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Warren, JG, Fallon, VM, Goodwin, L, Gage, SH and Rose, AK (2025) A qualitative exploration into the experiences of the menstrual cycle in relation to alcohol use and research. Journal of Substance Use. pp. 1-8. ISSN 1465-9891
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A qualitative exploration into the experiences of the menstrual cycle in relation to alcohol use and research.pdf - Published Version Available under License Creative Commons Attribution. Download (1MB) | Preview |
Abstract
Introduction Despite approximately half of the population experiencing menstrual cycles, little is known about experiences of fluctuations in mood and behavior relating to alcohol use. Literature has investigated whether the cycle affects alcohol use, but none have explored whether individuals are conscious of effects. It is also crucial to understand what people believe is important for researchers to investigate within this topic. The aim was to qualitatively investigate experiences of the menstrual cycle and how it may affect alcohol use. The second aim was to understand what methods researchers should consider. Methods Inductive thematic analysis was used to analyze 20 semi-structured interviews from individuals in the UK. Results Results showed alcohol themes: alcohol during menses (reduced consumption); motives for consumption (less social drinking during menses and drinking to cope with premenstrual symptoms); and conscious changes in alcohol use (individuals were unaware of fluctuations). For research themes: menstrual literacy (inadequate education); healthcare (inconsistencies in healthcare provision); and research topics (key areas suggested). Conclusion
Overall, there are some conscious fluctuations in alcohol use, with regard to menses, and menstrual literacy was generally poor. Further research is needed for other samples (e.g., menopausal individuals and alcohol). Also, improvements in menstrual education are needed to improve menstrual literacy.
| Item Type: | Article |
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| Uncontrolled Keywords: | 5203 Clinical and Health Psychology; 52 Psychology; Substance Misuse; Behavioral and Social Science; Clinical Research; Contraception/Reproduction; Alcoholism, Alcohol Use and Health; Basic Behavioral and Social Science; 2.3 Psychological, social and economic factors; Cancer; Oral and gastrointestinal; 3 Good Health and Well Being; 1110 Nursing; 1117 Public Health and Health Services; 1701 Psychology; Substance Abuse; 4206 Public health; 5203 Clinical and health psychology |
| Subjects: | B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology |
| Divisions: | Psychology (from Sep 2019) |
| Publisher: | Taylor and Francis Group |
| SWORD Depositor: | A Symplectic |
| Date Deposited: | 15 Apr 2025 09:58 |
| Last Modified: | 15 Apr 2025 10:00 |
| DOI or ID number: | 10.1080/14659891.2025.2481072 |
| URI: | https://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/26185 |
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