Effect of glass markings on drinking rate in social alcohol drinkers. (20th October 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Troy, David M.; Attwood, Angela S.; Maynard, Olivia M.; Scott-Samuel, Nicholas E.; Hickman, Matthew; Marteau, Theresa M.; Munafò, Marcus R.
• Is Part Of: European journal of public health. Volume 27:Number 2(2017)
• Page Start: 352
• Page End: 356
• Publication Date: 2016-10-20
• Subjects: Epidemiology -- Europe -- Periodicals; Public health -- Europe -- Periodicals; 362.109405
• DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckw142
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1101-1262

Abstract

Abstract: Background: The main aim of these studies was to explore the influence of volume information on glassware on the time taken to consume an alcoholic beverage. Methods: In Study 1, male and female social alcohol consumers ( n = 159) were randomised to drink 12 fl oz of either low or standard strength lager, from either a curved glass marked with yellow tape at the midpoint or an unmarked curved glass, in a between-subjects design. In Study 2, male and female social alcohol consumers ( n = 160) were randomised to drink 12 fl oz of standard strength lager from either a curved glass marked with ¼, ½ and ¾ volume points or an unmarked curved glass, in a between-subjects design. The primary outcome measure for both studies was total drinking time of an alcoholic beverage. Results: In Study 1, after removing outliers, total drinking time was slower from the glass with midpoint volume marking [mean drinking times (min): 9.98 (marked) vs. 9.55 (unmarked), mean difference = 0.42, 95% CI: −0.90, 1.44]. In Study 2, after removing outliers, total drinking time was slower from the glass with multiple volume marks [mean drinking times: 10.34 (marked) vs. 9.11 (unmarked), mean difference = 1.24, 95% CI: −0.11, 2.59]. However, in both studies confidence intervals were wide and also consistent with faster consumption from marked glasses. Conclusion: Consumption of an alcoholic beverage may be slower when served in glasses with volume information. Replication in larger studies is warranted.