A Comparison of Methods Used to Assess Access to Alcohol Outlets Associated with Social Deprivation: A Study in Edinburgh

Aims: The aim of this study was to assess five access methods, whilst examining access to alcohol outlets associated with social deprivation in Edinburgh. Methods: Alcohol outlets were mapped and five well used methods; density ratios, kernel density estimation, distance to nearest outlet, circular buffers and network buffers, were used to calculate access to alcohol outlets across quintiles of deprivation. Results: The two most appropriate methods for assessing access to alcohol outlets associated with social deprivation in Edinburgh are areal density and network buffers. The access to alcohol outlets across Edinburgh does vary by deprivation but not systematically. Conclusions: Depending on the circumstances of the study, the most appropriate method may vary. This study found a mixed picture related to access to alcohol outlets, and to further this research both demand and consumption rates is required