The influence of price-related point-of-sale promotions on bottle shop purchases of young adults.

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: To investigate the impact of point-of-sale promotions on product choice, brand choice and purchase quantity of young adults purchasing alcohol for off-premise consumption in Australia. DESIGN AND METHODS: A cross-sectional interviewer-completed survey conducted at 24 bottle shops (liquor stores), 12 each in the capital cities of Sydney, New South Wales and Perth, Western Australia. Participants were 509 adults (18 and over) exiting bottle shops having purchased alcohol. RESULTS: When prompted, 26.5% indicated that there was a special offer, price discount, or special promotion connected with a product that they had purchased. Those who participated in point-of-sale promotions purchased a greater quantity of alcohol than those who did not participate: ready to drink, an average of 11.5 standard drinks (SD) compared with an average of 8.9 SD (t = 1.320, P = 0.190); beer, an average of 26.8 SD compared with an average of 16.4 SD; wine, an average of 16.1 SD compared with an average of 13.8 SD (t = 0.924, P = 0.357). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Participation in point-of-sale promotions may be associated with increased purchase quantities, not solely shifting between brands. There is a need for further research to explore changes in purchase and consumption patterns as a result of the availability of price-based promotions. The results of this study, combined with previous research, suggest that regulators-and marketers-should consider the immediate and cumulative effect of point-of-sale promotions on drinking patterns, particularly those of younger drinkers.

Australian women's perceptions of breast cancer risk factors and the risk of developing breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: Numerous studies have shown that the majority of women overestimate both their own risk and the populations' risk of developing breast cancer. A number of factors have been found to correlate with perceived risk. METHODS: This paper reports on a telephone survey of a nationally representative sample of approximately 3,000 Australian women aged 30 to 69 years, conducted in 2007, and compares the findings with those of a similar survey conducted in 2003. RESULTS: There was a clear tendency for respondents to overestimate the proportion of women who will develop breast cancer during their lifetime. Approximately half the respondents perceived themselves as being at the same risk of developing breast cancer as other women their age; older respondents were more likely to perceive themselves to be at a lower than average risk. Family history was recognized as a risk factor for breast cancer, although there was evident confusion in relation to risk from paternal family history. It was also evident that the association between age and risk status is poorly understood, and misconceptions of breast cancer risk factors identified in the previous survey persisted in 2007. CONCLUSION: Overall, these results suggest that there remains an educational challenge if we seek to increase the accuracy of women's perceptions of their risk for developing breast cancer, primarily in relation to the significance of age and family history as breast cancer risk factors.

Australian women's awareness of ovarian cancer symptoms, risk and protective factors, and estimates of own risk.

OBJECTIVE: To examine Australian women's perceived risk of ovarian cancer, reasons for perceived risk levels, and knowledge of ovarian cancer symptoms at two timepoints (2003 and 2007). METHODS: A computer-assisted telephone (CATI) survey of 2,954 Australian women with no history of ovarian cancer was conducted. RESULTS: Approximately 60% of women perceived their risk of ovarian cancer was similar to other women of their age; 10% indicated an increased risk, and 30% indicated a lower risk. These figures were similar in 2003 and 2007. Logistic regression found that lower income, increased age, being born overseas, and being retired were significantly associated with lower perceived risk (accounted for only 7.5% of the variance). Common reasons for higher perceived risk included family history of ovarian/other cancers, increasing age, and having had other types of cancer or health problems. Reasons for lower than average risk included absence of family history, having a hysterectomy, and having regular Pap smears (indicating confusion between ovarian and cervical cancer). There appeared to be substantial confusion in women's understanding of ovarian cancer symptoms; this was similar in 2003 and 2007. CONCLUSION: The observed misperceptions and confusion regarding ovarian cancer symptoms and risk factors suggest ongoing public education campaigns are needed to improve knowledge and awareness.

Australian women's awareness of breast cancer symptoms and responses to potential symptoms.

OBJECTIVES: Poor awareness of breast cancer symptoms has been associated with patient delay in seeking help; thus reduced survival, more aggressive treatment, and fewer treatment choices. The aim of this study was to develop a representative picture of Australian women's knowledge of symptoms, experienced potential symptoms, and behavioral responses. METHODS: A general population sample of approximately 3,000 women aged 30-69 completed a telephone survey; results were compared to previous surveys conducted in 1996 and 2003. RESULTS: The most commonly cited potential symptom of breast cancer was a lump in the breast, identified by 86% of respondents (an increase from 75% in 2003). Other commonly mentioned symptoms were discharge from the nipple, pain/soreness, skin puckering, or dimpling; and a change in breast shape. The proportion unable to name any potential symptoms of breast cancer decreased from one in ten in 2003 to approximately one in twenty in 2007. The primary reason for not seeking medical advice in response to a potential symptom was the belief that breast cancer was not present. CONCLUSIONS: Health promotion efforts need to continue to aim at increasing community understanding of potential breast cancer symptoms and encouraging women to act on potential symptoms by seeking medical advice.

The impact of more visible standard drink labelling on youth alcohol consumption: helping young people drink (ir)responsibly?

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: In response to increasing concerns about excessive drinking among young people the Australian alcohol industry announced that it will introduce more visible standard drink labels. This study sought to examine whether young people use this information in a way that decreases, or increases, alcohol-related harms. DESIGN AND METHODS: Six focus groups with students enrolled in an undergraduate university course in a large regional city in New South Wales, recruited by direct approach on the university grounds and via an online message posted on the university bulletin board. RESULTS: The majority of the participants reported that they are aware of the existence of standard drink labelling; notice standard drink labels; and take these into account when choosing what to purchase. However, this was predominantly to help them choose the strongest drinks for the lowest cost. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: This study provides initial evidence to support the view that standard drink labelling, in isolation of other modifications to product packaging and marketing, is likely to serve to further increase heavy drinking among young people.