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Messages focused on the effect of alcohol on the immune system boosted intention to adhere to alcohol intake guidelines during Covid-19 lockdown.

Fiona C WalkerRichard O de Visser
Published in: Psychology & health (2022)
Objective: Research shows that personal relevance may affect the impact of alcohol-related health information. This study explored alcohol consumption during the UK Covid-19 lockdown, and whether a message emphasising the effect of alcohol on the immune system was more effective in altering intentions to follow low-risk drinking guidelines than other messages about the effects of alcohol on health. Methods & Measures: From April to June 2020, 953 drinkers completed an online questionnaire, and were randomly allocated to exposure to a control condition or one of three messages emphasising the impact of alcohol on: the immune system; mental health; or physical health. Outcome variables were: concern about alcohol intake, and intention to adhere to low-risk drinking guidelines. Results: Pre-post ANCOVAs revealed that participants in the immunity message group had significantly stronger intention to adhere to low-risk guidelines than the control group (after controlling for initial intention). Concern for the effect of alcohol on health was not significantly affected. Conclusion: During Covid-19 lockdown, a message emphasising the impact of alcohol on the immune-system had a greater effect on intention to observe low-risk drinking guidelines than other messages. Contextually relevant messages could be used for alcohol health campaigns and for improving alcohol labelling.
Keyphrases
  • alcohol consumption
  • mental health
  • health information
  • healthcare
  • public health
  • clinical practice
  • sars cov
  • physical activity
  • risk assessment
  • climate change
  • single cell