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10/11/2004
Graphic study aims to curb teenage binge drinking
A unique study using images of facial and mouth trauma to cut down on teenage binge drinking has been carried out by researchers from Queen's University and the Royal Group of Hospitals.
Six Belfast schools signed up to the study, which aims to highlight the link between heavy binge drinking and the possibility of oral and facial injury.
With violent crime increasing by 77% in recent years, researchers noted that the majority of injuries relate to the face, with nearly a quarter of cases involving alcohol.
Lead researcher Dr John Marley, Consultant/Senior Lecturer in Oral Surgery at Queen's School of Dentistry, said the highest incidence was among 15 to 25-year-olds who account for 46% of people with these injuries.
Almost 200 fifth formers (Year 12) from across Belfast took part in the ethically approved study. Test groups were given a brief visual presentation showing real, but anonymous, cases of young people who had sustained various degrees of injury.
The pupils were then invited to complete a series of questionnaires before, immediately after and one month later to monitor the impact of the presentations and any change in behaviour. A control of group of pupils did not see the presentation.
Questioned about their drinking habits 79% reported they had drunk alcohol at some time. Of those who had previously drunk alcohol, 81% said they still drank.
The majority of these, 78%, obtained their alcohol from off-licenses whilst just over half obtained alcohol from bars or clubs. Four out of five drank beer, with 63% also drinking ready-mixed alcohol beverages. Under half obtained the alcohol for themselves, while 36% used someone older to get drink for them.
Dr Marley said that the study confirmed a "significant difference" between those who saw the presentation and the control group, who didn't see it.
"Those who saw the presentation expressed a willingness to change their behaviour.
"This observation was still sustained after one month, demonstrating that the presentation had begun to change the pupils' view on their drinking habits," he concluded.
(MB/SP)
Six Belfast schools signed up to the study, which aims to highlight the link between heavy binge drinking and the possibility of oral and facial injury.
With violent crime increasing by 77% in recent years, researchers noted that the majority of injuries relate to the face, with nearly a quarter of cases involving alcohol.
Lead researcher Dr John Marley, Consultant/Senior Lecturer in Oral Surgery at Queen's School of Dentistry, said the highest incidence was among 15 to 25-year-olds who account for 46% of people with these injuries.
Almost 200 fifth formers (Year 12) from across Belfast took part in the ethically approved study. Test groups were given a brief visual presentation showing real, but anonymous, cases of young people who had sustained various degrees of injury.
The pupils were then invited to complete a series of questionnaires before, immediately after and one month later to monitor the impact of the presentations and any change in behaviour. A control of group of pupils did not see the presentation.
Questioned about their drinking habits 79% reported they had drunk alcohol at some time. Of those who had previously drunk alcohol, 81% said they still drank.
The majority of these, 78%, obtained their alcohol from off-licenses whilst just over half obtained alcohol from bars or clubs. Four out of five drank beer, with 63% also drinking ready-mixed alcohol beverages. Under half obtained the alcohol for themselves, while 36% used someone older to get drink for them.
Dr Marley said that the study confirmed a "significant difference" between those who saw the presentation and the control group, who didn't see it.
"Those who saw the presentation expressed a willingness to change their behaviour.
"This observation was still sustained after one month, demonstrating that the presentation had begun to change the pupils' view on their drinking habits," he concluded.
(MB/SP)
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