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Self‐Reported Risk‐Taking Behavior During Matched‐Frequency Sessions of Alcohol Versus Combined Alcohol and Energy Drinks Consumption: Does Co‐Ingestion Increase Risk‐Taking?
Author(s) -
Peacock Amy,
Droste Nicolas,
Pennay Amy,
Lubman Dan I.,
Miller Peter,
Newcombe David,
Bruno Raimondo
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
alcoholism: clinical and experimental research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.267
H-Index - 153
eISSN - 1530-0277
pISSN - 0145-6008
DOI - 10.1111/acer.12700
Subject(s) - alcohol , odds , medicine , odds ratio , alcohol consumption , demography , injury prevention , environmental health , poison control , psychology , logistic regression , biochemistry , chemistry , sociology
Background Emerging evidence indicates that consumers of alcohol mixed with energy drink (Am ED ) self‐report lower odds of risk‐taking after consuming Am ED versus alcohol alone. However, these studies have been criticized for failing to control for relative frequency of Am ED versus alcohol‐only consumption sessions. These studies also do not account for quantity of consumption and general alcohol‐related risk‐taking propensity. The aims of the present study were to (i) compare rates of risk‐taking in Am ED versus alcohol sessions among consumers with matched frequency of use and (ii) identify consumption and person characteristics associated with risk‐taking behavior in Am ED sessions. Methods Data were extracted from 2 Australian community samples and 1 New Zealand community sample of Am ED consumers ( n = 1,291). One‐fifth (21%; n = 273) reported matched frequency of Am ED and alcohol use. Results The majority (55%) of matched‐frequency participants consumed Am ED and alcohol monthly or less. The matched‐frequency sample reported significantly lower odds of engaging in 18 of 25 assessed risk behaviors in Am ED versus alcohol sessions. Similar rates of engagement were evident across session type for the remaining behaviors, the majority of which were low prevalence (reported by <15%). Regression modeling indicated that risk‐taking in Am ED sessions was primarily associated with risk‐taking in alcohol sessions, with increased average energy drink (ED) intake associated with certain risk behaviors (e.g., being physically hurt, not using contraception, and driving while over the legal alcohol limit). Conclusions Bivariate analyses from a matched‐frequency sample align with past research showing lower odds of risk‐taking behavior after Am ED versus alcohol consumption for the same individuals. Multivariate analyses showed that risk‐taking in alcohol sessions had the strongest association with risk‐taking in Am ED sessions. However, hypotheses of increased risk‐taking post‐Am ED consumption were partly supported: Greater ED intake was associated with increased likelihood of specific behaviors, including drink‐driving, sexual behavior, and aggressive behaviors in the matched‐frequency sample after controlling for alcohol intake and risk‐taking in alcohol sessions. These findings highlight the need to consider both personal characteristics and beverage effects in harm reduction strategies for Am ED consumers.