Association between restriction policies and rate of alcohol-related harm in Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities: a systematic review protocol.

Objective: This review aims to examine the association between alcohol restriction policies and rates of alcohol-related harms in Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Introduction: A number of different strategies have been used to reduce the harms and costs associated with excessive alcohol consumption in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. These strategies, implemented at federal and state government levels, as well as by individual communities, have aimed to promote reduced alcohol consumption or prohibit consumption entirely. Strategies to address the problems associated with alcohol misuse can be categorized into three types: harm, demand and supply reduction.

Inclusion criteria: This review will consider any kind of quantitative research study that includes Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples living in communities subject to alcohol control policies due to the imposition of alcohol management plans or other alcohol restriction policies. Included studies will measure physical alcohol-related harms. The secondary outcome of interest will be rates of alcohol consumption measured as alcohol sales per person or as self-reported consumption. Studies published in English from 1998 will be included.

Methods: The proposed systematic review will be conducted in accordance with the JBI methodology for systematic reviews of etiology and risk. Published and unpublished studies will be sourced from multiple databases and resources. Two independent reviewers will screen, appraise and extract data from studies meeting the inclusion criteria. Data synthesis will be conducted and a Summary of Findings will be constructed.