Aims

To support the free and open dissemination of research findings and information on alcoholism and alcohol-related problems. To encourage open access to peer-reviewed articles free for all to view.

For full versions of posted research articles readers are encouraged to email requests for "electronic reprints" (text file, PDF files, FAX copies) to the corresponding or lead author, who is highlighted in the posting.

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Saturday, April 4, 2009

Alcohol-related and hepatocellular cancer deaths by country of birth in England and Wales: analysis of mortality and census data
Journal of Public Health Advance Access published online on April 1, 2009


The incidence of and mortality from alcohol-related conditions, liver disease and hepatocellular cancer (HCC) are increasing in the UK. We compared mortality rates by country of birth to explore potential inequalities and inform clinical and preventive care.

Mortality from alcohol-related deaths (23 502 deaths) was particularly high for people born in Ireland (SMR for men [M]: 236, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 219–254; SMR for women [F]: 212, 95% CI: 191–235) and Scotland (SMR-M: 187, CI: 173–213; SMR-F 182, CI: 163–205) and men born in India (SMR-M: 161, CI: 144–181). Low alcohol-related mortality was found in women born in other countries and men born in Bangladesh, Middle East, West Africa, Pakistan, China and Hong Kong, and the West Indies. Similar mortality patterns were observed by country of birth for alcoholic liver disease and other liver diseases. Mortality from HCC (8266 deaths) was particularly high for people born in Bangladesh (SMR-M: 523, CI: 380–701; SMR-F: 319, CI: 146–605), China and Hong Kong (SMR-M: 492, CI: 168–667; SMR-F: 323, CI: 184–524), West Africa (SMR-M: 440, CI, 308–609; SMR-F: 319, CI: 165–557) and Pakistan (SMR-M: 216, CI: 113–287; SMR-F: 215, CI: 133–319).


These findings show persistent differences in mortality by country of birth for both alcohol-related and HCC deaths and have important clinical and public health implications. New policy, research and practical action are required to address these differences.




Request Reprint E-Mail: neeraj.bhala@ctsu.ox.ac.uk

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Study on the affordability of alcoholic beverages in the European Union

Study on the affordability of alcoholic beverages in the European Union now available
In 2008 DG SANCO commissioned RAND Europe to conduct a study on "The affordability of alcoholic beverages in the European Union - Understanding the link between alcohol affordability, consumption and harms". Apart from an extensive study of literature, RAND Europe has consulted for this study a wide range of stakeholders (EU Member States, economic operators, public health NGOs, and other Directorates-General of the European Commission).
The responsibility for the content of this study lies with the authors, and the content does not necessarily represent the views of the European Commission; nor is the Commission responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained herein.
Report (1.9 MB)
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Wednesday, April 1, 2009

RETHINKING DRINKING

Do you enjoy a drink now and then? Many of us do, often when socializing with friends and family. Drinking can be beneficial or harmful, depending on your age and health status, and, of course, how much you drink.

For anyone who drinks, this site offers valuable, research-based information. What do you think about taking a look at your drinking habits and how they may affect your health? Rethinking Drinking can help you get started.
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