Alcohol health promotion research and policy in the Nordic countries - a literature review 1986-2008

Abstract

The problem with culture infl uencing research is visible in Nordic alcohol health promotion research. This study includes peer reviewed articles in alcohol health promotion in the Nordic countries and analyses the content of top-down vs. bottomup,and individual vs. community/governmental approaches for health promotion activities. The results shows that Sweden, Finland, Norway and Iceland tend to aim for reducing alcohol use in general, in order to decrease the incidence of alcohol related problems. Swedish articles are more often top-down, and discuss government regulations for the purpose. The Danish approach is more bottom-up and shows trust in the individuals abilities to take care of his/her health issues. The results from the research cannot serve as a guide for ordinary citizens and there is a need for a policy discussion on these issues in health promotion research, as well as policy circles.