Exploring views on alcohol consumption and digital support for alcohol reduction in UK-based Punjabi-Sikh men: A think aloud and interview study.

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS

We aimed to explore UK-based Punjabi-Sikh men's views on: (i) alcohol consumption within the community; (ii) available support for alcohol reduction; and (iii) an evidence-informed alcohol reduction app.

DESIGN AND METHODS

Semi-structured interviews and a think aloud method were employed. Participants (n = 15) were male, aged 18-27 years, identified as Punjabi-Sikh, were hazardous or harmful drinkers (i.e. had an Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-Consumption score of ≥5) and interested in using an app to reduce drinking. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed with inductive thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Six themes were developed: (i) fear of drinking to cope; (ii) clash between religious and cultural norms (i.e. an internal conflict between important values); (iii) stigmatisation of mental health issues and lack of knowledge as barriers to help seeking; (iv) perceived usefulness of goal setting, monitoring and feedback (i.e. beliefs about the utility of the app's components for reducing drinking); (v) concerns about accessibility of the app within the Punjabi-Sikh community; and (vi) desire for human support for continued app engagement.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

Among UK-based, Punjabi-Sikh men, clashing religious and cultural norms give rise to internal conflict about drinking. Stigmatisation of mental health issues and lack of knowledge of available support leads to reduced help seeking. Respondents believed an evidence-informed alcohol reduction app could be useful, but were concerned about accessibility within the wider community and wanted an element of human support. The potential for a combination of digital and face-to-face support should be explored.