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Mortality associated with alcoholism in New Zealand
Insights
Patients with alcoholism have a fourfold higher mortality rate than the general population. Increased deaths were observed from cirrhosis, cardiovascular disease, neoplasms, trauma, and alcoholism itself.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Alcoholism Studies
Background:
- Alcoholism is a significant public health concern associated with increased morbidity and mortality.
- Understanding the specific causes of death in individuals with alcohol use disorder is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the mortality rates in patients referred to an alcoholic assessment centre.
- To identify specific causes of death contributing to excess mortality in this population.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 1068 patients attending an alcoholic assessment centre was studied.
- Mortality data was collected over a mean follow-up period of 1.5 years.
- Observed deaths were compared to expected rates in the general population.
Main Results:
- A total of 50 deaths occurred, representing a fourfold increase compared to the general population.
- Significantly elevated mortality rates were observed for cirrhosis, other digestive diseases, cardiovascular disease, neoplasms, trauma, and alcoholism.
- Fifteen deaths were directly attributed to definite alcohol-related causes.
Conclusions:
- Patients with alcohol use disorder exhibit substantially higher mortality rates across multiple disease categories.
- Alcoholism is a major contributing factor to premature death, necessitating comprehensive management strategies.
Abstract:
Rates of mortality were determined in patients attending an alcoholic assessment centre. The study group comprised 1068 patients, studied for a mean of 1.5 years after referral. A total of 50 deaths occurred, being four times the expected death rate in the general population. Significantly increased mortality rates were found for deaths from cirrhosis, other digestive disease, cardiovascular disease, neoplasms, trauma and alcoholism. In 15 patients death was due to definite alcohol-related causes.