Alcohol Use in People Aged 50 and Over - Version 1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Evaluation of a multi-level intervention to prevent alcohol-related harm in people aged 50 and over
IRAS ID
167190
Contact name
Sarah Wadd
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
5 years, 8 months, 1 days
Research summary
The purpose of this study is to evaluate a multi-level intervention to reduce alcohol-related harm in people aged 50 and over. The intervention, known as ‘Drink Wise, Age Well’ is funded by the Big Lottery and will be delivered over five years in ‘implementation areas’ in England (Sheffield and Devon), Scotland (Glasgow), Wales (Cwm Taf) and Northern Ireland (Western Trust Area). The intervention comprises a variety of activities including public awareness campaigns, telephone helpline, webpage and online forum for over 50’s and their families, an initiative to help over 50’s cope with stress and adversity, alcohol training for healthcare and other professionals and alcohol treatment services designed specifically for people aged 50 and over.
The study comprises an anonymous postal questionnaire which will be sent by GP practices to 55,000 patients aged 50 and over in implementation and control areas before (Wave 1) and after (Wave 2) the programme to see if there has been a reduction in alcohol consumption, at-risk drinking and alcohol-related problems. Control areas (which won't receive the programme) are important to help exclude the possibility that changes in harmful drinking are due to factors other than the programme. Control areas are Derby, Lincolnshire, Dundee, Betsi Cadwaladr and the Southern Trust Area (Northern Ireland).
Evaluation of the intervention is important to find out if the investment has been worthwhile and whether it should be adopted by the statutory sector once the Big Lottery funding has ended. It will also provide other information which is important to the NHS. For example, the prevalence of at-risk drinking in over 50’s, the characteristics of at-risk drinkers and the extent to which NHS services are asking over 50’s about their alcohol use and providing help and advice to those who want it.
REC name
East Midlands - Nottingham 2 Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/EM/0098
Date of REC Opinion
27 Feb 2015
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion