CIGARETTE-STYLE health warnings for alcohol could raise awareness about the dangers of consumption among younger drinkers, according to a new study.
The paper, funded by Alcohol Focus Scotland and published in the journal Addiction Research and Theory, provides an insight into perceptions of warnings on packaging, particularly in Scotland, of those aged between 18 and 35. Researchers at Stirling University found participants considered limited information currently provided by manufacturers on some products but with little impact.
Daniel Jones, lead author of the paper, said: “Alcohol consumption is associated with substantial health, economic and social burdens and is a major contributor to disease, injury and death in Scotland and across the UK, yet public awareness of the health risks is low.
“Participants did not feel that messaging currently provided voluntarily by manufacturers on alcohol products adequately informs consumers about the potential dangers associated with alcohol use.
“Most participants thought warnings on alcohol products were a novel concept, despite being accustomed to them on tobacco products. They felt that such warnings could increase consumers’ awareness of the health risks posed by alcohol consumption, particularly for younger or potential drinkers.”
Eight focus groups with 50 young adults, aged 18 to 35 from across Scotland, who had consumed alcohol in the previous month were involved in the study.
Participants discussed knowledge of alcohol-related harms and sources of information, as well as views and use of information on current packaging.
Those who took part were sceptical of companies’ motivations with respect to messaging on products, believing that they sought to minimise potential damage.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here