Unpacking Scotland's Minimum Unit Pricing: What Online Searches Reveal
What on-line searches tell us about public interest and potential impact on behaviour in response to minimum unit pricing of alcohol in Scotland.
Ever wondered how public interest shifts when new alcohol policies are introduced? Dr. Rob Calder sits down with Professor David Leon to dig into his research on online search behavior around Scotland's minimum unit pricing (MUP) for alcohol. This episode of 'Addiction Audio' sheds light on how people reacted online when MUP was rolled out. Did they search for cheaper alternatives or ways to bypass the new pricing?
The study found intriguing peaks in searches related to alcohol, hinting at a significant public response. However, it also pointed out the challenges of linking online searches directly to real-world behavior. Despite these limitations, the research underscores that Scotland continues to grapple with alcohol-related issues more than England. Tune in to hear about the Scottish government's efforts to tackle these challenges and what this research means for future policy-making.
Whether you're a researcher, clinician, or just curious about the science behind addiction policies, this episode offers a fascinating glimpse into the digital footprints we leave behind.