The behaviour of alcohol-dependent drinkers of spirits during level 4 COVID-19 lockdown in Auckland, New Zealand.

Introduction: Behaviour of alcohol drinkers during previous major public health or economic crises has varied, with reductions in use generally occurring during periods of reduced availability. This study aimed to discover the behaviour of a group of dependent drinkers of spirits during a 33-day period of complete closure of physical stores selling spirits during COVID-19 lockdown in Auckland, New Zealand, March 2020.

Methods: Electronic clinical records of drinkers waitlisted to complete an alcohol detox at the in-patient service were followed from day 1 of lockdown and outcomes at the end of the period analysed.

The effect of alcohol price on dependent drinkers' alcohol consumption.

Aims: To investigate the current purchasing behaviours of a group of dependent drinkers and their potential response to future increases in the price of alcohol.

Methods: 115 clients undergoing medical detoxification completed an anonymous survey about their daily alcohol consumption, its cost, their response to potential price increases and strategies previously used when unable to afford alcohol.

Results: Mean and median number of standard drinks consumed per day was 24, at a median cost of $25 NZD (95%CI $22, $30).

The end of submacular surgery for age-related macular degeneration? A meta-analysis.

Background: The aim of this meta-analysis was to summarize and to discuss the results of the four main submacular surgical procedures for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) as reported in the literature through 2004 and to compare them to the Submacular Surgery Trials (SST) data.

Methods: The existing data in the literature on submacular surgery for AMD from 1992 to 2004 were evaluated. The main outcomes were proportion of patients with two or more lines of improvement in visual acuity (VA) and proportion with two or more lines of deterioration in VA after surgery.