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A Qualitative Study of Service Provision for Alcohol Related Health Issues in Mid to Later Life

Haighton, CA, Wilson, GB, Ling, Jonathan, McCabe, Karen, Crosland, Ann and Kaner, EFS (2016) A Qualitative Study of Service Provision for Alcohol Related Health Issues in Mid to Later Life. PLoS ONE, 11 (2). ISSN 1932-6203

Item Type: Article

Abstract

Aims

Epidemiological surveys over the last 20 years show a steady increase in the amount of alcohol consumed by older age groups. Physiological changes and an increased likelihood of health problems and medication use make older people more likely than younger age groups to suffer negative consequences of alcohol consumption, often at lower levels. However, health services targeting excessive drinking tend to be aimed at younger age groups. The aim of this study was to gain an in-depth understanding of experiences of, and attitudes towards, support for alcohol related health issues in people aged 50 and over.

Methods

Qualitative interviews (n = 24, 12 male/12 female, ages 51–90 years) and focus groups (n = 27, 6 male/21 female, ages 50–95 years) were carried out with a purposive sample of participants who consumed alcohol or had been dependent.

Findings

Participants’ alcohol misuse was often covert, isolated and carefully regulated. Participants tended to look first to their General Practitioner for help with alcohol. Detoxification courses had been found effective for dependent participants but only in the short term; rehabilitation facilities were appreciated but seen as difficult to access. Activities, informal groups and drop-in centres were endorsed. It was seen as difficult to secure treatment for alcohol and mental health problems together. Barriers to seeking help included functioning at a high level, concern about losing positive aspects of drinking, perceived stigma, service orientation to younger people, and fatalistic attitudes to help-seeking. Facilitators included concern about risk of fatal illness or pressure from significant people.

Conclusion

Primary care professionals need training on improving the detection and treatment of alcohol problems among older people. There is also a compelling need to ensure that aftercare is in place to prevent relapse. Strong preferences were expressed for support to be provided by those who had experienced alcohol problems themselves.

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More Information

Depositing User: Paula Normington

Identifiers

Item ID: 6065
Identification Number: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0148601
ISSN: 1932-6203
URI: http://sure.sunderland.ac.uk/id/eprint/6065
Official URL: http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.137...

Users with ORCIDS

ORCID for Jonathan Ling: ORCID iD orcid.org/0000-0003-2932-4474

Catalogue record

Date Deposited: 15 Mar 2016 09:07
Last Modified: 20 Jan 2023 10:09

Contributors

Author: Jonathan Ling ORCID iD
Author: CA Haighton
Author: GB Wilson
Author: Karen McCabe
Author: Ann Crosland
Author: EFS Kaner

University Divisions

Faculty of Health Sciences and Wellbeing

Subjects

Social Sciences > Health and Social Care
Sciences > Health Sciences

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