Patterns of Alcohol Consumption in the PURE Poland Cohort Study and Their Relationship with Health Problems.

Katarzyna Zatońska,Zuzanna Stępnicka,Piotr Psikus,Alicja Basiak-Rasała,Maria Wołyniec,Andrzej Szuba,Katarzyna Połtyn-Zaradna,Andrzej Wojtyła

doi:10.3390/ijerph18084185

Abstract

(1) Background: Alcohol is a leading risk factor of premature morbidity and mortality. The objective of this study was to investigate the patterns of alcohol consumption in the PURE Poland cohort study baseline. (2) Methods: A Polish cohort was enrolled in the baseline study in 2007–2010. The study group consisted of 2021 adult participants of urban and rural areas from the Lower Silesia voivodeship in Poland (747 men and 1274 women). (3) Results: In the overall study population, 67.3% were current drinkers, 10.3% were former drinkers, and 22.4% were abstainers. Current use of alcohol products was more prevalent in men (77.2%), people living in urban areas (73.0%), and people with a higher level of education (78.0%). The percentage of current drinkers decreased with increasing age (from 73.4% in 30- to 44-year-olds to 48.8% in participants aged 64 and more). The majority of participants (89.2%) declared a low level of alcohol intake. The chance of high level of intake of alcohol was four times higher in men than in women (OR 4.17; CI 1.64–10.6). The majority of participants (54.6%) declared most frequent consumption of low-alcohol drinks (beer, wine) and 21% declared most frequent consumption of spirits. Current drinkers had almost 1.5-fold higher odds of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) than never drinkers (OR 1.49, CI 1.03–2.17; OR 1.66, CI 1.27–2.18, respectively). Former drinkers had higher odds for hypertension and CVD than never drinkers (1.73, CI 1.05–2.85; OR 1.76, CI 1.22–2.53, respectively). (4) Conclusions: In our cohort study, we observed several socio-demographic factors differentiating the patterns of alcohol consumption. The preventive programs should focus predominantly on men, people aged <45 years, and those with a higher level of education.

Highlights

Alcohol is included in many social, cultural, and religious practices
Based on to-date studies, there is a linear association between the level of alcohol consumption and all-cause mortality, especially cancer-related [2]
The odds of occurrence of diabetes, cardiovascular diseases (CVD), and hypertension were not significantly associated with sex

Summary

Introduction

Widespread use of alcoholic beverages can have deleterious effects on health. Alcohol is a leading risk factor of premature morbidity and mortality. It is estimated that 5.3% of overall global mortality can be attributed to excessive consumption of alcohol [1]. Based on to-date studies, there is a linear association between the level of alcohol consumption and all-cause mortality, especially cancer-related [2]. Aforementioned findings contradict previous observations, which suggested the protective impact of consumption of low to moderate amounts of alcohol [3,4]. The previous observations can be partially explained by an inadequate control for confounders and an association between light drinking and a healthier overall lifestyle [2]. Harmful use of alcohol increases the risk of premature mortality, as well as the risk of injuries, disability, and mental and psychological disorders

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