New national alcohol guidelines in the UK: public awareness, understanding and behavioural intentions.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Alcohol consumption places a significant burden on the NHS and is an important risk factor for cancer, associated with 12 800 UK cases/year. New alcohol guidelines were published in 2016, taking into account the increasing evidence of the health harms of alcohol.

Methods

A survey of the UK drinker population (n = 972) was conducted 1 week before and 1 month after the release of the guidelines to capture drinking habits, guideline awareness and intended behaviour change.

Results

Overall, 71% were aware of the new alcohol guidelines, however, just 8% knew what the recommended limits were. Higher socioeconomic groups were more likely to know these limits (ABC1 = 9% versus C2DE = 4%, P = 0.009). Participants who recognized the message that alcohol causes cancer

SUBMITTER: Rosenberg G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6166584 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature