Population Health Sciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne.
Br J Gen Pract. 2020 Nov 26;70(701):e916-e926. doi: 10.3399/bjgp20X713405. Print 2020 Dec.
Risk of harm from drinking increases with age as alcohol affects health conditions and medications that are common in later life. Different types of information and experiences affect older people's perceptions of alcohol's effects, which must be navigated when supporting healthier decisions on alcohol consumption.
To explore how older people understand the effects of alcohol on their health; and how these perspectives are navigated in supportive discussions in primary care to promote healthier alcohol use.
A qualitative study consisting of semi-structured interviews and focus groups with older, non-dependent drinkers and primary care practitioners in Northern England.
A total of 24 older adults aged ≥65 years and 35 primary care practitioners participated in interviews and focus groups. Data were analysed thematically, applying principles of constant comparison.
Older adults were motivated to make changes to their alcohol use when they experienced symptoms, and if they felt that limiting consumption would enable them to maintain their quality of life. The results of alcohol-related screening were useful in providing insights into potential effects for individuals. Primary care practitioners motivated older people to make healthier decisions by highlighting individual risks of drinking, and potential gains of limiting intake.
Later life is a time when older people may be open to making changes to their alcohol use, particularly when suggested by practitioners. Older people can struggle to recognise potential risks or perceive little gain in acting on perceived risks. Such perceptions may be challenging to navigate in supportive discussions.
随着年龄的增长，饮酒带来的危害风险也会增加，因为酒精会影响老年人常见的健康状况和药物。不同类型的信息和经验会影响老年人对酒精影响的认知，这在支持老年人更健康地饮酒决策时必须加以考虑。
探讨老年人如何理解酒精对健康的影响；以及在初级保健中支持性讨论中如何应对这些观点，以促进更健康的饮酒方式。
一项定性研究，包括在英格兰北部的老年、非依赖饮酒者和初级保健从业者中进行半结构化访谈和焦点小组。
共有 24 名年龄在 65 岁及以上的老年人和 35 名初级保健从业者参加了访谈和焦点小组。数据采用主题分析方法进行分析，并应用恒定比较原则。
当老年人出现症状时，或者当他们认为限制饮酒量可以维持生活质量时，他们就有动力改变饮酒习惯。酒精相关筛查的结果有助于了解个人的潜在影响。初级保健从业者通过强调个人饮酒风险和限制摄入的潜在收益，促使老年人做出更健康的决策。
晚年是老年人可能愿意改变饮酒习惯的时期，特别是在从业者建议的情况下。老年人可能难以识别潜在风险，或者认为采取行动应对感知到的风险没有什么好处。在支持性讨论中，这种观点可能难以应对。
