Changes in attitudes toward alcohol control policies in Lithuania: findings from two representative surveys in 2015 and 2020

Am J Drug Alcohol Abuse. 2023 Sep 3;49(5):664-674. doi: 10.1080/00952990.2023.2238322. Epub 2023 Aug 21.

Abstract

Background: A set of evidence-based alcohol control policy measures was adopted in the period 2016-2020 in Lithuania. The present study fills a knowledge gap on how changes in alcohol control policy are associated with attitudes toward different alcohol policy measures.Objective: This study aims to explore whether support for key alcohol control policy measures in Lithuania declined following implementation of alcohol control measures.Methods: Data came from the Standard European Alcohol Survey. Two representative surveys with the same questionnaire, were conducted in Lithuania in 2015 (N = 1513, 51.7% female, response rate was 38.9%) and 2020 (N = 1015, 50.6% female, response rate was 38.0%). Multi-stage stratified probability sampling was applied. Surveys were carried out using computer-assisted face-to-face interviews, descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression analyses was applied. We used a binomial logistic regression analysis and the Pearson chi-square test.Results: There was a significant decline in a proportion of respondents who agreed that the number of alcohol selling places should be kept low (OR: 0.84, p = .032), alcohol prices should be kept high (OR: 0.83, p = .027), and the police should be allowed to randomly check whether the driver is sober (OR: 0.65, p < .001). The proportion of respondents who agree that individuals are responsible enough with their drinking significantly declined (OR: 0.76, p = .003).Conclusion: Support for restrictions on alcohol-selling points, increase in alcohol price, and random alcohol testing of drivers declined following the adoption of new alcohol control policy measures. Our findings might be beneficial for policy-makers planning alcohol control policies and information campaigns.

Keywords: Attitudes toward alcohol policies; Lithuania; Standard European Alcohol Survey; risky drinking.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alcohol Drinking* / epidemiology
  • Alcohol Drinking* / prevention & control
  • Attitude*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lithuania / epidemiology
  • Male
  • Public Policy
  • Surveys and Questionnaires