Menu
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)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
08 July 2024
People Attending Parades Urged To 'Not Let Alcohol Ruin Their Day'
The Public Health Agency (PHA) has called on people attending this years Twelfth of July celebrations to "not let alcohol ruin their day". The PHA has urged anyone choosing to use alcohol to "keep an eye on their drinking by making a sensible plan and sticking to it".
People Attending Parades Urged To 'Not Let Alcohol Ruin Their Day'
The Public Health Agency (PHA) has called on people attending this years Twelfth of July celebrations to "not let alcohol ruin their day". The PHA has urged anyone choosing to use alcohol to "keep an eye on their drinking by making a sensible plan and sticking to it".
14 December 2011
Crack Down On 'Litter Louts' And Boozers
Officials in Belfast have been cracking down on many offenders across the city including those responsible for littering the streets. A pub landlord has been fined £250 for failing to properly dispose of waste at his city centre pub.
Crack Down On 'Litter Louts' And Boozers
Officials in Belfast have been cracking down on many offenders across the city including those responsible for littering the streets. A pub landlord has been fined £250 for failing to properly dispose of waste at his city centre pub.
20 September 2011
Dog Attack Man Faces Court Fine
A 'Staffie' dog attack has landed a Belfast man in court. He was fined £200 and ordered to pay £300 compensation after his dog attacked and injured a man last December. Robert Gary Bradshaw, from Orkney Street in west Belfast, was convicted of the offence at Belfast Magistrates Court today and was also ordered to pay costs of £69.
Dog Attack Man Faces Court Fine
A 'Staffie' dog attack has landed a Belfast man in court. He was fined £200 and ordered to pay £300 compensation after his dog attacked and injured a man last December. Robert Gary Bradshaw, from Orkney Street in west Belfast, was convicted of the offence at Belfast Magistrates Court today and was also ordered to pay costs of £69.
10 August 2011
Dogs & Cigarette Sales Lead To Court
Belfast City Council has been busy enforcing legislation on a variety of matters, ranging from shopkeepers selling tobacco to underage customers to dog owners running foul of the law.
Dogs & Cigarette Sales Lead To Court
Belfast City Council has been busy enforcing legislation on a variety of matters, ranging from shopkeepers selling tobacco to underage customers to dog owners running foul of the law.
11 August 2010
Street Drinkers Pay The Cost
Five people have been fined at Belfast Magistrates Court for drinking alcohol in public. Tyrone McCann, from Richmond Avenue in Newtownabbey, was fined £50 and ordered to pay costs of £66 after he was detected drinking alcohol at Suffolk Road in west Belfast on January 16.
Street Drinkers Pay The Cost
Five people have been fined at Belfast Magistrates Court for drinking alcohol in public. Tyrone McCann, from Richmond Avenue in Newtownabbey, was fined £50 and ordered to pay costs of £66 after he was detected drinking alcohol at Suffolk Road in west Belfast on January 16.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
