A selection from Stockholm University publication database

• Changes in the Relationship Between Volume of Consumption and Alcohol-Related Problems in Sweden During 1979-2003

  2014. Jonas Landberg, Lena Hübner. Alcohol and Alcoholism 49 (3), 308-316

  Article

  Aims: The aim of the study was to investigate (i) whether the strength of the relationship between self-reported volume of consumption and alcohol-related problems has become weaker in Sweden, and (ii) whether such a change can be related to temporal changes in drinking patterns or to changes in the distribution of consumption and related problems in the population. Methods: Three cross-sectional general population surveys conducted in Sweden in 1979, 1995 and 2003 yielded data on 5650 Swedish adults aged 18-69 years. The relationship between self-reported volume of consumption and self-reported alcohol-related problems was estimated using Poisson regression models. Analyses of drinking patterns focused on changes in frequency of drinking, volume per occasion and frequency of drinking to intoxication. Lorenz curves were used to analyse the distributions of consumption and alcohol-related problems. Results: Poisson regression estimates revealed that the relationship between volume of consumption and alcohol-related problems became weaker over time; a 10% per cent change in self-reported volume of consumption was associated with a smaller per cent change in the number of experienced problems in 2003 (5%) compared with 1995 (6%) and 1979 (7%). This change was not related to a hypothesized general shift towards a more southern European style of drinking, as no such tendency was found. Conclusion: The changed relationship appears to be a reflection of a redistribution of consumption and alcohol-related problems in the population, such that a larger share of all consumption and related problems occurs among light or moderate drinkers in 2003 compared with 1979.

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• Constructing relations in social work: client, customer and service user? The application and relevance of the term user in social work discourse

  2014. Lena Hübner. Nordic Social Work Research 4 (2), 87-98

  Article

  The aim of the article is to accomplish a critical discussion of the terms service user/user and through this highlight the power of language in social work. Two main issues are dealt with: to study to what extent the terms service user/user are applied when addressing recipients of social services in the UK and in Sweden, and to discuss the relevance and meaningfulness of the term in Swedish social services discourse. The point of departure for the study is the reappearance of the term user in Swedish social work discourse in the context of a campaign for evidence-based social work. Through search in 11 volumes of research journals in the UK and in Sweden, it can be concluded that the application of the term service user are quite common in the UK, simply as a synonym for client. The term’s equivalent in Swedish, user is not extensively applied in Sweden. The application of the term user in Swedish social work discourse can be relevant when considering the supportive side of social work, but is shown to be problematic when it comes to statutory services like compulsory treatment or the removal of children from parents. The term hides questions of power and unequal relations immanent in the delivery of social services and social work.

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• Swedish public opinion on alcohol and alcohol policy, 1995 and 2003

  2012. Lena Hübner. Journal of Substance Use 17 (3), 218-229

  Article

  Aims: To compare and discuss public opinions on alcohol and alcohol policies in Sweden. Data & Methods: Population survey, sent out by post to 3000 adult Swedes, 18-69 years of age, on two occasions, 1995 and 2003. Focus on attitudes towards alcohol, drinking and alcohol policies. Results: Public opinion on alcohol and alcohol policy has not changed very much when the years 1995 and 2003 are compared, although a slightly more restrictive view can be detected. But there were no dramatic changes in spite of a rapid and sharp increase of alcohol consumption during this period and changing foundations of alcohol policies due to the Swedish membership of the European Union (EU). Swedes seem somewhat more content with alcohol policies in 2003 compared with 1995 and show a more restrictive view when it comes to young persons and drinking. Conclusion: A slightly more restrictive view on alcohol can be detected in 2003 compared with 1995, and there seems to be continued support for population-wide and environmental measures in Swedish public opinion.

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• Reflections on knowledge management and evidence-based practice in the personal social services of Finland and Sweden

  2016. Lena Hübner. Nordic Social Work Research 6 (2), 114-125

  Article

  Evidence-based practice (EBP) is a form of knowledge management and is a trend that has influenced many professional fields during the past 10–15 years, including social work. In Sweden, a campaign for an implementation of EBP has been launched towards social work practice from the Swedish central authority since the late 1990s. Knowledge management in social work can however take other directions which seem to be the case in Finland. Finland and Sweden bear many resemblances concerning political and administrative structures as well as approaches in the social services. Both countries also have highly educated social workers. The main question for the study was how come demands to implement EBP in the personal social services have been so strongly articulated in Sweden but not in Finland. The aim was to reflect on knowledge management in social work in two similar cases, Finland and Sweden, focusing EBP. Results show that the close contacts between representatives of the Swedish authority and proponents of a radical EBP version in the US was a decisive factor for the campaign towards social work in Sweden. Such mediators and proponents seemed to be absent in Finland. The length and the focus on academic skills in the education of social workers in Finland is seen as a contributing factor, giving Finnish social workers a sense of being ‘true professionals’ and thus more independent towards external demands.

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Show all publications by Lena Hübner at Stockholm University