Association between exposure to digital alcohol marketing and alcohol use: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Exposure to digital alcohol marketing content might be associated with pro-alcohol-related attitudes and behaviours, including the likelihood of initiating or sustaining the use of alcohol, especially among adolescents (aged <18 years) and young adults (aged 18-25 years). This study aimed to examine the relationship between exposure to digital alcohol marketing content and alcohol use outcomes. METHODS: ) was calculated for each alcohol use outcome. Study quality and publication bias were assessed. The study protocol was registered on the Open Science Framework. FINDINGS: =88%). INTERPRETATION: Findings demonstrated an association between exposure to digital alcohol marketing content and alcohol-related behaviours. Future research is needed to clarify the temporal order between exposure to digital alcohol marketing content and alcohol-related behaviours.