanner. The scanner also checks whether the patron has any recorded banning notice/s that may preclude entry into the venue. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 66 key stakeholders and analysed using thematic analysis. Stakeholders reported that ID scanners support the enforcement of patron bans. Their mandated use within SNPs allows for accurate and timely identification of patrons, and may offer benefits with respect to reducing and solving crime, and improving patron behaviours. Some concerns were expressed regarding data privacy and the need to ensure procedural fairness and consistent use. Overall, the study highlighted the importance of ongoing monitoring and refining of ID scanner policy, particularly with respect to where and when scanners are used.
Alcohol-Involved Family and Domestic Violence Reported to Police in Australia
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 17-06-2022
Abstract: Family and domestic violence (FDV) is a significant social issue that causes major harm across Australia. Alcohol has been identified as a contributing factor to FDV, and as such increased understanding of the role of alcohol in police-reported FDV incidents may provide the basis for developing specific clinical and forensic approaches. This study aims to identify the key correlates of alcohol-related FDV within police-reported FDV incidence. Data sourced from several states and territories across Australia were used to profile demographic and personal factors involved in police-reported FDV incidents, and to identify the types of incidents involving alcohol. For each state, three separate binary regressions were conducted for family violence, intimate partner violence, and FDV incidents in which alcohol was involved. Between 24% and 54% of FDV incidents reported to police were classified as alcohol-related. Although there appeared to be an association between relative socioeconomic disadvantage and an incident being alcohol-related, this association varied across states. Where victim and offender data were available, offenders were significantly more likely to be alcohol-affected than victims. Alcohol-related FDV incidents were also twice as likely to involve severe physical violence including injuries that were life threatening, as well as an increased likelihood of reci ism. This study demonstrates that alcohol plays a substantial role in police-reported FDV across Australia. It also demonstrates that other factors such as drug use, breach of orders, and repeat offending are associated with alcohol involvement across family violence and intimate partner violence.
The effect of gender and alcohol placement in the processing of sexual intent
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 10-10-2014
DOI: 10.1111/DAR.12214
Abstract: Alcohol consumption in women is known to be perceived by men as signalling sexual intent. However, it is unclear whether such assumptions extend to the simple presence of alcohol. The present study investigated the association between gender and alcohol placement on processing of sexual intent. One hundred and forty-seven sexually experienced male and female participants were shown a brief video of a social interaction between a man and woman depicted with a bottle of water or alcohol. Participants were then asked to rate the female target on sexual intent. Men inferred greater sexual intent compared to women in the female target when she was depicted with alcohol as compared to water. Contrary to previous research, personality traits did not contribute to perceptions of sexual intent. However, state (sexual-related) variables such as likely sexual relationship between targets and attractiveness of the female target, did increase the level of sexual intent processed. These findings suggest that alcohol may be a cue used by men in their social environment to process sexual intent. The association of a woman with alcohol suggesting sexual intent could have potential implications for advertising practice which influences sexual beliefs toward women.
Awareness of energy drink intake guidelines and associated consumption practices: A cross-sectional study
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-2016
'Wide-awake drunkenness'? Investigating the association between alcohol intoxication and stimulant use in the night-time economy
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 23-10-2015
DOI: 10.1111/ADD.12742
Abstract: We tested whether patrons of the night-time economy who had co-consumed energy drinks or illicit stimulants with alcohol had higher blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels than patrons who had consumed only alcohol. Street intercept surveys (n = 4227) were undertaken between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. over a period of 7 months. Interviews were undertaken with patrons walking through entertainment precincts, queuing to enter venues or exiting venues in five Australian cities. The response rate was 92.1% more than half the study s le was male (60.2%) and the median age was 23 years (range 18-72). Data were collected on demographics, length of drinking session, venue types visited, types and quantity of alcohol consumed and other substance use. A BAC reading was recorded and a subs le of participants was tested for other drug use. Compared with the total s le (0.068%), illicit stimulant consumers (0.080% P = 0.004) and energy drink consumers (0.074% P < 0.001) had a significantly higher median BAC reading, and were more likely to engage in pre-drinking (65.6, 82.1 and 77.6%, respectively, P < 0.001) and longer drinking sessions (4, 5 and 4.5 hours, respectively, P < 0.001). However, stimulant use was not associated independently with higher BAC in the final multivariable model (illicit stimulants P = 0.198 energy drinks P = 0.112). Interaction analyses showed that stimulant users had a higher BAC in the initial stages of the drinking session, but not after 4-6 hours. While stimulant use does not predict BAC in and of itself, stimulants users are more likely to engage in prolonged sessions of heavy alcohol consumption and a range of risk-taking behaviours on a night out, which may explain higher levels of BAC among stimulants users, at least in the initial stages of the drinking session.
Vested interests in addiction research and policy. Alcohol industry use of social aspect public relations organizations against preventative health measures
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 22-07-2011
DOI: 10.1111/J.1360-0443.2011.03499.X
Abstract: It has been proposed that alcohol industry 'social aspects ublic relations' organizations (SAPROs) serve the agenda of lending credibility to industry claims of corporate responsibility while promoting ineffective industry-friendly interventions (such as school-based education or TV advertising c aigns) and creating doubt about interventions which have a strong evidence base (such as higher taxes on alcoholic beverages). This paper investigated whether submissions to Australia's National Preventative Health Taskforce (NPHT) from alcohol industry bodies regarding the Australian SAPRO, Drinkwise, have used this organization to demonstrate corporate responsibility while promoting industry-friendly interventions. Submissions to the Australian National Preventative Health Taskforce (NPHT) discussion paper Australia, the healthiest country by 2020 (n = 375) were examined to identify those with primary alcohol content. A thematic analysis of the resulting 33 submissions was conducted to determine which organization, institution or in idual discussed Drinkwise. Australia. Nine of the 33 submissions discussed Drinkwise all were submitted by the alcohol industry or its affiliates. Every industry submission referred to Drinkwise either as providing evidence of social responsibility or by suggesting the industry-friendly actions of Drinkwise as alternatives to those recommended by the NPHT report. Drinkwise has been used by the alcohol industry to create an impression of social responsibility while promoting interventions that maintain profits and c aigning against effective interventions such as higher taxes on alcohol.
The Fine Line between Harm Reduction and Harm Production – Development of a Clinical Policy on Femoral (Groin) Injecting
Publisher: S. Karger AG
Date: 2008
DOI: 10.1159/000141646
Abstract: i Background/Aims: /i The femoral region (‘groin’) appears to be increasingly commonly used by injecting drug users in the UK. With the advent of Britain’s first supervised prescribed injectable opioid treatment clinic, unprecedented decisions and judgements were required about the safe supervision of this practice, or whether to permit this behaviour on site at all. This paper reports the reasons for, and outcome of, development of a clinical policy on injecting into the deep femoral vein (groin injecting). i Method: /i A small in-depth audit of the complications of femoral injecting was undertaken in a supervised injecting clinic. i Results: /i All femoral injectors had had either local site-related medical complications or other health problems which could potentially be worsened by ongoing injection. This finding along with the personal and professional issues raised by staff for supervision of femoral injecting led to a revised policy focussing on achieving a shift towards lower-risk peripheral venous and intramuscular sites. i Conclusion: /i While the clinic staff’s training may be more compatible with professional duties of care by encouraging cessation of femoral injecting, this does not tell us what advice harm reduction workers in the field should offer groin injectors. More research is needed into this high-risk, controversial injecting practice.
Off the rails—Evaluating the nightlife impact of Melbourne, Australia's 24-h public transport trial
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.DRUGPO.2018.10.006
Abstract: This paper evaluates the impact of the AU$83 million introduction of 24-h public transport (PT) in Melbourne, Australia on Friday and Saturday nights on a s le of nightlife venues and venue patrons. This s le was selected because a primary reason for the introduction of 24 h PT was to provide a safe means of travel home for nightlife attendees. Covert venue observations (pre-post) and a convenience s le of nightlife patron interviews (post-only) were conducted to measure the impact of 24-h PT on venues and venue patrons. Specifically, the impact of 24-h PT on the proportion of people observed within venues (as rated on a 0-100% scale of venue capacity), patrons in venues showing any sign of intoxication, those who were observed to be too intoxicated to remain in the venue, patron drinking or drug taking behavior, train use, and the time and money spent in the night time economy were assessed. After 24-h PT was introduced there were no significant differences overall in the proportion of people observed within venues, or significant associations with the proportion of patrons showing any sign of intoxication or proportions who were observed to be too intoxicated to remain in the venue. However, when accounting for seasonality (matching-months), observed patron intoxication increased significantly after the introduction of 24-h PT. The majority of nightlife patrons did not report a change in their pre-drinking or drug taking behavior after 24-public transport, but 44% indicated spending more time in the night time economy, 27% reported spending more money, and 56% reported increasing their train use. Patron reports suggest that 24-h public transport has increased the amount of time people spend in nightlife settings without obviously impacting on drinking behavior. However, supplying 24-h public transport has resulted in greater self-reported use of public transport.
The long-term effect of lockouts on alcohol-related emergency department attendances within Ballarat, Australia
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 03-11-2012
DOI: 10.1111/J.1465-3362.2011.00375.X
Abstract: Alcohol has consistently been demonstrated to increase levels of aggression and violence, particularly in late night licensed venues. Since August 2003, Ballarat (a regional city of approximately 95,000 inhabitants, in Victoria, Australia) has implemented a 3:00 AM 'lockout' with the goal of reducing alcohol-related harms. This paper is the first long-term analysis of the effect of this type of intervention on emergency department (ED) attendances. The aim of this paper is to examine the effectiveness of a lockout intervention within the city of Ballarat, Victoria on alcohol-related ED presentations. This paper examines alcohol-related injury frequencies pre- to post-lockout intervention in Ballarat, Victoria, from 1999 to 2009, as indicated by ED International Classification of Diseases codes for acute alcohol intoxication and assault. These data are further compared with similar data from Geelong, Victoria, as a control. A small reduction in alcohol-related assaults and intoxication rates within Ballarat occurred before and after the introduction of the lockout. However, after this decline these rates steadily increased, surpassing Geelong by 2005. There is no discernible long-term impact on alcohol-related ED attendances of the lockout intervention in Ballarat. As such, other interventions may be more appropriate to reduce alcohol-related ED attendances.
From tobacco control to alcohol policy
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 10-03-2014
DOI: 10.1111/ADD.12463
The Impact of COVID-19 on Trends of Violence-Related Offences in Australia
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 23-06-2023
DOI: 10.1007/S44197-023-00131-2
Abstract: To investigate the medium-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on violence-related offences in Australia, and whether there was evidence of a ‘dual pandemic’ of family violence in addition to COVID-19. Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average time series were conducted to analyse publicly available violent crime statistics data from January 2017 to November 2021. Population rates of homicide, sexual, domestic and non-domestic assault were assessed across each Australian state and territory, with the effects of COVID-19 being modelled using the average monthly World Health Organization COVID-19 stringency rating for each jurisdiction. All jurisdictions in Australia showed increasing or stable domestic assault trends over the past decade, which were not significantly impacted by COVID-19, nor by the subsequent lockdowns. Non-domestic assaults demonstrated a significant, negative relationship with the stringency index for each jurisdiction, except Western Australia. There was no significant change in the rates of homicide or sexual assault across Australia in relation to COVID-19. Overall, there was no evidence of a ‘dual pandemic’ in Australia, and whilst domestic assaults continue to increase across the country, non-domestic assaults showed a notable but brief decline. However, these have returned to levels at least as high as pre-COVID-19 and some states show a continuing upward trend. The findings also suggest that alcohol availability may have played a role in continuing high violence numbers. Given the ongoing increasing and high levels of family violence in Australia, revised conceptual frameworks and interventions are indicated.
The association between an abusive father-son relationship, quantity of alcohol consumption, and male-to-male alcohol-related aggression
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 02-04-2013
DOI: 10.1111/ACER.12114
Abstract: While alcohol consumption and heavy episodic (binge) drinking are well-established predictors of male-to-male alcohol-related aggression (MMARA), the role of the father-son relationship in MMARA has yet to be explored. This study therefore examined whether fathering by the biological father rather than another father figure, negative fathering, and gender role modeled by the father figure were significant predictors of involvement in MMARA, once drinking frequency and quantity and heavy episodic drinking were controlled for. A total of 121 university students aged 18 to 25 years (M = 20.63, SD = 1.77 years) voluntarily completed the online questionnaire. The only significant predictors of perpetration of MMARA were a more abusive paternal relationship and drinking quantity (number of standard drinks usually consumed when drinking). Negative father-son relationships may play a role in fostering young men's perpetration of MMARA in the barroom context.
Patterns of alcohol, tobacco and cannabis use and related harm in city, regional and remote areas of Australia
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2013
DOI: 10.1016/J.DRUGPO.2013.02.001
Abstract: Prevalence of substance use and related harms differs across geographic locations, with prevalence increasing with remoteness. This paper builds on previous research, investigating patterns of problematic use by remoteness. Analysis of the National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NDSHS) data from 2007 by geographic location (in accordance with the Australian Standard Geographical Classification (ASGC) remoteness index). Problematic cannabis use was predicted by demographics older males with less education were more likely to report problematic cannabis use regardless of location. Younger, less educated males in inner regional and remote areas were more likely to report risky alcohol consumption for short term harms, while older, less educated males in outer regional and remote areas were more likely to report daily drinking. People from remote areas were significantly more likely to report driving under the influence of alcohol. It is clear that men with lower levels of education were significantly more likely to report problematic alcohol and cannabis use patterns. An additional level of risk is associated with living in inner regional and remote areas, particularly in relation to risky drinking. Findings suggest a complex relationship between remoteness and substance use which requires further investigation.
The association between sports participation, alcohol use and aggression and violence: A systematic review
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2014
DOI: 10.1016/J.JSAMS.2013.03.011
Abstract: To review the current research on alcohol-related violence and sports participation. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were used to identify relevant studies for inclusion. A search of six databases (EBSCOhost) was conducted. A total of 6890 studies was were identified in the initial search. Of these, 11 studies met the inclusion criteria. The majority of the studies were from the US (n=10) and focused on collegiate athletes (n=7), adolescents (n=3), professional/former professional athletes (n=1). The reviewed research indicates higher rates of alcohol use and violence in athlete populations when compared against non-athlete populations. Masculinity, violent social identity and antisocial norms connected to certain sports stand out as potential factors that may impact the association between sport and violence in athlete populations.
Alcohol industry sponsorship and alcohol‐related harms in A ustralian university sportspeople/athletes
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 11-2012
DOI: 10.1111/J.1465-3362.2012.00524.X
Abstract: Although there is evidence that alcohol sponsorship in sport is related to greater drinking, there is no empirical research on whether alcohol sponsorship is associated with alcohol-related harms. We examined whether there is an association between receipt of alcohol industry sponsorship, and attendance at alcohol sponsor's drinking establishments (e.g. bars), and alcohol-related aggression and antisocial behaviour in university students who play sport. University sportspeople (n = 652) completed surveys (response rate >80%) assessing receipt of alcohol industry sponsorship, attendance at sponsor's establishments and confounders [i.e. age, gender, sport type, location and alcohol consumption measured by Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test--alcohol consumption (AUDIT-C) scores]. Participants also completed measures assessing displays and receipt of aggressive and antisocial behaviours (e.g. assaults, unwanted sexual advance, vandalism). Logistic regression models including confounders and reported attendance at alcohol sponsor's establishments showed that sportspeople receiving alcohol industry sponsorship were more likely to have been the victim of aggression (adjusted odds ratio 2.62, 95% confidence interval 1.22-5.64). Attending an alcohol sponsor's establishment was not associated with higher rates of other aggressive or antisocial behaviour. However, significant associations where found between AUDIT-C scores and having displayed and received aggression, and having damaged or had property damaged. Male sportspeople were more likely to have displayed and received aggressive and antisocial behaviour. Higher AUDIT-C scores, gender and receipt of alcohol industry sponsorship were associated with alcohol-related aggression/antisocial behaviours in university sportspeople. Sport administrators should consider action to reduce the harms associated with excessive alcohol consumption and alcohol industry sponsorship in sport.
Addiction's priorities when evaluating submissions
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 07-02-2011
Street intercept method: An innovative approach to recruiting young adult high‐risk drinkers
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 29-05-2014
DOI: 10.1111/DAR.12160
Abstract: Many young adults are risky drinkers who are often missed by general population surveys. The aim of the present study was to assess factors affecting participation rates in a street intercept approach to recruiting young adult bar-goers for an online survey. Two hundred eighty-seven young adults were approached as they entered the bar district of a medium-sized city on two consecutive weekend nights. Of these, 170 met eligibility requirements and were invited to complete a 2 min street survey for which they were paid $5 and given a gift card for $50 or $100 to be redeemed when they completed a follow-up online survey. Sixty-one per cent of eligible persons (n = 104) participated in the street survey, with greater participation on the second night (74% vs. 50%). Sixty-eight per cent (n = 71) of those who participated in the street survey completed the online survey, with no differences in response by age or student status however, men were significantly more likely to complete the online survey if they received the higher incentive, had consumed less alcohol and were recruited before midnight. The larger incentive was especially effective at increasing completion rates for men who had consumed a larger amount of alcohol. Street intercept is an effective and efficient recruitment method that can measure both drinking and other experiences in the event and link these data to information collected in follow-up research. Unlike recruitment through convenience s les, response rates and response bias can also be assessed.
Learning from alcohol (policy) reforms in the Northern Territory (LEARNT): protocol for a mixed-methods study examining the impacts of the banned drinker register
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 04-2022
DOI: 10.1136/BMJOPEN-2021-058614
Abstract: The Banned Drinker Register (BDR) was reintroduced in the Northern Territory (NT) in September 2017. The BDR is a supply reduction measure and involves placing people who consume alcohol at harmful levels on a register prohibiting the purchase, possession and consumption of alcohol. The current study aims to evaluate the impacts of the reintroduction of the BDR, in the context of other major alcohol policy initiatives introduced across the NT such as Police Auxiliary Liquor Inspectors and a minimum unit price for alcohol of US$1.30 per standard drink. The Learning from Alcohol (policy) Reforms in the Northern Territory project will use a mixed-methods approach and contain four major components: epidemiological analysis of trends over time (outcomes include health, justice and social welfare data) in idual-level data linkage including those on the BDR (outcomes include health and justice data) qualitative interviews with key stakeholders in the NT (n≥50) and qualitative interviews among people who are, or were previously, on the BDR, as well as the families and communities connected to those on the BDR (n=150). The impacts of the BDR on epidemiological data will be examined using time series analysis. Linked data will use generalised mixed models to analyse the relationship between outcomes and exposures, utilising appropriate distributions. Qualitative data will be analysed using thematic analysis. Ethics approvals have been obtained from NT Department of Health and Menzies School of Health Research Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC), Central Australia HREC and Deakin University HREC. In addition to peer-reviewed publications, we will report our findings to key organisational, policy, government and community stakeholders via conferences, briefings and lay summaries.
Identified support needs for intimate partner violence engagement in an alcohol and other drug treatment sample
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 2021
Demographic risk factors for alcohol-related aggression in and around licensed venues
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 09-07-2015
Abstract: Few studies have examined the role of gender and both area-level and in idual socio-economic status (SES) as independent predictors of alcohol-related aggression (ARA) in and around licensed venues. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between gender, area-level SES and in idual SES (operationalised as occupational category) and ARA in and around licensed venues. The s le comprised 697 men and 649 women aged 16–47, who completed a patron intercept survey as part of a larger study assessing trends in harm and stakeholders' views surrounding local community level interventions in dealing with alcohol-related problems in the night-time economy. Binary logistic regression analyses showed that age, gender, occupational category, area-level SES and level of intoxication at time of interview were all significant predictors of involvement in ARA. Being male doubled the odds of involvement in ARA, while age was a protective factor. Blue collar workers had more than double the odds of ARA involvement of professionals, while those living in the most socio-economically disadvantaged areas were over twice as likely to report experiencing ARA compared to those living in the most advantaged areas. However, assessment of the predictive model by gender revealed that effects of age, occupational category and area-level SES were restricted to male participants, with greater intoxication no longer predictive. ARA among patrons was significantly more likely to occur among men, those in blue collar occupations, and in iduals living in low SES areas, suggesting both in idual and area-level disadvantage may play a role in ARA.
Illicit drug use and male barroom aggression among members of the Australian construction industry: Associations with personality and masculinity factors
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 14-06-2022
DOI: 10.1111/DAR.13498
Abstract: Illicit drug use has been found to increase the risks of male barroom aggression (MBA). Personality traits such as dispositional aggressiveness have been associated with illicit substance use and aggressive behaviour, along with social normative masculinity factors. The present study assessed the relationships between illicit drug use, key personality (trait aggression, impulsivity, narcissism) and masculinity (conformity to masculine norms, male honour) variables with physical MBA perpetration and victimisation among male Australian construction workers. A purposive, high‐risk s le of male construction workers aged 18–69 years ( n = 476, M age = 25.90 years, SD age = 9.44) completed interviews at their place of work or training. Participants reported high rates of both physical MBA perpetration (21% n = 100) and victimisation (31.1% n = 148) as well as any illicit drug use (33.61% n = 160). Logistic regressions revealed the use of hetamine‐type stimulants (meth hetamine, ecstasy) was associated with violence perpetration, even after accounting for high‐intensity drinking (HID) which was the strongest predictor of MBA involvement. Trait variables (Trait Physical aggressiveness, narcissism) and the masculine norm CMNI Violence were also risk factors for MBA perpetration while CMNI Playboy was protective against MBA. The use of hetamine‐type stimulants is a risk‐factor for MBA perpetration, as are key personality traits such as aggressiveness and narcissism. Most aspects of masculinity, including male honour, were either unrelated to or protective against involvement in physical violence in bars, clubs or pubs.
Observable characteristics associated with alcohol intoxication within licensed entertainment venues in Australia
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.DRUGPO.2016.06.012
Abstract: The aim of the current study was to assess correlates of intoxication in licensed venues in Australia. Covert observations of licensed venues and venue patron in night-time entertainment districts of five Australian cities were conducted. In total, 828 unique cross-sectional observations were completed across 62 bars, nightclubs, and large mainstream pubs. Venues were selected from the main entertainment district of smaller cities and the busiest entertainment districts of larger cities. Outcomes were the estimated percentage of patrons showing any signs of alcohol intoxication and the overall level of intoxication ('high' versus 'none to medium'). Seven predictors of patron intoxication were examined: hour of observation estimated percentage of male patrons estimated percentage of patrons <25 years old venue crowding presence of observable alcohol promotions type of alcoholic beverage consumed by the majority of patrons and, venue type. Time of night (coefficient=11.71, p<.001 OR=9.61, p<.001), percentage of patrons aged <25 (coefficient=0.14, p<.001 OR=1.01, p=.031), and venue crowding (coefficient=4.40, p<.001 OR=1.39, p=.009) had significant positive associations with both signs of intoxication and high levels of intoxication. Nightclubs had a lower percentage of signs of intoxication compared to pubs (coefficient=-10.73, p=.021). Increased percentage of male patrons was associated with increased odds of high-level intoxication (OR=1.05, p=.020). Time of night and proportion of younger patrons had a strong association with patron intoxication adding further support for the strong body of evidence that ceasing service of alcohol earlier in the evening will reduce intoxication levels.
Rural Adolescent Alcohol, Tobacco, and Illicit Drug Use: A Comparison of Students in Victoria, Australia, and Washington State, United States
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 24-01-2011
Investigating the effect on public behaviour of patients of a Medically Supervised Injectable Maintenance Clinic
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 09-12-2011
Do consumers 'Get the facts'? A survey of alcohol warning label recognition in Australia
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 22-08-2015
Impact of alcohol policy changes on substance‐affected patients attending an emergency department in the Northern Territory with police
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 25-11-2022
Abstract: Assess the impact of Northern Territory alcohol policy changes to ED utilisation at Royal Darwin‐Palmerston Regional Hospitals. Interrupted time series analysis explored trends in monthly ED attendance numbers and the proportion self‐discharging prior to policy changes (September 2016 to August 2017) and after three sequential interventions the Banned Drinker Register, introduced September 2017, system changes to the sobering shelter, January 2018, and the minimum unit floor price (MUFP), October 2018. A targeted cohort of attendances transported by police as an alternative to the sobering shelter or police watch‐house when there is a medical concern was selected as they are likely impacted by all policy changes. Police transported 1176 patients on 2070 occasions from September 2016 to March 2019. There was a downward trend in monthly attendances across the study period, with no significant change attributable to the Banned Drinker Register, a significant step decrease with the sobering shelter changes ( P = 0.002), and a significant gradual decrease following the MUFP ( P = 0.025). This represented an immediate decrease of 3.82 attendances per month/10 000 residents following the sobering shelter changes and a gradual decrease of 0.92 attendances/10 000 residents after the MUFP. Rates of self‐discharge were high, 45% in the pre‐intervention phase, decreasing to 28% following the MUFP but this trend did not reach significance with any intervention. The sequential introduction of broad sweeping alcohol policy changes introduced by the Northern Territory government was associated with significant reductions in ED utilisation. The proximity of the introduction of interventions creates difficulties identifying in idual policy influence.
Queensland Alcohol-related violence and Night Time Economy Monitoring project (QUANTEM): A study protocol
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 05-10-2017
Rhetoric, reality and research: What they mean for achieving the best possible treatment system for addiction-related problems
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2011
Most common principal diagnoses assigned to Australian emergency department presentations involving alcohol use: a multi-centre study
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2022
Abstract: Alcohol is the most widely consumed psychoactive substance in Australia and the consequences of alcohol consumption have enormous personal and social impacts. This study aimed to describe the principal diagnoses of emergency department (ED) presentations involving alcohol use in the previous 12 hours at eight hospitals in Victoria and the Australian Capital Territory, Australia. Twelve months' data (1 July 2018 - 30 June 2019) were collected from eight EDs, including demographics, ICD-10 codes, hospital location and self-reported drinking in the preceding 12 hours. The ten most common ICD-10 discharge codes were analysed based on age, sex and hospital geographic area. ICD codes pertaining to mental and behavioural disorders due to alcohol use accounted for the highest proportion in most EDs. Suicide ideation/attempt was in the five highest ICD codes for all but one hospital. It was the second most common alcohol-related presentation for both males and females. Alcohol plays a major role in a range of presentations, especially in relation to mental health and suicide. The collection of alcohol involvement in ED presentations represents a major step forward in informing the community about the burden of alcohol on their health resources.
Experiences of trauma and alcohol and other drug use by domestic, family, and sexual violence offenders: A review of 6 months of sentencing remarks from the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory, Australia
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 07-11-2022
DOI: 10.1177/26338076221129920
Abstract: The Northern Territory (NT) has the highest rates of domestic, family and sexual violence (DFSV) in Australia. Although we know that alcohol and other drug (AOD) use and trauma both contribute to DFSV in the NT, some specifics remain unknown. This paper aims to (a) describe the extent of AOD involvement in criminally serious DFSV, (b) describe the volume of trauma experienced by convicted criminally serious DFSV offenders, and (c) qualitatively explore the judicial recognition of the intersections between alcohol and trauma. To do this we reviewed Judicial Sentencing Remarks (JSRs) from the Supreme Court of the NT. A content analysis of all DFSV JSRs from July to Dec 2020 was undertaken ( n = 64). A structured coding instrument was developed to extract quantitative and qualitative variables through repeated reviews by multiple authors. Descriptive statistics regarding demographics, number of significant traumatic events experienced, and AOD involvement were generated. The qualitative data from which these statistics were generated was used to explore the interplay between trauma and AOD involvement. The majority of offenders had experienced at least one form of trauma. The social determinants of health underpinned a significant amount of this trauma, with housing, poverty, and unemployment frequently described. The use of alcohol as a maladaptive coping mechanism was explicitly recognised. There was frequent judicial recognition of the intersections between trauma, alcohol, and violence, however addressing trauma as an essential part of rehabilitation processes was rare. Trauma and AOD use were widespread among convicted DFSV offenders, with alcohol involved in the majority of incidents. Further research is required to understand the bio-psycho-social factors involved in the relationship between trauma, alcohol, and DFSV. Systematic piloting and trialling of interventions is necessary to determine what approaches are effective for preventing DFSV and reducing reci ism for people with intersecting experiences of trauma and AOD concerns.
Environmental contexts of combined alcohol and energy drink use: Associations with intoxication in licensed venues.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.DRUGPO.2016.06.016
Abstract: Environmental factors inside licensed venues have been found to influence the intoxication levels and consumption practices of patrons. The consumption of alcohol mixed with energy drinks (AmED) occurs primarily at or prior to attending licensed venues, however there is a lack of in situ research investigating AmED use in these contexts. Given that AmED use has been linked with increased alcohol consumption, intoxication, illicit substance use, and risk taking behaviours, this paper explores the environmental correlates and levels of intoxication associated with AmED use in licensed venues. Structured observations were undertaken in five Australian cities on Friday and Saturday nights. Covert teams spent 4-5h in venues and recorded hourly observations on patron, venue, and staff characteristics, alcohol, illicit drug and AmED consumption patterns and intoxication levels. 898 hourly observations were recorded across 68 venues. All but one venue served energy drinks, and patron AmED use was observed during 34.9% of hourly records. AmED use was more prevalent after 12am and in nightclub venues compared to bars and pubs, and was positively associated with high intoxication levels, illicit drug use, and younger crowds. After controlling for environmental factors (i.e. venue crowding, service practices, venue characteristics, patron demographics and behaviour) AmED use did not predict high intoxication at a venue level in multivariable models. AmED consumption is ubiquitous in the licensed venues of Australian night-time entertainment districts, particularly busy nightclub venues where intoxication and risky consumption are heightened. However, AmED use was not associated with high patron intoxication when environmental factors were considered.
Factors Associated with Unwanted Sexual Attention in Australian Nightlife Districts: An Exploratory Study of Nightlife Attendees
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 05-12-2022
Abstract: Background: Experiences of unwanted sexual attention (UWSA) are commonplace within nightlife environments. While typically associated with aggression perpetration, literature has suggested that a history of childhood corporal punishment (CCP) may also be related to experiences of victimisation in nightlife environments. The current exploratory study aims to examine the associations between experiences of UWSA victimisation and a history of CCP, trait aggression, and conformity to masculine norms (Playboy and Winning), for males and females separately. Method: Street intercept interviews in the Brisbane inner-city entertainment precincts were used to measure demographic details and participants’ breath alcohol concentration. Online follow-up surveys were used to record participants’ experiences of UWSA on the night of interview, history of CCP, and self-reported rates of trait aggression and conformity to masculine norms. The final s le consisted of 288 females, as there were not sufficient male UWSA experiences for analysis. Results: Approximately 20% of female nightlife patrons experienced some form of UWSA victimisation. Logistic regression analyses identified that after controlling for age and intoxication, a history of CCP, trait aggression and masculine norm conformity were unrelated to experiences of UWSA for female respondents. Conclusions: The current study found that in idual factors were unrelated to experiences of UWSA, indicating that simply being in the nightlife environment, especially as a female, increases the risk of UWSA victimisation. Understanding and exploring social and environmental risk factors, rather than in idual factors, is needed to prevent victimisation in nightlife environments.
An Examination of the Prevalence, Consumer Profiles, and Patterns of Energy Drink Use, With and Without Alcohol, in Australia
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 08-06-2015
DOI: 10.1111/ACER.12764
Abstract: There has been a significant growth in the energy drink (ED) market in Australia and around the world however, most research investigating the popularity of ED and alcohol and energy drink (AED) use has focused on specific subpopulations such as university students. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence, consumption patterns, and sociodemographic correlates of ED and combined AED use among a representative Australian population s le. A computer-assisted telephone interview survey (n = 2,000) was undertaken in March-April 2013 of persons aged 18 years and over. Half of the interviews were obtained through randomly generated landline telephone numbers and half through mobile phones. Approximately half of the s le was female (55.5% n = 1,110) and the mean age of participants was 45.9 (range 18 to 95, SD 20.0). Less than 1 in 6 Australians reported ED use (13.4%, n = 268) and 4.6% (n = 91) reported AED use in the past 3 months. Majority of ED and AED users consumed these beverages monthly or less. ED and AED users are more likely to be aged 18 to 24 years, live in a metropolitan area, and be moderate risk or problem gamblers. AED consumers are more likely to report moderate levels of psychological distress. Our findings in relation to problem gambling and psychological distress are novel and require further targeted investigation. Health promotion strategies directed toward reducing ED and AED use should focus on young people living in metropolitan areas and potentially be disseminated through locations where gambling takes place.
A randomized controlled trial of the effectiveness of combinations of ‘why to reduce’ and ‘how to reduce’ alcohol harm-reduction communications
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2021
DOI: 10.1016/J.ADDBEH.2021.107004
Abstract: Alcohol is a major source of harm worldwide. The aim of this study was to experimentally assess the effects of exposing Australian adult drinkers to combinations of 'why to reduce' and 'how to reduce' alcohol harm-reduction messages. Three online surveys were administered over six weeks: Time 1 at baseline (n = 7,995), Time 2 at three weeks post-baseline (n = 4,588), and Time 3 at six weeks post-baseline (n = 2,687). Participants were randomly assigned to one of eight conditions: (1) a control condition (2) a 'why to reduce' television advertisement (3-5) one of three 'how to reduce' messages referring to the following protective behavioral strategies (PBSs): Keep count of your drinks, Decide how many drinks and stick to it, It's okay to say no and (6-8) the television advertisement combined with each PBS message in idually. Intention-to-treat analyses were conducted to determine effects of condition assignment on changes over time in attempts to reduce alcohol consumption and amount of alcohol consumed. Participants assigned to the 'TV ad' and 'TV ad + Keep count of your drinks PBS' conditions reported significant increases in attempts to reduce alcohol consumption. Only participants assigned to the 'TV ad + Keep count of your drinks PBS' condition exhibited a significant reduction in alcohol consumed (-0.87 drinks per person per week). Well-executed 'why to reduce' alcohol harm-reduction advertisements can encourage drinkers to attempt to reduce their alcohol consumption. These ads may be effectively supplemented by specific 'how to reduce' messages designed to encourage drinkers to monitor their intake.
Larger Regional and Rural Areas in Victoria, Australia, Experience More Alcohol-Related Injury Presentations at Emergency Departments
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 12-03-2013
DOI: 10.1111/JRH.12014
Abstract: Alcohol consumption is higher in regional and rural areas compared to metropolitan locations, but it is unclear which areas suffer different levels of harm. The current study investigated the rates of alcohol-related injury presentations at emergency departments (EDs) in Victoria, Australia, across metropolitan, regional, rural, and remote areas, and within coastal locations. Using ED injury presentations data for Victorian hospitals from June 1999 to June 2011, the trends in alcohol-related injury rates over time were investigated. Compared to metropolitan locations, alcohol-related injuries were higher in larger regional and rural areas and similar in small rural towns. The rates of alcohol-related injuries are also significantly increasing over time for regional and rural locations. Lastly, for males, rates of alcohol-related injuries increased in coastal areas during November to February compared to the remaining months. Regional and coastal areas experience increased alcohol-related injury rates. The causes of this have yet to be investigated and future research is required to determine why and what interventions may be most effective at reducing these harms.
Correlates and motives of pre‐drinking with intoxication and harm around licensed venues in two cities
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 05-05-2015
DOI: 10.1111/DAR.12274
Abstract: The study investigates the prevalence of pre-drinking culture in the night-time economy (NTE) and its impact upon intoxication and alcohol-related harm and violence experienced by patrons. Cross-sectional surveys were conducted in and around licensed venues in Newcastle (NSW) and Geelong (Victoria) during peak trading hours (typically 9pm-1am). Participants completed a five minute structured interview which targeted: demographics, past and planned movements on the survey night, safety/experience of harm, and patron intoxication. 3949 people agreed to be interviewed, a response rate of 90.7%. Around half (54.9%) of interviewees were male and mean age was 24.4 years (SD = 5.8). 66.8% of participants reported pre-drinking prior to attending licensed venues. On a 1-10 scale measuring self-rated intoxication, pre-drinkers scored significantly higher compared to non pre-drinkers (P < 0.001). Compared to non-pre-drinkers, patrons who had consumed 6-10 standard pre-drinks were 1.5 times more likely to be involved in a violent incident in the past 12 months (OR = 1.50, 95%CI 1.03-2.19, P = 0.037) increasing to 1.8 times more likely for patrons who had 11-15 drinks (OR = 1.80, 95%CI 1.04-3.11 P = .036). Pre-drinking was also associated with both self-rated and observer-rated intoxication, as well as increased probability of illicit drug use. Amongst pre-drinkers, price was the most commonly reported motive for pre-drinking (51.8%). 'Pre-drinking' was normal behaviour in the current s le and contributes significantly to the burden of harm and intoxication in the NTE. Price disparity between packaged vs. venue liquor is a key motivator for pre-drinking.
High rates of alcohol consumption and related harm at schoolies week: a portal study.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2014
Abstract: To investigate alcohol consumption, substance use and risky and harmful behaviour among young people attending 'schoolies' week in Victoria. Breathalyser tests and brief surveys (n=558) measuring alcohol, energy drink and illicit drug use, and experience of aggressive incidents, alcohol-related injury and unprotected sex, were undertaken with young people attending schoolies week in Lorne and Torquay. Schoolies reported consuming a mean of 8.8 drinks in the current session, with a mean blood alcohol count (BAC) of 0.05 18.3% recorded a BAC of greater than 0.08. One in six participants had consumed alcohol with energy drinks 7.7% reported using illicit substances. Participants who co-consumed alcohol and energy drinks recorded a higher BAC than alcohol-only users. One in five participants had experienced alcohol-related harm at schoolies week, including aggressive incidents, alcohol-related injury and engagement in unprotected sex. Each alcoholic drink consumed increased the potential for involvement in aggressive incidents by 8% and alcohol-related accidents/injuries by 5% illicit drug use was associated with six times the likelihood of engaging in unprotected sex with a non-partner. Excessive alcohol consumption and experience of related harms are common among young people attending schoolies week. Harm reduction initiatives targeting schoolies week should focus on the consequences of excessive alcohol consumption, illicit drugs and the co-consumption of alcohol and energy drinks.
The impact of street service care on frontline service utilisation during high-alcohol use hours in one night-time entertainment precinct in Australia
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 12-2020
DOI: 10.1111/DAR.13009
Abstract: Street service care providers in Queensland, Australia are organisations tasked with assisting vulnerable in iduals and aiding intoxicated patrons that are at risk of harm in night-time entertainment precincts (NEP). Members of these organisations patrol NEPs and provide services, such as first aid, to in iduals in need. There has been no research conducted on their impact on crime, injuries and on the duties of Australian frontline service resources (e.g. police and ambulance services). This study evaluated the introduction of a single street service care in the Cairns NEP on police-recorded assaults, emergency department injury presentations and ambulance service utilisation during high-alcohol hours. Police-recorded assaults (common and serious), emergency department injury presentations and ambulance attendances for the Cairns suburbs were examined. Autoregressive integrated moving average time series analyses were used to determine the impact of street service care on monthly counts for each dataset. Serious assaults during high-alcohol hours significantly declined after the introduction of the support service in Cairns, with a one-month lagged impact (B = -1.66, 95% confidence interval -3.02, -0.30). No other significant impact on common assaults, emergency department injury presentations or ambulance attendances were found. This study provides preliminary evidence that street service care may help to decrease assaults within a single NEP. However, further research investigating the impact of street services in larger cities, and determining what other roles the service may be able to play in preventing alcohol-related harm, is needed.
Alcohol‐related crime in city entertainment precincts: Public perception and experience of alcohol‐related crime and support for strategies to reduce such crime
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 09-2015
DOI: 10.1111/DAR.12314
A systematic narrative review of the effects of alcohol supply reduction policies on children and adolescents
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2022
DOI: 10.1016/J.DRUGPO.2022.103581
Abstract: Children are often exposed to increased rates of secondary harm such as physical harm, motor vehicle incidents, maltreatment, and neglect because of others' or their own alcohol consumption. Alcohol supply reduction, or alcohol control policies, are often enacted to mitigate alcohol harms within the community. The current systematic narrative review aims to synthesise recent literature that examines how alcohol supply reduction policies impact the physical health, mental health, and offending behaviour of children and adolescents. Eight databases and grey literature sources were systematically searched, and results were synthesised by policy under evaluation. Twenty-one peer reviewed articles and ten grey literature articles were included after screening of 7,135 original articles. Included articles examined the alcohol control policies of the minimum legal drinking age, price control, and trading restrictions, with the most common outcomes under evaluation being related to the physical health or offending behaviour of adolescents. Overall, the current review identified that the impact of alcohol policy on children and adolescents varied depending on the policy type, policy environment and assessed outcome. Common limitations within the literature include inability to control for covariates, use of alcohol related outcomes unsuitable to children and adolescents, and use of cross-sectional data and regression-discontinuity analysis in lieu of actual policy changes. The current review highlights the need to further evaluate the impact of actual alcohol-related policy changes on children and adolescents.
Drug use in Australian nightlife settings: Estimation of prevalence and validity of self-report
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 03-09-2015
DOI: 10.1111/ADD.13060
Abstract: This study aimed to (1) estimate the prevalence of illicit drug use in night-time entertainment districts across five major cities in Australia and (2) validate self-reported drug use using biochemical marker oral swabs. Street intercept surveys and oral drug swabs conducted over a 7-month period during 2011-12. The night-time entertainment districts of three metropolitan cities (Sydney, Melbourne and Perth) and two regional cities (Wollongong and Geelong) in Australia, between the hours of 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. A total of 7581 in iduals agreed to participate in the survey (93% response rate). More than half (62%) the s le was male, with a median age of 22 years (range 18-73). Patrons were approached in thoroughfares and while entering and leaving licensed venues. Data collected included demographics and current session alcohol and other substance use. Drug swabs (n = 401) were performed with a subs le of participants. Approximately 9% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 7-12%] of participants self-reported consumption of illicit or non-prescribed pharmaceutical drugs prior to interview of those, 81% identified psychostimulants as the drug used. One in five drug swabs returned a positive result, with psychostimulants the most commonly detected drugs (15% 95% CI = 12-19%). Kappa statistics indicate agreement between self-report of any illicit drug and a positive drug swab is in the slight range [κ = 0.12 (95% CI = 0.05-0.20) P = 0.000]. Self-report findings suggest drug use in Australian nightlife is common, although still very much a minority past-time. Drug swabs indicate a higher prevalence of use (20%) than self-report (9%), which suggests that self-reported drug use may not be reliable in this context.
Child-to-Parent Violence: Examining Cumulative Associations with Corporal Punishment and Physical Abuse
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 07-09-2022
DOI: 10.1007/S10896-022-00437-Y
Abstract: Corporal punishment (CP) and physical abuse (PA) in childhood are associated with increased risk of child-to-parent violence (CPV). Without context of discipline (i.e., the intention of behavior change, and use of reasonable force), both CP and PA represent the use of physical force against a child. It is still unclear if their associations with CPV are similar when they co-occur, or when they occur in isolation. The current study examined the differential and cumulative association of different types of physical force in childhood with rates of CPV. The s le consisted of 1,132 participants, between 18 to 87-years-old ( M = 50.95, SD = 14.24) and included 59.5% female and 39.2% male participants who completed an online survey measuring CP, PA and CPV. Participants formed three groups: low CP or PA (group low ), high CP only (group HCP ), or high PA and CP (group PA + CP ). Two one-way ANOVAs with planned contrasts were conducted separately for CPV against mothers and fathers. The group HCP reported significantly higher CPV against both the mother and the father than group low and there was no significant difference between group HCP and group PA + CP. Higher rates of CP are associated with higher rates of CPV however, this rate does not increase further when there is concurrent PA. This suggests that there may be a low sensitivity for retaliation from a young person, or coercive training (through high parent–child conflict), in environments where there is physical force from a parent.
Mechanisms of influence: Alcohol industry submissions to the inquiry into fetal alcohol spectrum disorders
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 06-2016
DOI: 10.1111/DAR.12399
Abstract: Industry groups with vested interests in policy regularly work to protect their profits via the endorsement of ineffective voluntary regulation and interventions, extensive lobbying activity and minimising the health impact of consumption behaviours. This study aims to examine all alcohol industry submissions to the Australian House of Representatives Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs into Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD), to assist in understanding how those with vested interests contribute to policy development. The analysis aims to document the strategies and arguments used by alcohol industry bodies in their submissions and to compare these with known strategies of vested-interest groups. All 92 submissions to the Inquiry were screened to include only those submitted by alcohol industry bodies (five submissions). Content domains were derived based on the major themes emerging from the industry submissions and on common vested-interest behaviours identified in previous literature. The following content categories were identified: Concerns about FASD Current industry activities and FASD prevention Value of mandatory warning labels and Credibility of independent public health researchers and organisations. Alcohol industry submissions sought to undermine community concern, debate the evidence, promote ineffective measure which are no threat to the profit margins and attack independent health professionals and researchers. In doing so, their behaviour is entirely consistent with their responses to other issues, such as violence and chronic health, and copies the tactics employed by the tobacco industry. [Avery MR, Droste N, Giorgi C, Ferguson A, Martino F, Coomber K, Miller P. Mechanisms of influence: Alcohol industry submissions to the inquiry into fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. Drug Alcohol Rev 2016 :665-672].
Prevalence and correlates of drink driving within patrons of Australian night-time entertainment precincts
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.AAP.2016.07.018
Abstract: Drink driving is a significant public health concern, and contributes to many road fatalities worldwide. The current study is the first to examine the prevalence and correlates of drink driving behavior in a s le of night-time entertainment precinct attendees in Australia. Interviews were conducted with 4214 night-time entertainment precinct attendees in two metropolitan and three regional cities in Australia. Seven correlates of self-reported drink driving were examined: gender, age, occupation, blood alcohol concentration (BAC), alcohol consumed prior to attending a licensed venue, energy drink consumption, and other drug consumption. Fourteen percent of night-time entertainment precinct attendees reported drink driving in the past three months. Bivariate logistic regression models indicated that males were significantly more likely than females to report drink driving in the past three months. Blue-collar workers and sales/clerical/administrative workers were significantly more likely to report drink driving behavior in the past three months than white-collar workers. The likelihood of reporting drink driving during the three months prior to interview significantly increased as BAC on the current night out increased, and when patrons reported engaging in pre-drinking or other drug use. The multivariate model presented a similar pattern of results, however BAC and pre-drinking on the night of the interview were no longer independent significant predictors. Males, blue collar/sales/clerical/administrative workers, and illicit drug consumers were more likely to report engaging in drink driving behavior than their counterparts. Interventions should focus on addressing the considerable proportion night-time entertainment precinct attendees who report engaging in drink driving behavior.
Review of rural and regional alcohol research in Australia
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 06-2010
DOI: 10.1111/J.1440-1584.2010.01133.X
Abstract: Alcohol is the most commonly used drug within Australia. Recently, there have been indications that there is a greater incidence of high-risk drinking within rural populations as compared with their urban counterparts. High-risk drinking is associated with numerous conditions, such as diabetes, heart attack and cancer, as well as acute harms such as assault, suicide and road accidents. The objective of this article is to review the current research and relevant data pertaining to alcohol use and alcohol-related harms within rural Australia. This paper is a systematic review of 16 databases, including PubMed, PsycINFO and Google Scholar. Overall, 18 studies describing alcohol consumption or alcohol-related harms were found. Approximately half of these studies were large-scale national population surveys, which were therefore limited in their representativeness of specific regional and rural towns. Most studies examining alcohol consumption used self-report data collection, meaning that interpretation of results needs to be tentative. There is a consistent pattern of higher rates of alcohol consumption and consequent harm within regional and rural Australia than in urban areas. There is emerging research examining alcohol consumption and alcohol-related harms within regional and rural Australia. All studies show that these populations experience disproportionate harm because of alcohol consumption. The causes and mechanism for this have not been investigated, and a program of research is required to understand how and why rural populations experience disproportionate levels of alcohol-related harm and ultimately, what interventions will be most effective in reducing alcohol-related harms.
The Global Diversion of Pharmaceutical Drugs series
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 06-02-2009
Who is responsible for the public's health? The role of the alcohol industry in the WHO global strategy to reduce the harmful use of alcohol
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 25-10-2013
DOI: 10.1111/ADD.12368
Reducing intoxication among bar patrons: some lessons from prevention of drinking and driving
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 25-06-2013
DOI: 10.1111/ADD.12247
Abstract: Intoxication in and around licensed premises continues to be common, despite widespread training in the responsible service of alcohol and laws prohibiting service to intoxicated in iduals. However, research suggests that training and the existence of laws are unlikely to have an impact on intoxication without enforcement, and evidence from a number of countries indicates that laws prohibiting service to intoxicated in iduals are rarely enforced. Enforcement is currently h ered by the lack of a standardized validated measure for defining intoxication clearly, a systematic approach to enforcement and the political will to address intoxication. We argue that adoption of key principles from successful interventions to prevent driving while intoxicated could be used to develop a model of consistent and sustainable enforcement. These principles include: applying validated and widely accepted criteria for defining when a person is 'intoxicated' adopting a structure of enforceable consequences for violations implementing procedures of unbiased enforcement using publicity to ensure that there is a perceived high risk of being caught and punished and developing the political will to support ongoing enforcement. Research can play a critical role in this process by: developing and validating criteria for defining intoxication based on observable behaviour documenting the harms arising from intoxication, including risk curves associated with different levels of intoxication estimating the policing, medical and social costs from intoxicated bar patrons and conducting studies of the cost-effectiveness of different interventions to reduce intoxication.
Drug testing, accuracy and harm reduction: A response to Barratt & Ezard
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 21-12-2016
DOI: 10.1111/ADD.13215
Reporting quantitative information in qualitative research: guidance for authors and reviewers
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 14-01-2014
DOI: 10.1111/ADD.12408
Introduction to a series
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 14-04-2008
Predictors of awareness of standard drink labelling and drinking guidelines to reduce negative health effects among Australian drinkers
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 03-02-2017
DOI: 10.1111/DAR.12383
Abstract: This study examined rates of awareness of standard drink labelling and drinking guidelines among Australian adult drinkers. Demographic predictors of these two outcomes were also explored. Online survey panel participants aged 18-45 years(n = 1061 mean age = 33.2 years) completed an online survey assessing demographics, alcohol consumption patterns, awareness of standard drink labels and the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) guidelines, and support for more detailed labels. The majority (80%) of participants had seen standard drink labels on alcohol products with younger drinkers, those from a regional/rural location and high-risk drinkers significantly more likely to have seen such labelling. Most respondents estimated at or below the maximum number of drinks stipulated in the NHMRC guidelines. However, their estimates of the levels for male drinkers were significantly higher than for female drinkers. High-risk drinkers were significantly less likely to provide accurate estimates, while those who had seen the standard drink logo were significantly more likely to provide accurate estimates of drinking levels to reduce the risk of long-term harms only. Just under three-quarters of respondents supported the inclusion of more information on labels regarding guidelines to reduce negative health effects. The current standard drink labelling approach fails to address high-risk drinkers. The inclusion of information about NHMRC guidelines on alcohol labels, and placing standard drink labelling on the front of products could improve awareness of what constitutes a standard drink and safe levels of consumption among Australian drinkers.[Kerri Coomber, Sandra C. Jones, Florentine Martino, Peter G. Miller. Predictors of awareness of standard drink labelling and drinking guidelines to reduce negative health effects among Australian drinkers. Drug Alcohol Rev 2017 :200-209].
Public opinion of alcohol industry corporate political activities
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2021
Association between Nightlife Goers’ Likelihood of an Alcohol Use Disorder and Their Preferred Bar’s Closing Time: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study in Perth, Australia
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 10-12-2021
Abstract: Introduction and aims: Associations between longer-term alcohol-related conditions and licensed outlet trading hours are not well understood. We investigated the association between nightlife-goers’ likelihood of an alcohol use disorder (AUD) and their preference for bars with special permits to remain open ‘late’ (i.e., spent more time there compared to any other venue) until 2 a.m. or 3 a.m. (Friday Saturday) or midnight (Sunday) compared to bars with ‘standard’ closing times of midnight (Friday Saturday) or 10 p.m. (Sunday). Design and methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in four major nightlife areas of Perth, Australia, in 2015–2016. We conducted weekend street intercept surveys outside bars between 8 p.m. and 3 a.m. and screened participants who reported alcohol use prior to the survey and spent more time in a bar than any other venue type (n = 667) regarding their past year drinking pattern using AUDIT-C (n = 459). We used gender-specific logistic regression models to estimate associations between AUDIT-C categories (1–4, low risk 5–7, hazardous 8–12, active AUD) and preference for bars with different closing times (late vs. standard). Results: A large proportion of participants were hazardous drinkers or had active AUD (83% males 65% females), and over half preferred a late to a standard closing bar. We found evidence of a positive association between preference for late closing bars and hazardous drinking females (OR = 3.48 95% CI 1.47–8.23 p = 0.01), but not for females with active AUD, male hazardous drinkers, nor males with active AUD. Discussion and conclusions: Our study adds new evidence on associations between likelihood of AUD among nightlife-goers and trading hours. With increasing international relaxation of trading hours, evidence that late closing bars may be preferred by hazardous drinking females will be of concern to policymakers wanting to curb alcohol-related harms in the community.
A renewed call for action on alcohol policy
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 08-04-2010
Vested interests, addiction research and public policy
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 14-12-2009
Association between Bar Closing Time, Alcohol Use Disorders and Blood Alcohol Concentration: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study of Nightlife-Goers in Perth, Australia
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 08-06-2022
Abstract: Introduction and aims: Associations between bar trading hours, a government lever for controlling alcohol availability, nightlife-goer intoxication levels and their likelihood of alcohol use disorder (AUD) have not been explored. We investigated whether: (i) participant AUD was associated with blood alcohol concentration (BAC) and, (ii) any association between AUD and BAC was moderated by participant preferred bar (i.e., venue spent most time at) closing time. Design and methods: A cross-sectional observational study using a s le of nightlife-goers who went out drinking in Perth, Western Australia, on weekends in 2015-16. Participants who reported alcohol use that night and spent most time in a bar (n = 667) completed street intercept surveys including AUDIT-C (n = 459) and provided a breath s le to estimate BAC (n = 651). We used gender-specific multinomial logistic regression models to explore associations between participant AUDIT-C score (1–4, lower risk 5–7, hazardous 8–12, active AUD), preferred bar type (standard vs. late closing time based on absence or presence of an extended trading permit) and BAC (male: 0–0.049, 0.05–0.099, ≥0.1 g/100 mL female: 0–0.049, 0.05–0.079, ≥0.08 g/100 mL). Results: Males with active AUD (RR = 3.31 95% CI 1.30–8.42 p = 0.01) and females with hazardous/active AUD (RR = 9.75 95% CI 2.78–34.21 p 0.001) were both more likely to have high-range BAC than their counterparts typically drinking at lower risk. We also found preferred bar type moderated the association between AUDIT-C score and BAC for some males but no females. Males with active AUD and high-range BAC were less likely to prefer late closing bars than males usually drinking at lower risk and high-range BAC (RR = 0.12 95% CI 0.02–0.96 p = 0.046). Discussion and conclusions: Our study provides evidence of positive associations between AUD and acute intoxication among nightlife-goers and on the moderating effect of bar closing times among males.
Community perceptions and experiences of alcohol-related crime and safety in entertainment precincts
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 10-2012
Do patron bans affect subsequent behaviour? An examination of pre‐ and post‐ban offending for barring notice and prohibition order recipients in Western Australia
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 12-03-2023
DOI: 10.1111/DAR.13633
Abstract: To explore whether receipt of either of two patron banning provisions currently used in Western Australia—in response to alcohol‐related disorderly and anti‐social behaviour—is associated with changes to subsequent offending. Western Australia Police de‐identified the offender records and associated data for 3440 in iduals who had received one or more police‐imposed barring notice/s between 2011 and 2020, and 319 in iduals who had received one or more prohibition orders between 2013 and 2020. The number of offences recorded for each recipient before and after the first notice/order were examined to understand the potential effect of both provisions upon subsequent offending. The low number of repeat barring notices (5% of the total) and prohibition orders (1% of the total) points to their general success. Analysis of offending records before and after receipt/expiry of either provision indicates that both have a generally positive effect on subsequent behaviours. For all barring notice recipients, 52% recorded no further offences and for all prohibition order recipients, 58% recorded no further offences. There was a less positive effect for the sub‐set of multiple ban recipients and prolific offenders. Barring notices and prohibition orders appear to have a generally positive effect on subsequent behaviours for the majority of recipients. More targeted interventions are recommended for repeat offenders, for whom patron banning provisions have a more limited effect.
A comparative study of blood alcohol concentrations in Australian night-time entertainment districts
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 07-2014
DOI: 10.1111/DAR.12145
Abstract: There is little research describing how intoxication levels change throughout the night in entertainment districts. This research aims to describe levels of alcohol intoxication across multiple Australian metropolitan and regional nightlife districts. This study was conducted in the night-time entertainment districts of three metropolitan cities (Sydney, Melbourne and Perth) and two regional cities (Wollongong and Geelong) in Australia. Data collection occurred approximately fortnightly in each city on a Friday or Saturday night between 8 pm and 5 am. Brief structured interviews (3-10 min) and breathalyser tests were undertaken in busy thoroughfares over six months. Of the 7037 in iduals approached to participate in the study, 6998 [61.8% male, mean age 24.89 years (standard deviation 6.37 range 18-73)] agreed to be interviewed. There was a linear increase in blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels throughout the night. Post hoc testing revealed significantly more highly intoxicated participants (i.e. BAC above 0.10 mg of alcohol per 100 mL of blood) after midnight (P < 0.05). The overall mean BAC was 0.06 mg/100 mL. Men were more intoxicated than women earlier in the night, but gender differences disappeared by 3 am. There was no age differences in intoxication earlier in the night, but after midnight, patrons over the age of 21 showed increasing BAC levels. There is a consistent trend across the cities of high to very high levels of intoxication later in the night, with trends after midnight being significantly different to those before.
The prospective impact of 10‐day patron bans on crime in Queensland's largest entertainment precincts
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 27-12-2021
DOI: 10.1111/DAR.13234
Abstract: Night‐time entertainment precincts (NEP) are the site of a disproportionate amount of alcohol‐related violence, injuries and anti‐social behaviour. To combat this the Queensland government introduced patron bans in October 2014, giving police the power to exclude in iduals from NEPs and preventing patrons from remaining in or entering the designated area or from designated premises for the ban duration. Mandatory identification scanners within licensed venues were also introduced, which are used to enforce patron bans. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of police‐issued 10‐day patron bans for preventing alcohol‐related violence or anti‐social behaviour occurring within NEPs during high‐alcohol hours. Queensland's largest NEPs Brisbane central business district, Fortitude Valley and Surfers Paradise central business district were examined. Time‐series autoregressive integrated moving average analyses were used to estimate the influence of 10‐day patron bans on police‐recorded serious assaults, common assaults and good order offences. Analyses controlled for the introduction of relevant policy and identification scanners. The number of police‐issued patron bans did not significantly predict changes in serious assault, common assault or good order offence trends the weekend following the ban (within the 10‐day period). The current study was unable to find evidence indicating that 10‐day patron bans reduced alcohol‐related harms experienced in Queensland's largest NEPs in the short term. Further research needs to be conducted examining other types of patron bans, particularly longer bans issued in other jurisdictions or by licensees, and whether bans change in idual's behaviour.
The regulation of research by funding bodies: An emerging ethical issue for the alcohol and other drug sector?
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2006
Barroom aggression among Australian tradesmen: associations with heavy episodic drinking, trait aggression, and conformity to masculine norms
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 06-07-2016
Harm reduction ethics: a promising basis for drug policy
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 11-2005
Dealing with Alcohol-related problems in the Night-Time Economy: A Study Protocol for Mapping trends in harm and stakeholder views surrounding local community level interventions
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 18-06-2011
Key informant perspectives on the enforcement of police‐imposed barring notices and prohibition orders in Western Australia
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 26-02-2023
DOI: 10.1111/DAR.13628
Abstract: In iduals who engage in problematic behaviours within Australian night‐time entertainment precincts can be banned from entering certain locations. Bans are expected to deter recipients, and prospective recipients, from further inappropriate behaviours. The collective effect is intended to reduce crime and increase community safety within entertainment precincts. This article explores key informant perspectives regarding the enforcement of two patron banning mechanisms (police barring notices and prohibition orders) used across Western Australia. Interviews were conducted with 54 participants, including licensees, venue staff, WA Police officers, ID scanner representatives, and Registered Training Organisations. Few participants opposed patron banning in principle, but most identified limitations within the current operation of both provisions. Concerns were expressed about the effectiveness of enforcement, linked to questions about the way in which banned patron information is currently shared and the practicalities of identifying recipients of bans. Suggestions included improved data‐sharing protocols and the wider use of ID scanners. With improvements to operational processes—particularly more effective sharing of banned patron data, and consideration of networked ID scanners—there is clear potential to improve the enforcement and increase the effectiveness of police barring notices and prohibition orders. This study is part of a wider project which has examined the use and effects of patron banning in WA. Additional findings are presented in further papers.
Patron banning policy and practice in Queensland, Australia: key informant perspectives
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 28-06-2022
DOI: 10.1057/S41300-022-00152-2
Abstract: This paper explores attitudes to and experiences of patron banning policy (which prohibits an in idual from entering a nightlife area or venue after engaging in anti-social behaviour) in Queensland, Australia. Key informant interviews were conducted with 66 participants from health, justice, industry, and government sectors across the state. Interviews were semi-structured, and transcripts were examined using thematic analysis. Overall, key informants reported that patron banning provisions helped to keep out customers who cause problems in venues and that ID scanners helped to enforce bans. There was some concern about displacement of banned patrons to other nightlife areas, the discretionary nature of venue bans, the potential for banning notices to be misused, and a general perception that police-imposed bans should be longer than the current 10 days. The majority of interviewees were supportive of patron banning and felt that it could (positively) affect patron behaviours. A number of recommendations were suggested to refine the framing and operation of Queensland’s banning policy.
Barroom aggression among Australian men: Associations with heavy episodic drinking, conformity to masculine norms, and personal and perceived peer approval of barroom aggression
Publisher: Alcohol Research Documentation, Inc.
Date: 05-2016
DOI: 10.15288/JSAD.2016.77.421
Abstract: Research suggests that heavy episodic drinking (HED), perceived peer norms, and personal approval of aggression influence male barroom aggression (MBA). Qualitative research suggests that conformity to hegemonic masculine gender norms also influences MBA however, quantitative research on the direct and indirect influence of masculinity on MBA is limited. This study tested the relationships between HED, conformity to masculine gender norms, and personal approval and peer approval of MBA on MBA perpetration, as well as the indirect effect of masculine norms on MBA via HED. A convenience s le of Australian men (N = 322 mean age = 21.05 years, SD = 1.95 76.9% university students) completed an online questionnaire, assessing HED and MBA over the previous year, and subscales of the Beliefs and Attitudes Towards Male Alcohol-Related Aggression Inventory and Conformity to Masculine Norms Inventory-46. Negative binomial regression analyses found that, overall, HED, male peer approval, and personal approval of MBA directly predicted increased risk of verbal and physical MBA perpetration. Greater conformity to specific masculine norms also increased (Power Over Women) and decreased (Emotional Control, Heterosexual Self-Presentation) risk of MBA perpetration. The masculine norms Risk Taking, Playboy, and Emotional Control were found to be indirect predictors of MBA via HED. Risk of MBA perpetration is increased primarily by HED as a direct, but also mediating, predictor. Personal and male peer approval of MBA, and specific masculine norms, further increase this risk whereas other masculine norms appear protective.
Audio-based Deep Learning Algorithm to Identify Alcohol Inebriation (ADLAIA)
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2023
Childhood Predictors of Adult Intimate Partner Violence Perpetration and Victimization
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 03-11-2023
DOI: 10.1007/S10896-022-00451-0
Abstract: This systematic review is a 5-year update of a previously conducted review on the longitudinal predictors of domestic violence perpetration and victimization. This review adopted the term ‘Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)’ to align with current literature and addressed two aims: to identify any novel longitudinal risk factors since the previous review, and to determine if a distinction could be drawn between risk factors for perpetration and victimization (a limitation identified by the previous review). Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria of prospectively investigating childhood/adolescent predictors (prior to age 18) for adulthood IPV perpetration and victimization. Peer-reviewed papers were identified via the following databases in November 2020: MEDLINE, APA PsycINFO, SocINDEX, EMBASE, and Scopus. Study quality was assessed using the Cambridge Quality Checklists. Consistent with the previous review, child and adolescent abuse, family of origin risks, child and adolescent behavioral problems, and adolescent peer risks were identified as significant predictors of IPV perpetration and victimization. The current review, however, adds nuance to these findings, identifying potential moderating and/or mediating factors and additional risk factors, including mental health and cultural and attitudinal risks. This review re-emphasizes the importance of developmental risk factors for adulthood IPV perpetration and victimization, and their role in prevention and intervention efforts.
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Amount: $150,000.00
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End Date: 06-2026
Amount: $475,770.00
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Amount: $154,177.00
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Amount: $199,172.00
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