ORCID Profile
0000-0001-6160-0235
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)
Health Policy | Public Health and Health Services not elsewhere classified | Public Health and Health Services | Social and Community Psychology
ANZSRC Socio-Economic Objective (SEO)
Substance Abuse | Public Services Policy Advice and Analysis |
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.
The impact of a minimum unit price on wholesale alcohol supply trends in the Northern Territory, Australia
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2021
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.
What is the role of tobacco control advertising intensity and duration in reducing adolescent smoking prevalence? Findings from 16 years of tobacco control mass media advertising in Australia
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 29-08-2013
DOI: 10.1136/TOBACCOCONTROL-2012-050945
Abstract: To examine how the intensity and duration of tobacco control advertising relate to adolescent smoking prevalence. Australian students (aged 12-17 years) participating in a national survey conducted triennially between 1993 and 2008 (s le size range 12 314-16 611). The outcome measure was students' smoking in the previous 4 weeks collected through anonymous, self-completed surveys. For each student, monthly targeted rating points (TRPs, a measure of television advertising exposure) for tobacco control advertising was calculated for the 3 and 12 months prior to surveying. For each time period, cumulative TRPs exposure and exposure to three intensity levels (≥100 TRPs/month ≥400 TRPs/month ≥800 TRPs/month) over increasing durations (eg, 1 month, 2 months, etc) were calculated. Logistic regression examined associations between TRPs and adolescent smoking after controlling for demographic and policy variables. Past 3-month cumulative TRPs were found to have an inverse relationship with smoking prevalence. Low TRPs exposure in the past 12 months was positively associated with adolescent smoking prevalence. However, smoking prevalence reduced with cumulative exposure levels above 5800 cumulative TRPs. Additionally, exposure to ≥400 TRPs/month and ≥800 TRPs/month were associated with reduced likelihood of smoking, although the duration needed for this effect differed for the two intensity levels. When intensity was ≥400 TRPs/month, the odds of smoking only reduced with continuous exposure. When intensity was ≥800 TRPs/month, exposure at levels less than monthly was associated with reductions in smoking prevalence. Both antismoking advertising intensity and duration are important for ensuring reductions in adolescent smoking prevalence.
Time series analysis of the impact of tobacco control policies on smoking prevalence among Australian adults, 2001–2011
Publisher: WHO Press
Date: 18-03-2014
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.
Adolescents' exposure to paid alcohol advertising on television and their alcohol use: Exploring associations during a 13-year period
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 06-07-2017
DOI: 10.1111/ADD.13873
Abstract: To determine (i) whether Australian adolescents' exposure to television alcohol advertisements changed between 1999 and 2011 and (ii) examine the association between television alcohol advertising and adolescent drinking behaviours. Cross-sectional surveys conducted every 3 years between 1999 and 2011. Analyses examined associations between advertising exposures and reported drinking. Five Australian major cities. Students aged 12-17 years participating in a triennial nationally representative school-based survey residing in the television advertising markets associated with the major cities (s le size range per survey: 12 644-16 004). Outcome measures were: drinking in the past month, past week and past-week risky drinking (5+ drinks on a day). The key predictor variable was past-month adolescent-directed alcohol advertising Targeted Rating Points (TRPs, a measure of television advertising exposure). Control measures included student-level characteristics, government alcohol-control advertising TRPs, road safety (drink-driving) TRPs and time of survey. Average monthly adolescent alcohol TRPs increased between 1999 (mean = 2371) to 2005 (mean = 2679) (P < 0.01) then decreased between 2005 and 2011: (mean = 880) (P < 0.01). Multi-level logistic regression analyses that adjusted for survey timing, student level factors and alcohol-control advertising variables showed a significant association between past-month alcohol TRPs and past-month drinking [odds ratio (OR) = 1.11, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.07-1.15), past-week drinking (OR = 1.10, 95% CI = 1.06-1.14) and past-week risky drinking (OR = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.09-1.22). Past-week risky drinking was associated inversely with road safety TRPs (OR = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.49-0.98). While Australian adolescents' exposure to alcohol advertising on television reduced between 1999 and 2011, higher levels of past-month television alcohol advertising were associated with an increased likelihood of adolescents' drinking. The reduction in television alcohol advertising in Australia in the late 2000s may have played a part in reducing adolescents' drinking prevalence.
Alcohol use in family, domestic and other violence: Findings from a cross‐sectional survey of the Australian population
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 03-04-2019
DOI: 10.1111/DAR.12925
Abstract: The link between alcohol and experience of violence is well-documented, but there is a paucity of empirical research on the role of alcohol specifically in family and domestic violence (FDV) in Australia. The aim of the current study was to describe the relationship between alcohol use and FDV in the Australian population, and to examine key differences between three different types of violence: family violence, intimate partner violence (IPV) and other violence. An online panel survey was conducted using a stratified random s ling design. In total, 5118 respondents were included, of whom 44.5% reported experiencing violence in their lifetime, and 6.0% reported recent (past year) experience of violence. Recent violent incidents were comprised of IPV (41.8%), family violence (13.1%) and other violence (45.1%). Approximately one-third of all violent incidents experienced (either as a victim or perpetrator) were alcohol-related, and 37.8% of respondents who experienced IPV and 27.8% of those who experienced family violence reported past year heavy-episodic drinking. Alcohol use was associated with higher rates of physical violence and injury at IPV incidents. Alcohol consumed at IPV incidents was most often purchased from a supermarket liquor store (37.0%) and consumed at the respondent's home, regardless of the distance between the purchase location and incident location. This study found that alcohol is frequently involved in FDV incidents, particularly IPV. Alcohol use was associated with a higher chance of physical violence and of injury at IPV incidents.
Driving change: A partnership study protocol using shared emergency department data to reduce alcohol-related harm
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 14-03-2019
Abstract: Sharing anonymised ED data with community agencies to reduce alcohol-related injury and assaults has been found effective in the UK. This protocol document outlines the design of an Australian multi-site trial using shared, anonymised ED data to reduce alcohol-related harm. Nine hospitals will participate in a 36 month stepped-wedge cluster randomised trial. After a 9 month baseline period, EDs will be randomised in five groups, clustered on geographic proximity, to commence the intervention at 3 monthly intervals. 'Last-drinks' data regarding alcohol use in the preceding 12 h, typical alcohol consumption amount, and location of alcohol purchase and consumption, are to be prospectively collected by ED triage nurses and clinicians at all nine EDs as a part of standard clinical process. Brief information flyers will be delivered to all ED patients who self-report risky alcohol consumption. Public Health Interventions to be conducted are: (i) information sharing with venues (via letter), and (ii) with police and other community agencies, and (iii) the option for public release of 'Top 5' venue lists. Primary outcomes will be: (i) the number and proportion of ED attendances among patients reporting recent alcohol use and (ii) the number and proportion of ED attendances during high-alcohol hours (Friday and Saturday nights, 20.00-06.00 hours) assigned an injury diagnosis. Process measures will assess logistical and feasibility concerns, and clinical impacts of implementing this systems-change model in an Australian context. An economic cost-benefit analysis will evaluate the economic impact, or return on investment.
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.
Investigating and validating methods of monitoring foot-traffic in night-time entertainment precincts in Australia
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.DRUGPO.2019.01.009
Abstract: Assaults occur frequently in night-time entertainment precincts (NEPs), with rates typically reported using estimated resident population. However, this form of reporting does not accurately represent the number of people within the NEP at the time of an assault or potential fluctuations in density throughout the course of the night. As such, the aim of this study was to assess multiple methods of obtaining an accurate estimate of hourly foot-traffic within NEPs. The validity and reliability of three types of foot traffic counters were assessed. A passive-infrared sensor and two different types of smartphone sensor were installed at two sites in Australia from 2016 to 2018, ongoing (pilot phase: 2016-2017 validation phase: 2018). Researchers also manually counted the number of people walking past through the range of two of these sensors across the course of Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights between 8 pm to 2am. Results show a similar trend between the smartphone counts, the sensor counts, and the manual counts however there was notable variability (43%-267% compared with manual counts). Analysis showed that all measures were significantly positively correlated. Reliable counting of the number of people attending nightlife precincts is an important element of ongoing studies into nightlife settings and associated rates of harm. There are multiple methods of estimating fluctuations in foot traffic within a NEP, however, determining the most appropriate method to use requires consideration of the proximity of pathways in the area, budget constraints, and project aims. Of the methods tested, laptop WiFi traffic monitoring programs functioned the least consistently. Specifically designed smartphone sensors overcame this issue however, they required dedicated power sources. The current study found infrared scanners appeared to be the most accurate across sites additionally they functioned consistently, and were the simplest method to setup and maintain.
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.
How has alcohol advertising in traditional and online media in Australia changed? Trends in advertising expenditure 1997-2011
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 19-06-2015
DOI: 10.1111/DAR.12286
Abstract: The aim of this study was to determine changes in advertising expenditures across eight media channels for the four main alcohol beverage types and alcohol retailers in Australia. Yearly advertising expenditures between January 1997 and December 2011 obtained from a leading media-monitoring company. Media channels assessed were: free-to-air television, newspapers, magazines, radio, outdoors (billboards), cinema, direct mail (from 2005) and online (from 2008). Data were categorised into alcohol retailers (e.g. supermarkets, off-licences) or four alcoholic beverage types (beer, wine, spirits, premixed spirits/cider). Regression analyses examined associations between year and expenditure. Total alcohol advertising expenditure peaked in 2007, then declined to 2011 (P = 0.02). Television advertising expenditure declined between 2000 and 2011 (P < 0.001), while outdoor advertising expenditure increased between 1997 and 2007. Alcohol retailers' advertising expenditure increased over time (P < 0.001), and from the mid-2000s exceeded expenditure for any single beverage category. For both beer and spirits, television advertising expenditure declined over time (beer: P < 0.001 spirits: P < 0.001) while outdoor advertising expenditure increased (beer: P < 0.001 spirits: P = 0.02). However, the number of advertised beer (P < 0.001), spirits (P < 0.001) and wine (P = 0.01) products increased over time. Retailers are playing an increasing role in advertising alcohol. As our study excluded non-traditional advertising media (e.g. sponsorships, in-store) we cannot determine whether declines in television advertising have been offset by increases in advertising in newer media channels. However, our findings that media channels used for alcohol advertising have changed over time highlights the need for adequate controls on alcohol advertising in all media channels. [White V, Faulkner A, Coomber K, Azar D, Room R, Livingston M, Chikritzhs T, Wakefield M. How has alcohol advertising in traditional and online media in Australia changed? Trends in advertising expenditure 1997-2011. Drug Alcohol Rev 2015]2015 :521-530.
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.
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.
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
Adolescents’ alcohol use and strength of policy relating to youth access, trading hours and driving under the influence: findings from Australia
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 21-02-2018
DOI: 10.1111/ADD.14164
Abstract: To determine (i) whether the strength of Australian alcohol control policy in three domains (youth access, trading hours and drink driving) changed during the 2000s and (ii) estimate associations between these policies and adolescent drinking after adjusting for television alcohol advertising exposures, alcohol outlet density, alcohol price changes, exposure to negative articles about alcohol in daily newspapers and adult drinking prevalence. Repeated cross-sectional surveys conducted triennially from 2002 to 2011. Multi-level modelling examined the association between alcohol control policies and drinking prevalence after adjusting for covariates. Four Australian capital cities between 2002 and 2011. Students aged 12-17 years participating in a triennial national representative school-based survey (s le size range/survey: 9805-13 119). Outcome measures were: past month drinking and risky drinking (5+ drinks on a day) in the past 7 days. Policy strength in each of three domains (youth access, trading hours, drink-driving) were the key predictor variables. Covariates included: past 3-month television alcohol and alcohol-control advertising, alcohol outlet density, alcohol price change, negatively framed newspaper alcohol articles, adult drinking prevalence and student demographic characteristics. During the study period, the strength of youth access policies increased by 10%, trading hours policies by 14% and drink-driving policies by 58%. Past-month and risky drinking prevalence decreased (e.g. past-month: 2002: 47.4% to 2011: 26.3%). Multivariable analyses that included all policy variables and adjusted for year, student and other covariates showed past-month drinking to be associated inversely with stronger trading hours policies [odds ratio (OR) = 0.80, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.69, 0.94], but not youth access (OR = 0.92 95% CI = 0.81, 1.04) or drink-driving (OR = 1.00, 95% CI = 0.93, 1.09). Risky drinking was associated inversely with stronger youth access policies (OR = 0.82, 95% CI = 0.69, 0.98), but not trading hours (OR = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.66, 1.09) or drink-driving (OR = 1.02, 95% CI = 0.90, 1.14) policies. Population-directed policies designed to reduce alcohol availability and promotion may reduce adolescents' alcohol use.
The Impact of Twenty Four-Hour Public Transport in Melbourne, Australia: An Evaluation of Alcohol-Related Harms
Publisher: Alcohol Research Documentation, Inc.
Date: 05-2019
A Qualitative Investigation of Australian Young Adult Responses to Pictorial and Graphic Alcohol Product Warnings
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 07-07-2017
Abstract: This qualitative study aimed to understand whether pictorial and graphic alcohol warnings would be an effective intervention to reduce alcohol-related harms among young adult drinkers. Four focus groups ( n = 26) were conducted examining impressions, reactions, and thoughts about five pictorial warnings and five graphic warnings. Students (58% female) from Melbourne, Australia, aged 18 to 25 years who consumed alcohol participated. The warnings used in this study elicited strong negative emotional reactions, including avoidance. While the use of images increased the salience of the warnings, participants discussed the likelihood of habituation, indicating warning rotation is needed. Targeted messages and statistics appealed to the participants. However, they were unlikely to change their drinking behavior due to the warnings. Consistent with tobacco warning literature, and in line with behavior change and message persuasion theory, warning labels with photographic images and targeted statistics were found to have the most persuasive impact against risky drinking within this s le.
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
Perceptions of Carer Burden: Differences Between Individuals With an Eating Disorder and Their Carer
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 2013
DOI: 10.1080/10640266.2013.741966
Abstract: Carer burden in eating disorders is considerable, but to date no research has examined carer burden from the perspective of the person with an eating disorder. The current brief report assessed carer burden with a short questionnaire, as perceived by 20 matched pairs of sufferers and their carers. Those with an eating disorder significantly underestimated the overall burden experienced by their carer, particularly in relation to nutritional difficulties and conflict within the family. Domains where carers and sufferers had high agreement may be useful in facilitating collaborative involvement between sufferers and carers in treatment, such as multi-family therapy.
Comparing levels of blood alcohol concentration and indicators of impairment in nightlife patrons
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 07-12-2017
DOI: 10.1111/DAR.12639
Abstract: Breathalyser estimate of blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is widely used as an objective intoxication measure, but is not always practical in nightlife contexts. This study uses in situ data collected in nightlife environments to explore how four measures of intoxication are related so as to inform the development of a more practical and reliable method of differentiating intoxication for people working in the night-time economy. Nightlife patron interviews were conducted in five Australian cities. Participants completed demographic questions and were asked about current session (past 12 h) alcohol use, and four different measures of intoxication were assessed: BAC, participant's self-reported intoxication (0-10), interviewer rating of the participant's intoxication (0-10) and interviewer-rated number of the participants' of physical signs of intoxication. A total of 7028 patrons were surveyed and n = 5273 included in analysis. Mean age was 23.9 years (SD = 6.36) 61.5% were male. There was a significant difference in occurrence of all observable intoxication symptoms across differing levels of BAC (P < 0.001). All visible symptoms became more common as intoxication increased, except for talking very quickly/talkative and giggly symptoms. As BAC levels increase, the extent of the disagreement between self-rated and interviewer-rated intoxication measures widens. Exhibiting four or more visible intoxication symptoms emerged as a reliable method for observers to identify intoxicated patrons. As BAC increases, people become worse at estimating their own intoxication, but sober observers remain relatively accurate. Findings provide support for efforts to strengthen and enforce responsible service of alcohol.
The association between alcohol outlet density and alcohol use among urban and regional Australian adolescents
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 09-10-2016
DOI: 10.1111/ADD.13143
Abstract: While recent evidence suggests that higher alcohol outlet density is associated with greater alcohol use among adolescents, influence of the four main outlet types on youth drinking within urban and regional communities is unknown. This study provides the first investigation of this relationship. Repeated cross-sectional surveys with random s les of secondary students clustered by school. Mixed-effects logistic regression analyses examined the association between each outlet type and the drinking outcomes, with interaction terms used to test urban/regional differences. Australia, 2002-11. Respondents participating in a triennial survey (aged 12-17 years) 44 897 from urban settings, 23 311 from regional settings. The key outcome measures were past month alcohol use, risky drinking among all students and risky drinking among past week drinkers. For each survey year, students were assigned a postcode-level outlet density (number of licences per 1000 population) for each outlet type (general, on-premise, off-premise, clubs). Interaction terms revealed a significant association between off-premises outlet density and risky drinking among all adolescents in urban (odds ratio = 1.36, 95% confidence interval CI = 1.05-1.75, P < 0.05) but not regional areas. Similarly, club density was associated with the drinking outcomes in urban communities only. General and on-premises density was associated with alcohol use and risky drinking among all adolescents. Higher densities of general, on- and off-premises outlets in an adolescent's immediate neighbourhood are related to increased likelihood of alcohol consumption among all adolescents. The density of licensed clubs is associated more strongly with drinking for urban than for regional adolescents.
Promoting cervical screening after introduction of the human papillomavirus vaccine: The effect of repeated mass media campaigns
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 03-2013
Abstract: In 2007, Australia implemented an ongoing, school-based human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination programme for school-aged girls, and a catch-up programme for 18–26-year-old women that ran until the end of 2009. The availability of what is widely known as the ‘cervical cancer vaccine’ means there is the potential for women to believe, incorrectly, that they no longer require regular cervical screening, and this risk needs to be addressed. The current study aimed to assess the effect of three mass media c aigns to promote cervical screening on the rate of cervical screening tests in the Australian state of Victoria, after HPV vaccine became available. Seasonal time series assessed the effect of media c aigns broadcast in 2007, 2009 and 2010 on the rate of weekly cervical screening tests in Victorian women from 2006 to 2010, stratified by time since last screening test. The 2007 and 2009 media c aigns significantly increased the number of cervical screening tests per week. The 2007 c aign had a significant impact on lapsed screeners ( months since last test), overdue screeners (28–36 months since last test), and women never previously screened. The 2009 c aign significantly increased screening tests for overdue screeners, and the 2010 media c aign was associated with a significant increase in screening tests for lapsed screeners. A well-researched and carefully pretested television advertising c aign with accurate, actionable messages can elicit appropriate screening behaviour among some of the appropriate groups even in a changed environment of complex, and potentially competing, messages.
Short-term changes in quitting-related cognitions and behaviours after the implementation of plain packaging with larger health warnings: findings from a national cohort study with Australian adult sm
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 25-02-2015
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
Are quitting-related cognitions and behaviours predicted by proximal responses to plain packaging with larger health warnings? Findings from a national cohort study with Australian adult smokers
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 25-02-2015
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
Alcohol Accessibility and Family Violence-related Ambulance Attendances
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 18-01-2021
Abstract: There is substantial evidence supporting the association between alcohol license density and violent crime. However, the impact of different types of alcohol licenses on intimate partner and family violence is sparse. We explored the associations between access to alcohol outlets, and family and intimate partner violence using paramedic clinical records, given this service is often the first to respond to acute crises. Coded ambulance attendance data from 694 postcodes in Victoria, Australia, from July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2018 where alcohol or another drug, mental health or self-harm associated with family or intimate partner violence was indicated were examined. A hybrid model of spatial autoregressive and negative binomial zero-inflated Poisson-based count regression models was used to examine associations with alcohol outlet density and socioeconomic factors. We found that access to a liquor license outlet was significantly associated with family violence-related attendances across all types of outlets, including on-premise (late night) licenses ( β = 1.73, SE: 0.18), restaurant licenses ( β = 0.83, SE: 0.28), and packaged liquor licenses ( β = 0.62, SE: 0.06). Our results demonstrate a significant relationship between alcohol-related harms in the context of family violence and provides evidence of the relationship between alcohol-related family violence in both victims and perpetrators. The findings of this study highlight the need for public health interventions such as licensing policy and town planning changes to reduce these harms by restricting alcohol availability.
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.
Australian adult smokers’ responses to plain packaging with larger graphic health warnings 1 year after implementation: results from a national cross-sectional tracking survey
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 25-02-2015
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.
Estimating the impact of the minimum alcohol price on consumers’ alcohol expenditure in the Northern Territory, Australia
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2023
Impulsivity, masculine norms and patron pre-drinking levels in Queensland
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2023
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
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.
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.
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.
In order to assess the impact of home delivery expansion within Australia, researchers need regulators to collect and share data on sales
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 27-03-2023
DOI: 10.1111/DAR.13648
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.
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.
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.
Correlates of verbal and physical aggression among patrons of licensed venues in Australia
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 25-04-2018
DOI: 10.1111/DAR.12552
Abstract: The current study aimed to examine the association between patron demographics and substance use, and experiences of verbal and physical aggressive incidents within the last 3 months among patrons of night-time entertainment precincts (NEP) in Australia. Patron interviews (n = 4216) were conducted around licensed venues in the NEPs of five Australian cities. Seven correlates of verbal and physical aggressive incidents were examined: gender, age, occupation, blood alcohol concentration, pre-drinking, energy drink use and illicit drug use in the current session. A total of 7.5% and 8.2% of respondents reported involvement in a verbally and physically aggressive incident in the past 3 months, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression models indicated men and people <25 years old were significantly more likely to report both verbal and physical aggressive incidents. A significant occupation effect showed lower levels of both verbal and physical aggression in managers rofessionals compared with non-office workers. The likelihood of being involved in a verbally aggressive incident significantly increased with energy drink consumption, while the likelihood of being involved in a physically aggressive incident significantly increased with blood alcohol concentration, energy drink consumption and illicit drug use. This study highlights the different correlates of verbal and physical aggression within NEPs, suggesting they should be viewed as distinct types of violence, rather than points on a continuum. Major modifiable correlates with verbal and physical aggression included intoxication, energy drink consumption, and illicit drug use, suggesting the need for further interventions and policy development to address these key issues. [Hyder S, Coomber K, Pennay A, Droste N, Curtis A, Mayshak R, Lam T, Gilmore W, Chikritzhs T, Miller PG. Correlates of verbal and physical aggression among patrons of licensed venues in Australia. Drug Alcohol Rev 2018 :6-13].
Trends Across the Night in Patronage, Intoxication, and Licensed Venue Characteristics in Five Australian Cities
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 30-05-2017
DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2017.1302955
Abstract: While alcohol-related harm is reportedly greater on weekend evenings, research investigating trends in the intoxication levels of patrons and factors that increase risk of harm over the night is lacking. The aim was to observe trends over the course of the night for patron demographics, venue characteristics and patron intoxication. Observations of licensed venues and patrons in night-time entertainment districts of five Australian cities were conducted. In total, 798 observations occurred between 9 pm and 2 am on Friday and Saturday nights across 61 unique bars, nightclubs, and pubs. Patron characteristics such as gender and percentage of patrons under 25 years of age were estimated. Measures of venue characteristics included number of patrons, percentage venue capacity, ease of patron movement, bar crowding, and time to service. Measures of intoxication included the percentage of patrons showing any signs of alcohol intoxication, percentage of patrons too intoxicated to remain in the venue, overall level of intoxication, and percentage of patrons showing signs of drug use. Patron capacity increased across the night, peaking at 11 pm in bars, and 1 am in nightclubs. Patron intoxication measures increased for all venue types across the night. Patrons showed more signs of drug use in nightclubs than other venue types. Increasing intoxication and decreasing patron numbers later in the night provides support for restricted trading hours and improved responsible service of alcohol policies. Specific venue types should be targeted to reduce drug use in the night-time economy.
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.
Graphic health warnings on cigarette packs: How long before the effects on adolescents wear out?
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 19-09-2015
DOI: 10.1093/NTR/NTU184
Abstract: To examine the long-term impact of graphic health-warning labels (GHWL) on adolescents' cognitive processing of warning labels and cigarette pack perceptions. Cross-sectional school-based surveys of students aged 13-17 years residing in urban centers, conducted prior to GHWL introduction (2005) and 6 months (2006), 2 years (2008), and 5 years (2011) post-GHWL introduction. Students who had seen a cigarette pack in the previous 6 months or in 2006, who had seen GHWL were included in analyses (2005 n = 2,560 2006 n = 1,306 2008 n = 2,303 2011 n = 2,716). Smoking stage, reported exposure to cigarette packs, cognitive processing of GHWL, and positive and negative perceptions of pack image were assessed. While cognitive processing of GHWL in 2006 and 2008 was greater than 2005 (p < .01), by 2011 scores had returned to 2005 levels. This pattern of change was consistent across smoking status groups. Pack image perceptions became more negative over time among all students, irrespective of smoking experience. While positive pack image ratings were lower in all subsequent years than 2005, the 2008 rating was higher than 2006 (p < .01). A significant interaction between survey time and smoking status (p < .01) showed that significant increases in positive pack ratings after 2006 only occurred among current and experimental smokers. When novel, GHWL on cigarette packs increase cognitive processing among adolescents. However, this effect diminishes after 5 years, suggesting more regular message refreshment is needed. Australia's adoption of plain packaging is intended to undermine positive pack appeal and increase warning salience.
A longitudinal examination of burden and psychological distress in carers of people with an eating disorder
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 08-06-2013
DOI: 10.1007/S00127-012-0524-7
Abstract: Eating disorders are chronic conditions that require ongoing, high level care. Despite the chronic nature of eating disorders, to date, previous research examining eating disorder carer burden and psychological distress has been cross-sectional only. Therefore, the current study aimed to conduct a preliminary longitudinal examination of the predictors of carer burden and psychological distress for carers of those with an eating disorder. A self-report, quantitative questionnaire approach was utilised. Forty-two carers completed three self-report questionnaires over a period of 9 months (initial, 4½ and 9 months) assessing carer burden, psychological distress, carer needs, expressed emotion, coping strategies and social support. Maladaptive coping, expressed emotion and carer needs were significant longitudinal predictors of carer burden. Carer psychological distress could not be predicted longitudinally. In order to reduce carer burden, interventions should test whether reducing maladaptive coping strategies, expressed emotion and addressing carer needs lead to lower carer burden and distress.
Analysis of alcohol industry submissions against marketing regulation
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 24-01-2017
Short-term changes in nightlife attendance and patron intoxication following alcohol restrictions in Queensland, Australia 11 Medical and Health Sciences 1117 Public Health and Health Services
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-11-2018
Aggression and violence at ambulance attendances where alcohol, illicit and/or pharmaceutical drugs were recorded: A 5-year study of ambulance records in Victoria, Australia
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.DRUGALCDEP.2019.107685
Abstract: This study describes the frequency and characteristics of aggression and/or violence in ambulance attendances involving alcohol, illicit and/or pharmaceutical drug use in Victoria, Australia between January 2012 and January 2017. Patient characteristics, context, and substance use involvement in ambulance attendances were examined to determine associations with attendances where aggression and/or violence was recorded. There were 205,178 ambulance attendances where use of alcohol, pharmaceutical drugs or illicit substances contributed to the reason for the attendance. Paramedics recorded acts of aggression and/or violence in 11,813 (5.76 %) of these attendances. Aggression/violence was more likely to be recorded in certain contexts. Compared with attendances where aggression/violence was not recorded, attendances where aggression/violence was recorded were significantly more likely to involve younger and male patients, and occur on Friday and Saturday nights. Alcohol intoxication was involved in more than half of attendances where aggression/violence was recorded, and was almost twice as prevalent as those involving illicit drug use where aggression/violence was recorded. This pattern was consistent across all hours, high-alcohol hours only, by metropolitan/regional location, and by police co-attendance. Aggression and violence are frequently recorded in ambulance attendances involving alcohol, pharmaceutical drugs or illicit substances, and, most often involve alcohol. This violence poses a recurring threat to the health and safety of paramedics, bystanders, and patients. Greater priority should be given to reducing alcohol-related violence through evidence-based policy measures targeting high-risk groups (e.g. young adult males) and contexts (e.g. weekends, late at night) where harm is most likely to occur.
Targeting at-risk samples through brief face-to-face interviews in night-time entertainment precincts
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 04-12-2018
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].
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.
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.
Coping strategies and social support as predictors and mediators of eating disorder carer burden and psychological distress
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 24-04-2012
DOI: 10.1007/S00127-011-0384-6
Abstract: Caring for someone with an eating disorder is associated with a high level of burden and psychological distress. While models for the prediction of carer burden have previously been investigated, these have typically neglected the role of coping strategies and social support. Thus, the current study will examine predictors of both carer burden and carer psychological distress in eating disorder carers. Further, the mediating roles of coping strategies and social support will be investigated. Fifty-six carers completed a self-report questionnaire assessing burden, psychological distress, needs, expressed emotion, coping strategies and social support. Use of maladaptive coping strategies was a unique predictor of both burden and psychological distress. Further, maladaptive coping was a consistent mediator on the outcome of carer burden. Social support, however, did not significantly predict, or mediate, carer burden. Interventions focusing on teaching appropriate coping strategies would benefit carers.
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.
A mapping review of evaluations of alcohol policy restrictions targeting alcohol-related harm in night-time entertainment precincts
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2018
DOI: 10.1016/J.DRUGPO.2018.09.012
Abstract: Alcohol-related harm in night-time entertainment precincts (NEPs) is disproportionately high for the amount of alcohol consumed within these areas. Previous evaluations of alcohol restrictions targeting NEPs have often looked at restrictions in isolation and not attempted to create a comprehensive theoretical explanation that takes multiple restrictions into account. The aim of this review is to establish which restrictions have been adequately evaluated in previous literature, and to identify any research which may provide the basis for a theoretical model that explains the interactions between different alcohol restrictions in NEPs and their combined impact on alcohol-related-harm. A mapping review was conducted to plot evaluations of the effectiveness of different alcohol restrictions in NEPs at reducing assault and injury rates (protocol PROSPERO 2017: CRD42017069773). Six databases and 145 websites were searched, results were categorised based on the type of restrictions evaluated: Outlet density, trading hours, lockouts, price, patron bans, and drinks restrictions. Forty-eight articles were identified out of 20,743 returned by the systematic search. Thirty-five of these papers were original works, and 13 reviews. Outlet density was examined in 15 of the papers, trading hours in 30, lockouts in 21, price in 2, patron bans in 7 and drinks restrictions in 15. No pre-existing theoretical models were identified. Outlet density, trading hours, and price restrictions all had evidence that suggested high levels of effectiveness in NEPs and would be suitable for inclusion in a theoretical model. More research is required before attempting to include lockouts, patron bans and drinks restrictions in a theoretical model. Future research should focus on establishing a theoretical model based on evidence of effective alcohol restrictions and gathering an evidence base for under-researched restrictions.
Lessons from Queensland's last-drinks legislation: The use of extended trading permits
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 16-04-2018
DOI: 10.1111/DAR.12701
Abstract: The association between alcohol availability, alcohol consumption and, in turn, alcohol-related harms is well established. Policies to reduce alcohol-related harms focus on limiting accessibility through the regulation of the liquor industry, including trading hours. On 1 July 2016, the Queensland Government introduced legislation to reduce ordinary liquor trading hours, replacing 5 am closing times with 3 am cessation of liquor sales in designated entertainment precincts and 2 am cessation of sales across the rest of the state. However, the amendment was under-inclusive and did not apply to temporary extended trading permits, a provision of the Liquor Act 1992 allowing one-off variations in trading hours for special events. We use 24 months of data (1 January 2015 to 31 December 2016) from the Office of Liquor Gaming and Regulation to explore patterns of extended trading permit use across Queensland, pre- and post- 1 July 2016. We find that following the Amendment in 2016 there was also a distinct shift in the utilisation of temporary extended trading permits, with a 63% increase in approved permits between 2015 and 2016. Temporal clustering around key calendar events dissipated following 1 July 2016 with consistent concentration of permit utilisation over consecutive weeks. Using temporary extended trading permits venue owners avoided earlier closing times and continued to operate until 5 am. The findings provide lessons for future policy implementation by illustrating the capacity for under-inclusive legislation to result in the dilution of intended effects.
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
Unconvincing and ineffective: Young adult responses to current Australian alcohol product warnings
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 06-2018
DOI: 10.1111/AJPY.12177
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 role of sisters in body image dissatisfaction and disordered eating
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-04-2008
An investigation of the psychometric properties of the Eating Disorder Symptom Impact Scale within an Australian sample
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 06-2013
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 liquor restrictions on serious assaults across Queensland, Australia
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 08-11-2019
Abstract: Aims: This study aimed to explore the relationship between a 00:00 liquor restriction, introduced on 1 July 2016, and alcohol-related harm by examining its impact on serious assault numbers during high-alcohol hours (20:00–6:00 Friday and Saturday night), from 1 January 2009 to 30 June 2018. Methods: Two types of locations only impacted by the liquor restriction were identified: designated safe night precincts (SNPs) and other local government areas (LGAs). A times series autoregressive integrated moving average analysis was used to estimate the influence of liquor restrictions on police-recorded serious assaults in the two years following the policy introduction, for SNPs and LGAs separately. Results: Contrarily to our predictions, monthly police-recorded serious assaults did not significantly change within SNPs or LGAs following the introduction of liquor restrictions. Conclusion: The implementation of the Queensland liquor restriction did not result in a clear, unique reduction in serious assault trends. Further investigation should consider the impact of liquor restrictions in conjunction with other policy changes as public perception of restrictions and their cumulative impact may produce varied outcomes.
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.
Did smokers shift from small mixed businesses to discount outlets following the introduction of plain packaging in Australia? A national cross-sectional survey: Table 1
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 25-02-2015
The Role of Illicit Drug Use in Family and Domestic Violence in Australia
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 11-04-2019
Abstract: Drug use has been shown to interact in complex ways with the occurrence and prevalence of family and domestic violence (FDV), with illicit drug use being associated with an increased risk for FDV. The current study aims to extend upon the literature by investigating the role of illicit drugs in intimate partner violence (IPV), family violence (FV), and other violence (violence between people other than partners or family) within a representative Australian s le ( n = 5,118). Participants were recruited through an online survey panel and completed an online self-report survey assessing the role of alcohol and other drugs on violence, with a specific focus on FDV. Binary logistic regression showed that respondents who reported having used any illicit drug in the past 12 months (with or without alcohol use) had over three times the odds of experiencing any violence in the past 12 months (OR = 3.18, 95% confidence interval (CI) = [2.25, 4.48]) compared with those not using illicit drugs. Furthermore, drug involvement in FDV (IPV or FV) was significantly more likely than other violent incident types (OR = 1.65, 95% CI = [1.25, 2.19]). For the most recent FDV incident, age group was the only significant demographic predictor of drug involvement at this incident younger age groups were over twice as likely to report drug involvement than those over 65 years of age. Drug involvement at the most recent FDV incident was also associated with over twice the odds of injury (OR = 2.38, 95% CI = [1.67, 3.38]) and significantly greater negative life impact. The findings that drug use increases both the risk for and impact of FDV indicate the need for policy that advocates for interventions addressing both drug use and violence in combination.
Coercive Controlling Behaviors and Reporting Physical Intimate Partner Violence in Australian Women: An Exploration
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 28-01-2021
Abstract: This study explores two approaches to measuring coercive controlling behaviors (CCBs)—counting how many different CCB types and examining the frequency of each CCB experienced—to examine their utility in explaining the relationship between CCBs and physical intimate partner violence (IPV). Australian women aged 18–68 years ( n = 739 M age = 31.58, SD age = 11.76) completed an online survey. Count and frequency CCB approaches yielded similar significant associations with increased physical IPV. Both approaches suggest that frightening behaviors in particular are significantly indicative of also experiencing physical IPV however, when you count CCB types, public name-calling becomes important, whereas when you examine the frequency of each CCB type, jealousy ossessiveness becomes important. These findings suggest differential utility between measures of CCBs, which examine the frequency of specific CCB types and which count CCB types, and that both approaches are useful in understanding how coercion and control relate to physical violence within intimate relationships.
Standardised packaging and new enlarged graphic health warnings for tobacco products in Australia—legislative requirements and implementation of theTobacco Plain Packaging Act 2011and theCom
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 25-02-2015
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.
Use of illicit tobacco following introduction of standardised packaging of tobacco products in Australia: results from a national cross-sectional survey
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 25-02-2015
Awareness and correlates of short-term and long-term consequences of alcohol use among Australian drinkers
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2017
Abstract: To investigate awareness of short-term and long-term consequences of alcohol use among a s le of Australian adult drinkers. Demographic correlates of the awareness of each consequence were also explored. Participants aged 18-45 years (n=1,061 mean age=33.2 years) drawn from an online panel completed a web-based survey assessing demographics, awareness of alcohol warning labels, and awareness of seven short-term and 12 long-term consequences of alcohol use. The level of awareness of short- and long-term consequences ranged from 16% (breast cancer) to 69% (low coordination and slower reflexes). The study found consistent differences in awareness of consequences by gender, with some differences for specific consequences by age, education, SES, rurality and awareness of alcohol warning labels. Most consumers lack a sufficient understanding of the potential consequences of alcohol use. Particular subgroups of drinkers may not equate drinking with negative consequences. Implications for public health: Front-of-label alcohol warnings on all products and public health and education c aigns presenting messages targeting subgroups of drinkers could increase awareness of short- and long-term negative health and social effects of alcohol use.
Changes in use of types of tobacco products by pack sizes and price segments, prices paid and consumption following the introduction of plain packaging in Australia
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 25-02-2015
Related Organisations
Related Funding Activities
Drug And Alcohol Intoxication And Subsequent Harm In Night-time Entertainment Districts (DASHED)
Start Date: 2015
End Date: 2016
Funder: National Drug Law Enforcement Research Fund
View Funded ActivityQUeensland Alcohol-related Violence And Night Time Economy Monitoring Project (QUANTEM)
Start Date: 2017
End Date: 2019
Funder: Queensland Government
View Funded ActivityAn Assessment Of Late Night Alcohol Restrictions In Queensland
Start Date: 2016
End Date: 2019
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded ActivityLinkage Projects - Grant ID: LP160100067
Start Date: 11-2016
End Date: 12-2022
Amount: $400,500.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded Activity