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Mortality and morbidity related to alcohol
1Karolinska Institute, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, St Görans Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
Alcohol and Alcoholism (Oxford, Oxfordshire)
|March 1, 1997
Summary
High alcohol consumption significantly increases mortality and hospital admissions, particularly psychiatric care, leading to lost productive years in adults. This study highlights the substantial public health burden of excessive alcohol use.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Addiction Medicine
Background:
- Alcohol consumption is a leading cause of preventable death and disease globally.
- Understanding the specific impact of alcohol on mortality and healthcare utilization is crucial for public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the association between alcohol consumption levels and mortality.
- To assess the relationship between alcohol consumption and hospital admissions, including psychiatric care.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the Swedish Twin Registry, following 9057 twins born 1925 or later.
- Data collected via a 1973 lifestyle and personality questionnaire.
- Follow-up through national cause of death and hospital discharge registers until 1992.
Main Results:
- High alcohol consumption was linked to 11.3% of male deaths and 9.4% of female deaths.
- Attributable hospital admissions were 13.2% for men and 1.1% for women.
- Psychiatric admissions showed higher alcohol attribution: 28.7% for men and 7.2% for women.
Conclusions:
- High alcohol consumption leads to significant loss of productive life years in adults aged 18-67.
- A substantial portion of healthcare consumption, especially psychiatric services, is related to alcohol.
- Findings underscore the need for targeted alcohol reduction strategies to mitigate health burdens.