Beliefs about alcohol consumption in general population: a scoping review
Context: Alcohol consumption is associated with more than 200 health problems. To help reduce alcohol consumption in the general population and its negative consequences, it is important to understand the beliefs surrounding alcohol use. Objective: Conduct a synthesis of the literature on beliefs surrounding alcohol consumption in the general population among Western societies between 2008 and 2020. Theorical framework: The Integrated Model of Behavior (IMB) provides a foundation for conceptualizing and identifying the factors that influence health-related behaviors. It represents a relevant theoretical framework for better understanding the reality surrounding alcohol consumption. Methods: The scoping review was selected for this knowledge synthesis. Databases including The Health Policy Research Center, Medline, Psychology & Behavioral Sciences, PsycINFO and SocINDEX were surveyed with a series of key words about beliefs and alcohol consumption. A total of 107 articles were retained. Descriptive quantitative analysis and thematic qualitative analysis were used to synthesize the articles. Results: The majority of articles came from the United States (n=49), the United Kingdom (n=18) and Australia (n=15). Themes from the qualitative analysis fit in four beliefs coming form the IMB, which are emotional beliefs, behavioral beliefs, normative beliefs and beliefs about control. Results shows that beliefs about alcohol have a significant influence on drinking behaviour. These beliefs are complex, varied and are influenced by many individual and social factors such as age, gender, consumption habits and cultural and gender norms. Conclusion: This overview of beliefs about alcohol consumption can inform practice, research, and policy development. Understanding these beliefs may help the implementation of preventive actions to influence behaviours.