Citation

Casswell S, You RQ, Huckle T. Addiction 2011; 106(6): 1087-1094.

Affiliation

Centre for Social and Health Outcomes Research and Evaluation (SHORE) Massey University Auckland New Zealand.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/j.1360-0443.2011.03361.x

PMID

21226881

Abstract

Aims:  The impact of alcohol on those other than the drinker is an under- researched area with important policy implications. This study is a first step in investigating relationships between exposure to heavy drinkers in respondent's lives with measures of health status and wellbeing. Design, setting and participants:  A cross-sectional general population survey was carried out among 3068 New Zealand residents aged 12 to 80 years (response rate - 64%) using an in house Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing system. Measurements:  Respondents' estimates of health status (EQ5 - D) and subjective wellbeing (Personal Wellbeing Index) were measured along with self reports of heavy drinkers in their lives, demographic variables and own drinking. Findings:  More than one in four of the sample had experienced someone they considered to be a heavy drinker in their environment in the past 12 months. An index of exposure to heavy drinkers, reflecting numbers of heavy drinkers and co-habitation, predicted lower health status and personal wellbeing while controlling for demographic variables and respondent's own drinking Conclusions:  There is a relationship between exposure to heavy drinkers and reduced personal wellbeing and poorer health status in this cross-sectional general population sample. Exposure to heavy drinkers may have negative impacts for others.

Language: en