Survey of Ontario health professionals’ knowledge, attitudes and beliefs of alcohol-related harms: key findings

Abstract

Introduction: The purpose of this study is to explore the knowledge, attitudes and beliefs among health and health care professionals in Ontario of the risks associated with excessive alcohol use to strengthen attention on alcohol as a key modifiable risk factor for cancer and other health harms.

Methods: This study used an online survey to answer the following research questions: (1) What is the level of awareness of excessive alcohol use as a risk factor for injuries, cancer and chronic diseases among health and health care professionals? (2) How do you address alcohol consumption and alcohol-related harm reduction in practice? and (3) What opportunities and barriers exist for health care professionals in addressing alcohol-related harm in practice?

Results: Five hundred and eight-one participants responded to the online survey. The majority of respondents were Dietitians, Public Health Nurses, Nurses, Health Promotion Consultants and Health Educators. Results include participant’s attitudes, opinions and knowledge on the identified research questions.

Discussion & Conclusion: Results from this survey will be disseminated to promote health and health care professionals awareness surrounding issues of alcohol consumption and alcohol-related harm, with emphasis on physicians and other Allied Health Professionals (including Registered Dietitians and Public Health Nurses). Several knowledge exchange areas are identified.

• Alcohol
• harm-reduction
• prevention

Acknowledgements

In-kind support was provided from The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. The authors also wish to acknowledge the support of the Alcohol Working Group, Toronto Cancer Prevention Coalition in supporting this manuscript publication.

Notes

¹Addressing alcohol-related harm: The health professional’s perspective. Survey of health professionals on their knowledge, attitudes and beliefs of alcohol related harms. Final research report. Available from: TBD