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This study explores patterns of alcohol drinking within a representative New Zealand sample (2887 participants (1464 female, 1423 male)). Alcohol use and drinking patterns across the population are described. Multivariable logistic regressions document associations between alcohol use and drinking patterns and the likelihood of experiencing different health outcomes. Alcohol use, early drinking initiation, frequent drinking, and heavy episodic drinking (HED) are prevalent in New Zealand and vary in relation to gender, age, and socioeconomic characteristics. Those who reported alcohol-related problems were more likely to report poor mental health (AOR: 2.21; 95% CI: 1.42–3.46) and disability (AOR: 1.79, 95% CI: 1.06–3.00), and less likely to experience positive mental health (AOR: 0.28, 95% CI: 0.18–0.42). Those who reported HED were also less likely to experience good general health (AOR: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.47–0.81) and positive mental health (AOR: 0.67, 95% CI: 0.53–0.84). Younger age cohorts were more likely to engage in early drinking, and those who initiated regular drinking before age 18 were more likely to report HED and alcohol-related problems. Findings indicate that problem drinking and HED are not only associated with poor physical health, but also reduce the likelihood of individuals experiencing positive mental health. This provides information to enable public health practitioners to target alcohol prevention strategies at the entire population of drinkers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To investigate and compare estimates of the longevity of dental treatment, expectations for free remedial treatment, and attitudes about formal dental warranties among dentists, students, and patients. Materials and methods: This is a mixed-method cross-sectional questionnaire survey with convenience sampling from dentists, dental students, and patients in New Zealand. A questionnaire was distributed to New Zealand dentists (n = 28) and final-year dental students (n = 27). A separate questionnaire was provided to patients in a university dental clinic (n = 43). Mann-Whitney U, Chi-square and Pearson Correlation, and Binary logistic regression tests were used to test for differences between groups and correlations amongst variables. Qualitative data were analysed thematically. Results: Dentists believed that their posterior composite resin restorations would last longer (p = 0.014), would remediate failed crowns for longer (p = 0.002) and would provide longer crown warranties (p = 0.003) compared to students. Patients had higher expectations for restoration longevity and free remediation for failed treatment. Students were generally more willing to provide warranties. Crowns were perceived to be the most warrantable, while endodontic treatment was the least warrantable. Recall attendance, mechanical failure, and adequate oral hygiene were commonly proposed as warranty conditions for restorations and crowns. There was little consensus about complete dentures and endodontic treatment. Conclusions: There are significant disparities between the expectations of patients and clinicians regarding treatment longevity and free remediation times. Clinicians, in general, are willing to provide free remediation within a specified time frame, except for endodontic treatment, but are hesitant to provide formal dental warranties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]