ASSESSMENT OF ALCOHOL USE BY POPULATION AND RELATED PROBLEMS

Abstract

Introduction. The development of the public health system provides for the solution of the basic operational functions of public health, including surveillance and assessment of the state of health and well-being of the population, taking into account risks to public health.Given the importance of alcohol as a risk factor for the development of diseases, the study of its prevalence in the population, consumption patterns and health effects is an important public health problem.
 The aim of the study. To identify current trends in alcohol consumption and the associated risk factor for health damage in Ukraine and countries of the WHO European Region.Materials and methods. Bibliographic, medical, statistical and information-analytical methods were used in the study. The key scientific base were the European Health for All Database, the Global Information System on Alcohol and Health (GISAH) and the European Information System on Alcohol and Health (EISAH).
 Results. Significant differences were found in the prevalence of alcohol consumption by population in different regions of the world per capita per year, up to 16 times, with the highest rates in the WHO ER. Ukraine is characterized by high levels of alcohol consumption (8.6 liters) and negative tendencies for their growth during 1991-2016 by 45.8%. At the same time, in Ukraine the consumption of strong alcoholic drinks predominates, while in the countries of the European Union - wine and beer. The increase in alcohol consumption in Ukraine and the prevalence of strong drinks in the structure of consumed products (51.5%) is an unfavorable prognostic indicator and requires the adoption of preventive measures. The negative consequences of alcohol consumption are the prevalence of alcohol dependence (2.2%), alcohol-related disorders (6%), a significant proportion of deaths (20.5%) due to this risk factor in the overall structure of all deaths, etc. Significant is the contribution of alcohol to the formation of indicators of road traffic injuries, including those with a fatal outcome, crime rates, etc.
 Conclusions. Surveillance of the prevalence of alcohol use, patterns of consumption and assessment of alcohol-related public health problems is an important basis for determining directions, justification and taking countermeasures.