A-Level Psychology (Edexcel) – Contemporary Study: dixit et al. (2012)

8.16 - Contemporary Study: Dixit et al. (2012)

5 min

Aims of the study

The main aims were to investigate differences in alcohol use among people from varied backgrounds. Specifically, the researchers wanted to determine if higher levels of alcohol consumption were linked to demographic factors.

Participants

The study involved 848 individuals, all aged 15 years or older.

Sampling method

Equal selection from areas - Participants were chosen from urban and rural health training areas.
Random household selection - Households were picked at random, and within each household, two members were randomly selected to take part.

Method and procedure

The researchers used a cross-sectional survey design, which involved collecting data through structured interviews over a one-year period.

Key elements of the method

Data collection - Interviews gathered details about family members and alcohol-related issues.
Categories of alcohol use - Participants were classified into two groups:
- Current alcohol user - Someone who had used alcohol in the past month.
- Ever user - Someone who had used alcohol at any point in their lifetime.

Results

The study revealed several key findings about the prevalence and associations of alcohol use.

Overall prevalence

Alcohol use (including both current and ever users) was found in 13.4% of the participants.
Current alcohol users: 43 individuals (5.07% of the sample).
Ever users: 71 individuals (8.37% of the sample).

Significant associations

Socio-economic status - Alcohol use was more common among those with lower socio-economic status.
Religion - Higher rates were seen among Hindu participants compared to Muslim participants, who were more likely to abstain.
Parental influence - Alcohol use was linked to having parents who also used alcohol.
Residence - Rural residents showed higher rates of alcohol use than urban residents.

Conclusions and implications

Main conclusions

Targeting vulnerable groups - Efforts to address alcohol problems should focus on individuals from lower socio-economic backgrounds, rural areas, specific religious groups, and those with family histories of alcohol use.
School-based interventions - Children in schools should receive careful guidance to help them make healthy lifestyle choices and avoid risky behaviours, such as starting to drink alcohol.

Participants

The study involved 848 individuals, all aged 15 years or older.

Sampling method

Equal selection from areas - Participants were chosen from urban and rural health training areas.

Random household selection - Households were picked at random, and within each household, two members were randomly selected to take part.

Method and procedure

The researchers used a cross-sectional survey design, which involved collecting data through structured interviews over a one-year period.

Key elements of the method

Data collection - Interviews gathered details about family members and alcohol-related issues.

Categories of alcohol use - Participants were classified into two groups:

Current alcohol user - Someone who had used alcohol in the past month.
Ever user - Someone who had used alcohol at any point in their lifetime.

Results

The study revealed several key findings about the prevalence and associations of alcohol use.

Overall prevalence

Alcohol use (including both current and ever users) was found in 13.4% of the participants.

Current alcohol users: 43 individuals (5.07% of the sample).

Ever users: 71 individuals (8.37% of the sample).

Significant associations

Socio-economic status - Alcohol use was more common among those with lower socio-economic status.

Religion - Higher rates were seen among Hindu participants compared to Muslim participants, who were more likely to abstain.

Parental influence - Alcohol use was linked to having parents who also used alcohol.

Residence - Rural residents showed higher rates of alcohol use than urban residents.

Conclusions and implications

Main conclusions

Targeting vulnerable groups - Efforts to address alcohol problems should focus on individuals from lower socio-economic backgrounds, rural areas, specific religious groups, and those with family histories of alcohol use.

School-based interventions - Children in schools should receive careful guidance to help them make healthy lifestyle choices and avoid risky behaviours, such as starting to drink alcohol.