Mortality among female alcoholics

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Addiction Medicine
• Sociology

Background:

• Female alcoholics often experience low socioeconomic status and social disadvantages.
• Previous studies highlight increased mortality risks associated with alcoholism.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the mortality rates and causes of death among female alcoholics undergoing compulsory treatment.
• To compare observed mortality with expected mortality based on general population data.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 83 female alcoholics treated between 1961-1968 was followed until 1973.
• Cause-specific and general mortality rates were calculated using age-specific risk tables.
• Observed to expected mortality ratios were determined for various causes of death.

Main Results:

• Overall mortality was seven times higher than expected (7:1).
• Mortality from accidents was 70 times higher, and from suicide 30 times higher.
• Suicide decedents were younger at initial treatment; other cause decedents were older. Half of all suicide attempts involved violent methods.

Conclusions:

• Female alcoholics exhibit substantially elevated mortality risks, especially from external causes like accidents and suicide.
• Age at initial treatment and a history of suicide attempts are critical factors influencing mortality outcomes.
• Compulsory treatment settings may involve individuals with severe social disadvantages and high-risk behaviors.