Exploring alcohol, ethnicity and COVID-19
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring ethnic differences in alcohol trends, explanatory models, and attitudes to alcohol consumption and intervention in a British South Asian population during COVID-19.
IRAS ID
273216
Contact name
Stacey Jennings
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Queen Mary University London
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 2 months, 30 days
Research summary
Alcohol is a leading risk factor for global disease burden and is estimated to cost the NHS approximately £3.5 billion annually. Rates of alcohol-related admissions have continued to rise whilst numbers accessing standard treatment decline, with ethnic minorities least likely to enter treatment. South Asians comprise the largest UK ethnic minority group, yet subgroups are often categorised as a homogenous entity which can obscure important heterogeneity. Despite reporting lower consumption in survey data, certain South Asian subgroups are overrepresented in alcohol-related harms. Given the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on UK South Asian groups across multiple health outcomes and mortality rates, research is urgently needed to better understand drinking behaviours and help-seeking to adequately support those affected.
This qualitative project will explore ethnic differences in alcohol trends, explanatory models, and attitudes to alcohol consumption and intervention in a British South Asian population. It will also explore the impact of COVID-19 on shaping alcohol patterns, treatment seeking and the feasibility of using remote research methodologies for this group. The study will involve four sample groups: 1) alcohol consumers 2) health professionals 3) lay individuals, and 4) religious leaders. Eligible participants will live, work, or receive care within Barts Hepatitis C Operational Delivery Network. Alcohol consumers will be recruited from hospital, addiction and community services within the study area. Purposive sampling will be used to maximise key characteristics including ethnicity, religion, age, gender, service use, and occupation. Participants will take part in one semi-structured interview or focus group. A culturally sensitive vignette task will be administered to triangulate qualitative methods and increase validity. Validated questionnaires assessing alcohol consumption levels and common mental health symptomatology will be administered. Surveys exploring acceptability of interview methods and COVID-19 impact will also be administered. Qualitative data will undergo thematic analysis and relevant main themes presented.
REC name
London - Camden & Kings Cross Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/LO/0337
Date of REC Opinion
10 Jun 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion