The IkPas research results of 2021 are known

The response shows that many participants enjoy participating in the IkPas survey. No fewer than 40 percent completed various questionnaires last year. Senior researcher Rob Bovens of Tranzo, a research institute of Tilburg University, takes care of the measurements around IkPas every year. He recently presented the results for 2022 in a fact sheet. Time for a chat.

Rob, what are the most striking numbers?

“To start with, it strikes me every year that about two thirds of the respondents - 13,005 this year - dread the alcohol break. It is also not nothing: not drinking for a month if you are used to doing this - regularly. It is striking that the post-measurement shows that two thirds thought it was not that bad.

What is the reason for it to work out in the end?

“I think mainly because of the support that IkPas offers. If you wish, you will receive a newsletter every day, you can exchange experiences on the forum or ask a question to an IkPas coach. The idea that you are not alone and that you are all taking an alcohol break together also contributes to the success experience. And that it is a successful experience for many, is apparent from the 75 percent who indeed do not drink alcohol during Dry January and/or the 40-day no-drop challenge. Research in the UK shows that if you take a break on your own, without support and community, only 36 percent succeed in going 30 days without drinking.”

Since the start of IkPas, you have been researching the motives and experiences of participants. What shifts do you notice?

“Things have indeed changed over the years. For example, in the early years I saw that most people (more than 80 percent) participated out of curiosity whether they would last. Or did they want to know what alcohol means in their lives. Only a minority of 40 percent of the respondents participated in IkPas, because they also wanted to (learn to) drink less afterwards. So these participants wanted to break their habitual behavior and drinking patterns. 70 percent of those surveyed now cite this as a motive to participate, while the number of curious participants, looking for a new experience, has also grown to 90 percent.

The above clearly indicates why research is needed. I sometimes get the question from repeating IkPassers: 'Why are the questions about the same every year?' Because I am very curious about changes and shifts in motives and experiences. Time changes and so do we humans and our beliefs and behaviors. The study offers the IkPas organization the opportunity to improve the support package based on the figures and to change it in line with the changing interests of the participants.”

Not everyone welcomes a break. And those who do do not always enroll. What do you think about that?

“Well, nothing is necessary. The people who see it as patronizing or don't see the problem, a drink every now and then, shouldn't feel addressed either. You have to imagine that the average participant still consumes 18 glasses of alcohol per week! Then you really don't belong to the few drinking Dutch. For them, this intervention can be helpful.

With regard to the people who do participate, but do not register - because, for example, they have already had a successful alcohol break before - they too are of course completely free not to register. But it is of course a pity. Especially for the people who do register. Especially when it's their first time participating. Every participant likes the idea that many take a break with him. The larger the group, the greater the support. So if you don't want to register for yourself and do take a break, register for someone else. With that you actually say: 'I support you'.”

What can you say about the long-term effect of an alcohol break?

“After 6 months, we ask respondents about their current alcohol consumption. Every year the figures show that alcohol consumption, even 6 months after the alcohol break, is lower than before the alcohol break. Participants drink 1 day a week less and if they drink, they also drink fewer glasses of alcohol, both during the weekend and during the week. In total, the respondents in the study into IkPas 2021 drink almost 5 glasses less alcohol per week after 6 months. And that saves quite a bit on a drink.”

This is Rob

dr. Rob Bovens is an alcohol researcher and works at Tranzo, a research center for care and welfare at Tilburg University. He has been working in (alcohol) addiction prevention for 41 years and is conducting the IkPas research together with Prof. dr. Dike van de Mheen and Dr. Yolanda Mathijssen. Rob is one of the initiators of IkPas.

Are you curious about the entire IkPas research report? Check here the complete fact sheet.

 

 

 

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