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Abstract
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The abstract for the original retracted article appears below the retraction statement.
Since publication, we have investigated more closely the ethical procedures associated with the title article [1]. Research involve human participants typically requires ethical approval before it is carried out. Although surveys are exempt in some jurisdictions, for this paper our further investigations revealed concerns about how participants were recruited, whether they were informed that they were taking part in a piece of research, how and where the research was conducted, and about inclusion of survey questions related to the use of illegal substances.
The author confirmed that ethical approval was not requested for the research presented in [1] and we were unable to ascertain whether the local regulations for ethical approval were followed. The author was unwilling to retrospectively apply for ethical approval, and we did not receive a response from the author’s university ethical board following enquiries about whether the study would be exempt from approval or whether they would be willing to provide approval.
The editorial board and editorial office consider the concerns sufficiently serious that we have decided to retract the paper. We regret that checks were not carried out more thoroughly prior to publication, however we are committed to upholding the highest ethical standards and protecting research participants. The journal has reviewed its handling of such cases. We note that the author did not agree to retraction of the article.
References
[1] Pavarin, R.M. Alcohol Misuse among Young Adults in Northern Italy. Safety 2019, 5, 31.
PURPOSE: To estimate the prevalence of heavy episodic drinking (HED), consumption patterns, protective and risk behaviours and motivations in a sample of young Italians with recent alcohol use.
DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. The target population was young people (18–29 years) living in the metropolitan area of Bologna (Northern Italy). A mixed study design with quantitative and qualitative instruments was used.
FINDINGS: Four focus groups were held; 500 young people were interviewed. The results show ample alcohol misuse among youths and highlight a process of normalization of excess-oriented practices. Following single episodes of HED, almost all the interviewees experienced health problems or negative consequences in the fields of relations and social commitments. A particular group of habitual alcohol drinkers (frequent and repeated misuse) were identified with a high likelihood of encountering problematic situations and stated that their motivation for their last episode of HED was boredom and the search for psychoactive effects. From the current focus, it can be seen that those who take large quantities of alcoholic beverages do so to reach a state of inebriation. Young adults seem to be well-informed as to the psychoactive properties of alcoholic beverages and are aware of the related risks.
ORIGINALITY/VALUE: A gradual loss of traditional references in the alcohol culture emerges among Italian youths. Future studies targeted at the cultural aspects of alcohol misuse are needed.
Language: en |