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Understanding drinking among midlife men in the United Kingdom: A systematic review of qualitative studies

Parke, Hannah; Michalska, Monika; Russell, Andrew; Moss, Antony C.; Holdsworth, Clare; Ling, Jonathan; Larsen, John

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Authors

Hannah Parke

Monika Michalska

Andrew Russell

Antony C. Moss

Jonathan Ling

John Larsen



Abstract

Objectives This study reviews qualitative research into the sociocultural meanings and subjective experiences that midlife men in the United Kingdom (UK) associate with their drinking. In the UK, average weekly alcohol consumption is highest among midlife men, and they are disproportionately affected by alcohol harm. There is increasing recognition that public health messages to support behaviour change must be based on an in-depth understanding of drinking motivations and experiences. Study design and methods Systematic literature review of studies exploring motivations for and experiences of drinking among UK men aged 45–60 using qualitative methodology. Medline, PsycINFO and the Social Science Citation Index were used, along with manual searches of key journals, Google searches and a call for evidence. The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme tool was used to quality-assess papers. Thematic synthesis was used to combine and analyse the data. Results From 5172 titles and abstracts (1995–2018), 11 publications were included, representing 6 unique studies. Five themes were identified: ‘Drinking Motivations’; ‘Drinking Justifications’; ‘Drinking Strategies and Control’; ‘Social Norms and Identity’ and ‘Harm’. Motivations for drinking among midlife men were associated with relaxation, socialising and maintenance of male friendships. They justified drinking as a choice and emphasised their ability to meet responsibilities, which they contrasted with ‘problem drinkers’. Social norms governed drinking behaviours as an expression of masculinity. Conclusion This review highlights the significance of the meanings and social importance of alcohol consumption among midlife men. Interventions using information and guidance should consider these when aiming to effectively influence the way this group drinks.

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Aug 1, 2018
Online Publication Date Aug 4, 2018
Publication Date 2018-12
Publicly Available Date Mar 29, 2024
Journal Addictive Behaviors Reports
Publisher Elsevier
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 8
DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.abrep.2018.08.001
Keywords United Kingdom, Systematic review, Thematic synthesis, Alcohol Midlife men, Experience, Sociocultural meaning
Publisher URL http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S235285321830083X

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