Alcohol Use in Over 65’s: Is Mental Health a Contributory Factor?
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Alcohol Use in Over 65’s: Is Mental Health a Contributory Factor?
IRAS ID
211070
Contact name
Helen Leyland
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Chester
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
RESC0716-748, University of Chester Ethics Committee Approval; S-HSC-07092016, University of Chester Sponsorship Confirmation
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Drinking alcohol has become a socially accepted lifestyle choice. The reasons for drinking alcohol\ncan range from positive, happy occasions such as a celebration or as a form of relaxation; to less\npositive reasons such as ‘drowning ones sorrows’ or as a way of dealing with a stressful situation.\nNational statistics have shown there has been an increase in the use of alcohol in both younger and\nolder generations.\nMuch of the information relating to alcohol usage and those experiencing mental health problems\nfocuses on the younger or both generations, but is not specifically about older adults.\nStudies have shown that more than a third of those aged 65 and over experience mental health\nproblems, including depression or anxiety. As the number of older people in the population grows,\nthe number people with mental health problems will also grow. Not only is this distressing for the\nindividual, it also highlights an important topic that needs to be addressed.\nThe combination of these factors has become an area of public health concern. A review of\ninformation available has highlighted a gap in evidence, hence the reason for this study.\nThe overall aim is to examine the experiences, thoughts and feelings about alcohol usage. The\nparticipants will be adults aged 65 and over who are experiencing a mental health condition and\ncurrently accessing primary care mental health services in one NHS Trust.\nThere are two parts to this study. The first is a questionnaire, which will ask participants questions\nrelating to their health and wellbeing and their alcohol usage. The second will ask a selection of\nparticipants who completed the initial questionnaire some further questions using face to face\ninterviews with the researcher.\nIt is hoped this research will help to address the gap in evidence and gain a better understanding of\nalcohol use in this client group.
REC name
Wales REC 4
REC reference
16/WA/0331
Date of REC Opinion
11 Nov 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion