Abstract
Introduction
Problematic alcohol use has been increasing in older adults (55+). Many of the interventions that are available to prevent or reduce alcohol consumption are aimed at adults in general. It is unclear whether these interventions also work for older adults. The objective of this review was to understand in what way (i.e., which elements), in which context and why interventions (which mechanisms) are successful in preventing or reducing (problematic) alcohol consumption among older adults.
Methods
A systematic review of articles published between 2000 and 2022 was performed using PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science and CINAHL. A realist evaluation approach was used to analyze the data.
Results
We found 61 studies on interventions aimed at preventing or reducing (problematic) alcohol use, of which most interventions were not specifically designed for older adults. Three major effective elements of interventions were found: 1) providing information on the consequences of alcohol consumption; 2) personalized feedback about drinking behavior; and 3) being in contact with others and communicating with them about (alcohol) problems. The first two elements were used in interventions designed for older adults.
Conclusion
More research is needed on interventions aimed at preventing or reducing (problematic) alcohol use among older adults and on how older adults can be provided help in making contacts with people who support their decision to reduce alcohol consumption.
Problematic alcohol use has been increasing in older adults (55+). Many of the interventions that are available to prevent or reduce alcohol consumption are aimed at adults in general. It is unclear whether these interventions also work for older adults. The objective of this review was to understand in what way (i.e., which elements), in which context and why interventions (which mechanisms) are successful in preventing or reducing (problematic) alcohol consumption among older adults.
Methods
A systematic review of articles published between 2000 and 2022 was performed using PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science and CINAHL. A realist evaluation approach was used to analyze the data.
Results
We found 61 studies on interventions aimed at preventing or reducing (problematic) alcohol use, of which most interventions were not specifically designed for older adults. Three major effective elements of interventions were found: 1) providing information on the consequences of alcohol consumption; 2) personalized feedback about drinking behavior; and 3) being in contact with others and communicating with them about (alcohol) problems. The first two elements were used in interventions designed for older adults.
Conclusion
More research is needed on interventions aimed at preventing or reducing (problematic) alcohol use among older adults and on how older adults can be provided help in making contacts with people who support their decision to reduce alcohol consumption.
Translated title of the contribution | Working elements of alcohol interventions to prevent and reduce (problematic) alcohol use among people aged 55 and older: A systematic review |
---|---|
Original language | Dutch |
Pages (from-to) | 109-119 |
Journal | TSG: Tijdschrift voor Gezondheidswetenschappen |
Volume | 101 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2023 |
Keywords
- alcohol
- ouderen
- interventies
- werkzame elementen
- realistische evaluatie