English summaries 19.2.2010 7/2010 vsk 65 s. 579 - 585

English summary: VIEWS OF ALCOHOL DRINKING IN ELDERLY PEOPLE - THE CHALLENGE OF BRINGING UP ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION

Marja AiraIlka Haarni

Background:

Alcohol consumption among the elderly has increased in Finland in recent years. Motivational interviewing is an effective tool for reducing consumption. This study aimed to investigate older people's views of the health consequences of alcohol drinking, how they expect alcohol should be brought up in medical consultations, and how experience of life appears in their attitudes to alcohol.

Methods:

We interviewed 31 urban citizens aged 61-75 years living in southern Finland. The interviews were tape recorded and transcribed verbatim. The data were analyzed by two researchers using the qualitatieve method of thematic constant comparison.

Results:

Asking questions about alcohol was seen to be in the line of doctors' duty. However, alcohol was seldom brought up in medical consultations. Alcohol consumption was sometimes underestimated because of shame and fear of being stigmatized. Besides detrimental effects, the interviewees had many positive experiences of alcohol use. They thought that using alcohol for medicinal purposes was approved by the medical profession.

Conclusion:

Discussion of alcohol consumption with elderly people should take the form of motivational interviewing. Because of the delicacy of the subject, the conversation should be tactful and not criticizing. Asking all patients about their alcohol consumption when inquiring their life style habits or medication could be a good way to initiate discussion of alcohol.