PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDES TOWARDS THE USE OF ALCOHOL AND DRINKING GUIDELINES

Aims, To investigate public knowledge and attitudes towards the use of alcohol with particular focus on drinking guidelines, Method. A telep hone survey of 249 people randomly selected from the toll free area of Christchurch. Results, Three key findings were (1) not one respondent was able to quote drinking guidelines that included quantities of alc ohol per occasion or quantities of alcohol per week; (2) the majority of the public (74%) thought drinking guidelines were not publicised we ll enough; and (3) young men (18-24 years) were significantly more lik ely to state incorrectly that-greater than six standard drinks is a sa fe amount of alcohol to consume on social occasions. Conclusions, More active promotion of drinking guidelines via the electronic and popula r print media should be considered. Young men require particular atten tion related to drinking no more than six standard drinks per occasion of drinking as part of this initiative, Other studies targeting group s such as the more transient, different ethnic groups especially Maori and Pacific Islanders, health professionals and people with alcohol p roblems would be of interest, as well as a repeat of this study follow ing an interim period in which active promotion of drinking guidelines is undertaken.