Prevalence Of Alcohol Consumption Research Articles

The utility of alcohol saliva test strips compared to the breathalyzer in trauma patients in a resource-limited setting.

The correlation between alcohol consumption and injury is undeniable. However, past research relying on self-reporting alcohol use likely resulted in underreporting and emphasizing the need to increase alcohol testing, especially in resource-limited settings where the burden of injuries is highest. This is a prospective analysis of injured patients presenting to the trauma center at Kamuzu Central Hospital in Lilongwe, Malawi. We collected information including patient age, sex, admission date, mechanism of injury, breathalyzer test and Rapid ResponseTM Alcohol Saliva Test Strips (AST) result, and survival. A total of 805 trauma patients were included. The overall prevalence of alcohol consumption in this trauma cohort is 18.3%. There was a 95.5% agreement between the AST and breathalyzer test with a Kappa coefficient of 0.83. The sensitivity and specificity of the AST were determined to be 78.5% (CI 75.7-81.2) and 99.3% (CI 98.7-99.9), respectively. ROC analyses showed the AST to have excellent discrimination with an area under the curve of 0.88 (95% CI 0.85-0.92). The prevalence of alcohol-related injury is high in Malawi and the use of the Alcohol Saliva Test Strips is feasible and correlated with results derived from the breathalyzer. Routine alcohol testing for trauma patients presenting to a resource-limited setting is imperative and should be implemented.

Characteristics of adolescents with acute alcohol intoxication accessing emergency care in The Netherlands

Abstract Background Prevent alcohol consumption amongst minors is a major concern for national governments. Collecting comprehensive data on adolescent drinking patterns is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies. Therefore, the aim of this study is to give an overview of demographic and clinical characteristics of adolescents with an acute alcohol intoxication in the Netherlands. Methods This study was conducted using a cohort of adolescents aged 14-17 years presenting with acute alcohol intoxication symptoms at the emergency department from 2015-2023. Data were collected at the Reinier de Graaf Gasthuis in Delft in order to monitor trends in admissions for acute alcohol intoxication. Data on patients age, blood alcohol concentration, sex, combined drug use and reason of admission were collected. Results A total of 505 patients who presented themselves with symptoms of acute alcohol intoxication at the Reinier de Graaf Gasthuis were included. The mean age of patients was 15.7 years old. The mean blood alcohol concentration was 2.0‰. During the COVID-lockdown period there were statistically significant less admissions with alcohol intoxication. The distribution of sex was nearly equal with 50.3% females and 49.7% males. Combined drug use was present in 13.4% of all cases, with cannabis as the most frequent type of drugs found. The most common known reason for admission was ‘reduced consciousness’ (35.9%). Conclusions These findings are relevant for both the central government’s ongoing prevention initiatives and treatment strategies within hospitals. In the future, more countries should evaluate data on adolescent drinking patterns.

Steps Toward Decreasing Maternal Alcohol Consumption in Israel: Nationwide Trends During a Decade.

Prenatal alcohol exposure poses a substantial risk to fetal development. Efforts were made in 2011-2020 to increase public awareness of and prevent alcohol consumption during pregnancy. We conducted a cross-sectional survey in Israel of pregnant women's alcohol consumption from January 2021 through June 2023 and compared our results with the results of a survey conducted during 2009-2010 to assess changes over time. We conducted cross-sectional surveys at 3 public hospitals in central and northern Israel. Surveyors visited hospitals twice weekly and used a questionnaire consistent with one used in 2009-2010 that focused on alcohol consumption 3 months before pregnancy and during pregnancy. We conducted a stratified analysis of the prevalence of alcohol consumption during pregnancy by demographic characteristics. We also used a multivariable logistic regression model to examine variables associated with receiving guidance on alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Of 1915 women in the 2021-2023 survey (mean [SD] age, 30.8 [5.6] y), 1204 (62.9%) reported never consuming alcohol before pregnancy and 1708 (89.2%) reported no alcohol consumption during pregnancy. During pregnancy, 157 (8.2%) women reported consuming alcohol weekly or less, 12 (0.6%) more frequently, and 52 (2.7%) binge drinking. We found a significant decrease in alcohol consumption during pregnancy in 2021-2023 as compared with 2009-2010 (odds ratio, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.52-0.88; P = .03). Predictors of alcohol consumption during pregnancy included alcohol consumption before pregnancy, parity, and smoking. Significantly more women in the 2021-2023 sample (n = 569; 29.7%) than in the 2009-2010 sample received guidance on alcohol consumption during pregnancy (P < .001). Educational efforts should continue to increase awareness of the risks of prenatal alcohol exposure in the general population and among health professionals.

Virtual Reality-Based Alcohol Prevention: The Results of a Cross-Sectional Study with Visitors of an Art Exhibition

Virtual reality (VR) can help to prevent alcohol consumption by simulating peer pressure. While existing VR applications for adolescents are primarily tested in schools, expanding them to museums and art galleries offers setting-specific benefits and could enhance their reach. An interactive VR simulation was presented in an art exhibition on substance use reflection. This study aimed to (1) describe visitor experiences with the simulation and (2) analyse differences according to gender and age. Visitors (n = 293) explored Virtual LimitLab for about 15 min before completing a survey on user experience and perceived learning experiences, which also included open questions on its positive and negative aspects. The quantitative user experience and perceived learning experience items were rated positively, except for knowledge increase. Young visitors (≤18 years of age) perceived Virtual LimitLab as more interesting (p = 0.043) and exciting (p = 0.047) than older ones. Female visitors rated the reflective response (p = 0.016) and sensitisation to social pressure (p = 0.024) higher than males. The qualitative evaluation showed that visitors appreciated the simulation’s realism, authenticity and adaptability. VR-based public health interventions in the arts setting need further research to study their preventive potential.

Prevalence and long-term change in alcohol consumption: results from a population-based cohort in Southern India

BackgroundAlcohol consumption in India is below the global average, with limited data on long-term effects. The current study aims to examine changes over time among alcohol consumers, the pattern of drinking and help-seeking for alcohol problems among South Indian men.MethodData on the intake of various alcohol types were collected through standard questionnaires in two adult follow-ups [Baseline: 1998–2002, Follow-up: 2016–2019] from male participants in the Vellore birth cohort (VBC). Alcohol intake was converted to weekly standard drink units for analysis. Data on drinking patterns using the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) and information on help-seeking among problem drinkers were collected during follow-up. Socio-demographic associations with alcohol consumption were determined using logistic regression.ResultsThe prevalence of alcohol consumption was 54.5% and 47.7% at the baseline and follow-up, respectively. Over two decades, 12% of men reported to have newly started drinking and 18% quit drinking. Lower education and lower socio-economic status (SES) were the strongest predictors of alcohol consumption. The AUDIT assessment among drinkers reported hazardous drinking of 38.4%, harmful drinking of 4.7% and 3.7% probable alcohol dependence. Among the persons with high AUDIT scores, 25% were concerned about high consumption, and 9% sought help to stop their alcohol consumption.ConclusionOur results showed a decline in alcohol consumption in this cohort over two decades. Among drinkers, a high proportion report hazardous and harmful consumption. Low levels of education and SES are significant predictors of alcohol consumption. A low proportion of help-seeking reflects alcohol-related stigma in the community.

A lifespan perspective on fetal alcohol syndrome: Developmental challenges and outcomes

Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) and fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) result from alcohol exposure during the intrauterine life of the fetus and are the most common nonheritable, avoidable causes of intellectual disability and a wide range of neurobehavioral outcomes. Alcohol causes neurotoxicity in the developing brain. Children with FASD experience behavioral issues from an early age and progress to adulthood. The prevalence of alcohol consumption among women is increasing. Clinically, symptoms in children with FAS manifest in a wide range of ways, probably as a result of the quantity and timing of alcohol exposure, as well as maternal and genetic effects. All of these elements contribute to the mechanisms through which alcohol harms a growing brain, the specifics of which are still largely unknown. Neuroimaging reveals alterations in the structure of the brain, white matter structure, cortical development, and functional connections. However, recent advancements and ongoing research have yielded encouraging findings that could result in the use of FAS screening tools and therapy for individuals. Intervention aims to enhance development, address behavioural challenges, and ensure suitable educational programming. Prioritizing early childhood intervention is crucial to prevent secondary disabilities that may arise from delays in obtaining a definitive diagnosis of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Effective nutritional therapies as well as cognitive rehabilitation are now being tested. This disorder represents the intersection of complicated societal, community, family, and biological circumstances that increase the risk for intergenerational suffering, health disparity, and social injustice. This paper aims to guide healthcare professionals and policymaker in enhancing the quality of life for individuals with FAS through effective strategies.

Unleashing Industry 4.0: Empowering corporate trade credit

Utilizing panel data from publicly listed Chinese manufacturing firms spanning 2013 to 2022, our research demonstrates a direct correlation between the adoption of Industry 4.0 technology and improvements in trade credit. Industry 4.0 also bolsters firms' total factor productivity and internal controls, thereby catalyzing the expansion of trade credit. Notably, this positive effect is accentuated in environments with favorable commercial credit conditions and a lower prevalence of alcohol consumption, particularly within firms guided by top management teams with a strong technological background and a commitment to social responsibility. Through these findings, our study illuminates the pivotal role of Industry 4.0 technology in shaping corporate trade credit dynamics.

Alcohol consumption among Iranian population based on the findings of STEPS survey 2021

Alcohol production and consumption have been prohibited in Iran for over four decades, leading to a typical underestimation of its consumption. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of alcohol consumption, its associated factors, and estimate per capita alcohol consumption among Iran’s adult population. In this population-based survey, 27,874 adults from across Iran were selected using systematic proportional-to-size cluster sampling. Alcohol consumption was evaluated through a modified Persian version of the STEPS questionnaires from previous studies, applied over different timespans. Per capita consumption was calculated using the quantity-frequency method, expressed in liters of pure alcohol. Adjusted odds ratios were reported for associates of alcohol consumption concerning metabolic risk factors, sociodemographic elements, and lifestyle variables. The prevalence of lifetime alcohol consumption was 6.9% (95% CI 6.5–7.2) in the adult population, with a notable sex difference (males: 13.7% [95% CI 13–14.4]; females: 1.4% [95% CI 1.1–1.6]). The 12 month prevalence was 3.8% (95% CI 3.6–4.1). For individuals aged 18 and older, the per capita alcohol consumption in Iran was 0.12 L. Factors such as being a lifetime smoker, younger, wealthier, and having 7–12 years of education were significantly linked to higher alcohol consumption. Significant associations were also observed between alcohol consumption and having a history of heart attacks (OR = 2.04, 95% CI 1.44–2.89), and physical injuries (OR = 1.88, 95% CI 1.34–2.64). The estimated lifetime and 12-month prevalence of alcohol use in our study were higher among some of the subpopulations. The findings also revealed a complex relationship between alcohol consumption, behavioral risk factors, and metabolic profiles. Consequently, immediate preventive measures tailored to each factor’s association with alcohol use are recommended.

Research on cognitive impairment and potential risk factors in peritoneal dialysis patients: An observational study.

The objective of this study is to investigate the associated risk factors and their effects on cognitive impairment (CI) in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis. A retrospective analysis was conducted on the basic information of 268 patients who underwent continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) at our hospital from January 2020 to September 2023. Cognitive function was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale during their subsequent dialysis visits. Participants were categorized into a CI group and a cognitively normal group. Blood and other biological samples were collected for relevant biomarker analysis. Subsequently, we analyzed and compared the factors influencing CI between the 2 groups. The prevalence of CI among CAPD patients was 58.2%. Compared to the cognitively normal group, the CI group had a higher prevalence of alcohol consumption, lower levels of education, and reduced serum uric acid levels (P < .05). There was also a higher incidence of autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus in the CI group (P < .05). In terms of dialysis efficacy, the residual kidney Kt/V and residual kidney Ccr were significantly lower in the CI group compared to the cognitively normal group. In blood parameters, the CI group showed elevated total cholesterol levels and lower serum calcium concentrations (P < .05). Logistic regression analysis identified male gender, older age, lower educational attainment, hypercholesterolemia, and elevated high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels as independent risk factors for CI in CAPD patients (P < .05). Additionally, in this patient cohort, dialysis duration and residual renal function were protective factors against CI (P < .05). CI is prevalent among PD patients. Elevated high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels, male gender, older age, lower educational attainment, and hypercholesterolemia constitute an independent risk factor for CI in CAPD patients, whereas residual renal function acts as a protective element.

Prevalence of Alcohol Consumption and its Impact on Morbidity Among Patients Admitted to the Department of Medicine

Background: Alcohol consumption is a prevalent societal issue with significant implications for public health. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of alcohol consumption and its impact on morbidity and outcomes among patients admitted to medicine department. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted using a proforma containing demographic and clinical data. Data of four hundred subjects admitted to Bharatpur Hospital in the department of medicine over the year 2023 were randomly collected. Data on alcohol consumption, demographic characteristics, medical history, and morbidity outcomes were collected and analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests. Results: Among the study subjects (n=400), 22% reported alcohol consumption. The prevalence of alcohol consumption varied across demographic groups, with higher rates (30.9% and 33.1%) observed among males and middle age groups (36 - 55 years) respectively. Patients with a history of alcohol consumption had a significantly higher incidence of morbidity outcomes, including longer hospital stays (8.2 vs 5.1 days, p &lt;0.0001)), increased need for intensive care or referrals (10.71% vs 5.2%, p &lt;0.05), and higher mortality rates (8.03% vs 3.1%, p &lt;0.05) compared to non-drinkers. Conclusion: This study highlights the relatively high prevalence of alcohol consumption among patients admitted to medical wards and its association with adverse morbidity outcomes. These findings underscore the importance of targeted interventions and comprehensive healthcare strategies aimed at addressing alcohol-related morbidity in hospitalized patients.

Abstract PO3-09-11: Age Group Analysis of Breast Cancer Patterns in Brazil: Findings from Population-Based Registries

Abstract Background: The rising breast cancer (BC) incidence among young women is potentially influenced by modifiable genetic and reproductive risk factors, as well as the increased incidence among older women may be associated with lifestyle-related factors and screening programs. This study examines BC incidence and mortality rates across different age groups in Brazil, focusing on clinicopathological and sociodemographic variations. Patients and methods: By using data from 13 Brazilian Population-Based Cancer Registries spanning the period 2010-2015, this study analyzed incidence trends among women with BC. Crude incidence ratios (CIRs) and the annual average percent change (AAPC) were computed. Additionally, clinical and sociodemographic information from 348 Hospital-Based Cancer Registries covering 2000-2019 was incorporated. Mortality data for the years 2000-2020 were obtained from the National Mortality Information System. Comparative analyses were conducted across three predefined age groups: &amp;lt; 40, 40-69, and ≥ 70 years. Statistical significance was defined as a p-value &amp;lt; 0.05, while a threshold of more than 5% difference in proportional values was used as a criterion to identify clinically relevant differentials. Results: Between 2010 and 2015, a total of 205,966 newly diagnosed cases of BC were documented. The CIRs were 7.1/100,000 for the age group &amp;lt; 40, 156.5/100,000 for the age group 40-69, and 247.5/100,000 for the age group ≥ 70 years. Within the scope of the analyzed age groups, it was observed that solely the age group &amp;lt; 40 years exhibited a noteworthy and persistent increase in the rate of occurrence (AAPC +1.6; 95% CI: 1.0 to 2.2; p &amp;lt; 0.001). This age group also displayed a significantly higher proportion of black women (53%, p &amp;lt; 0.001), a higher prevalence of alcohol consumption (20.5%, p &amp;lt; 0.001), and a greater likelihood of receiving multiple treatment modalities (60.7%, p &amp;lt; 0.001). In contrast, the age group ≥ 70 years experienced a more extended time delay of &amp;gt; 60 days from diagnosis to treatment onset (54%, p &amp;lt; 0.001), while exhibiting a higher utilization rate of hormone therapy (45.3%, p &amp;lt; 0.01). The mortality rates witnessed a significant increase across all age categories, with the age group &amp;lt; 40 years manifesting the most substantial escalation (AAPC +1.8%; 95% CI: 1.6 to 2.1; p &amp;lt; 0.001). This rise was comparatively more than double the rate observed in the 40-69 age group (AAPC +0.7%; 95% CI: 0.5 to 0.8; p &amp;lt; 0.001) and exactly twice as high as the rate recorded in the age group &amp;gt; 70 years (AAPC +0.9%; 95% CI: 0.7 to 1.1 ; p &amp;lt; 0.001). Conclusion: This study reveals substantial disparities in BC incidence and mortality rates, as well as significant differences in clinicopathological and sociodemographic features, among women aged &amp;lt; 40 compared to those in the 40-69 and ≥ 70 years in Brazil. Keywords: Breast cancer; age groups; incidence; mortality. Citation Format: Jesse Lopes da Silva, Andreia Cristina De Melo, Lucas Zanetti de Albuquerque, Mariana Espirito Santo Rodrigues, Luiz Claudio Santos Thuler. Age Group Analysis of Breast Cancer Patterns in Brazil: Findings from Population-Based Registries [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO3-09-11.

Real-world evidence from a retrospective study on suicide during depression: clinical characteristics, treatment patterns and disease burden

BackgroundSuicide stands as both a primary symptom and the direst outcome of major depressive disorder (MDD). The scarcity of effective treatment strategies makes managing MDD patients with suicide especially challenging. Hence, it is crucial to investigate disease characteristics and efficacious therapeutic strategies for these patients, drawing insights from disease databases and real-world data.MethodsIn this retrospective study, MDD patients hospitalized between January 2013 and December 2020 were investigated using Electronic Health Records (EHR) data from Beijing Anding Hospital. The study enrolled 4138 MDD patients with suicidal ideation or behavior (MDS) and 3848 without (MDNS). Demographic data, clinical attributes, treatment approaches, disease burden, and re-hospitalization within one year of discharge were extracted and compared.ResultsPatients in the MDS group were predominantly younger and female, exhibiting a higher prevalence of alcohol consumption, experiencing frequent life stress events, and having an earlier onset age. Re-hospitalizations within six months post-discharge in the MDS group were significantly higher than in the MDNS group (11.36% vs. 8.91%, p < 0.001). Moreover, a more considerable fraction of MDS patients underwent combined electroconvulsive therapy treatment (56.72% vs. 43.71%, p < 0.001). Approximately 38% of patients in both groups were prescribed two or more therapeutic regimes, and over 90% used antidepressants, either alone or combined. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) were the predominant choice in both groups. Furthermore, antidepressants were often prescribed with antipsychotics or mood stabilizers. When medication alterations were necessary, the favoured options involved combination with antipsychotics or transitioning to alternative antidepressants. Yet, in the MDS group, following these initial modifications, the addition of mood stabilizers tended to be the more prioritized alternative.ConclusionsMDD patients with suicidal ideation or behaviour displayed distinctive demographic and clinical features. They exhibited intricate treatment patterns, a pronounced burden of illness, and an increased likelihood of relapse.

Hepatitis-C-Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Still a Relevant Etiology beyond a Hepatitis C Infection Cure.

In the past decades, global changes, including hepatitis B vaccination, hepatitis B and C antiviral therapies, and the increasing prevalence of steatotic liver disease, have influenced the landscape of liver cancer etiologies. We performed a retrospective study focused on the etiological factors of de novo hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) diagnoses in an academic center between 2019 and 2022. Among 352 consecutive patients with HCC, alcohol-related liver disease was the predominant etiology (33.3%), followed by hepatitis C (HCV) infection (30.7%). Significant associations were found between HCC etiology and patient demographics, BCLC stage at diagnosis, and cirrhosis prevalence. Whereas accessibility to antiviral therapy is granted, HCV infection remains as one of the main HCC etiologies. MASLD-related HCC, although growing globally, is not as relevant in our area. Strong public policies need to be implemented to prevent alcohol consumption, the main etiology of liver disease and liver cancer.

Prevalence of Alcohol Consumption in Mozambique: Analysis Based on Household Budget Survey (IOF 2022)

Worldwide the excessive consumption of alcohol in 2016 was considered as responsible for 5% of deaths and more than 200 illnesses and injuries. There are several studies conducted around the world to understand the prevalence of alcohol consumption. However, in Mozambique, there are few studies conducted to determine the prevalence of alcohol consumption, as well as, to characterize the consumers, using data from nationally representative surveys. The current study, identify the prevalence of alcohol consumption in Mozambique, according to socio-demographic characteristics of population using data from the Household Budget Survey (IOF 2022) carried out by the National Statistics Institute in 2022. The analysis of data was based in descriptive statistics. The study results revel that the prevalence of alcohol consumption in Mozambique is 24.6%, higher among men (27%), compared to woman (23%). The prevalence is high among people between 18 - 65 years old (26%) and people with higher education (34%). Around 17% of teenagers, between 15 and 17 years old, in both sexes, purchased and consumed alcoholic beverages, despite the prohibition of Mozambican legislation. The provinces of Tete (37.2%), Maputo (32.3%) and Zambézia (30.3%) have the highest prevalence of alcoholic beverages consumption and the province of Niassa (3.7%) has the lowest prevalence. Beer (46%) is the most consumed alcoholic beverage in Mozambique, followed by traditional alcoholic beverages (44%).

The prevalence of alcohol consumption and its related factors in adolescents: Findings from Global School-based Student Health Survey.

Alcohol consumption has become very common among adolescents in recent years and its prevalence varies in different countries. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of alcohol consumption and related factors in adolescents aged 11 to 16 years. This descriptive cross-sectional study was performed on 288385 adolescents (girls, 53.9% of total) aged 11 to 16 years. In the present study, the GSHS data (2003-2018) available to public on the websites of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and WHO was used. To investigate the factors affecting alcohol consumption, univariate and multivariate logistics models with 95% confidence limits were used. The overall prevalence of alcohol consumption in adolescents was 25.2%, which was 28.3% and 22.4% in boys and girls, respectively. Among the surveyed countries, the highest prevalence was in Seychelles (57.9%) and the lowest in Tajikistan (0.7). Multivariate analysis showed that the Age for 16 and more than 16 years old (OR = 3.08,95%CI: 2.54-3.74), truancy for more than 10 days (OR = 1.24, 95%CI: 1.08-1.43), loneliness at sometimes of the times (OR = 1.04, 95%CI: 1.01-1.07), insomnia at most of the times (OR = 1.85, 95%CI: 1.70-2.01), daily activity (OR = 1.03, 95%CI: 1.00-1.07), bullied for 1-9 Days in a month (OR = 1.24, 95%CI: 1.09-1.40), cigarette (OR = 4.01, 95%CI: 3.86-4.17), used marijuana for more than 10 days in a month (OR = 5.58, 95%CI: 4.59-7.78), had sex (OR = 2.76, 95%CI: 2.68-2.84), and suicide plan (OR = 1.48, 95%CI: 1.42-1.54) were important factors affecting drinking alcohol. (Table 4). In this study, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 42.79%, 93.96%, 70.80%, and 82.75. According to the results of the present study, the prevalence of alcohol consumption among teenagers was high. Therefore, it is suggested that demographic, family, and psychological factors should be taken into consideration in health programs for the prevention and treatment of alcohol consumption in adolescents.

Reducing Alcohol Use to Prevent Cancer Deaths: Estimated Effects Among U.S. Adults

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025 recommends non-drinking or no more than 2 drinks for men or 1 drink for women in a day. However, even at lower levels, alcohol use increases the risk for certain cancers. This study estimated mean annual alcohol-attributable cancer deaths and the number of cancer deaths that could potentially be prevented if all U.S. adults who drank in excess of the Dietary Guidelines had instead consumed alcohol to correspond with typical consumption of those who drink within the recommended limits. Among U.S. residents aged ≥20 years, mean annual alcohol-attributable cancer deaths during 2020-2021 that could have been prevented with hypothetical reductions in alcohol use were estimated. Mean daily alcohol consumption prevalence estimates from the 2020-2021 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, adjusted to per capita alcohol sales to address underreporting of drinking, were applied to relative risks to calculate population-attributable fractions for cancers that can occur from drinking alcohol. Analyses were conducted during February-April 2023. In the U.S., an estimated 20,216 cancer deaths were alcohol-attributable/year during 2020-2021 (men: 14,562 [72.0%]; women: 5,654 [28.0%]). Approximately 16,800 deaths (83% of alcohol-attributable cancer deaths, 2.8% of all cancer deaths) could have been prevented/year if adults who drank alcohol in excess of the Dietary Guidelines had instead reduced their consumption to ≤2 drinks/day for men or ≤1 drink/day for women. Approximately 650 additional deaths could have been prevented annually if men consumed 1 drink/day, instead of 2. Implementing evidence-based alcohol policies (e.g., increasing alcohol taxes, regulating alcohol outlet density) to decrease drinking could reduce alcohol-attributable cancers, complementing clinical interventions.

Alcohol consumption and work-related health problems: Exploring the perceptions of Nigerian informal automobile artisans

Alcohol consumption is one of the leading factors that lead to work-related health problems worldwide. However, alcohol consumption among informal workers in developing countries is unknown. Using a qualitative method; this study explores the perception of the informal automobile artisans in Nigeria about alcohol consumption and its contribution to workplace health problems among the working population. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with a purposive sample of 43 automobile artisans from Osun State. Thematic analysis was done using MAXQDA 2020 software. The artisans identified a range of injuries and illnesses. They described the severity of these work-related health problems (WHPs) as either minor, serious or very serious. Moreover, the study shows the prevalence of alcohol consumption among the group. The artisans noted that alcohol consumption is one of the major causes of accidents and injuries among members. They further explained that members take alcohol to get strength for their tasks. The study concluded that using the workplace as a platform to address alcohol consumption is critical to promoting a healthy and productive work environment.

Italian Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: epidemiology

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) are a significant global challenge characterized by complex diagnosis and research. The diagnostic process is complicated due to overlapping symptoms with other conditions, as well as factors such as maternal nutrition, socioeconomic status, and mental health, which can affect the severity of FASD traits differently in individuals. Risky drinking behaviors are prevalent in young adults, especially those aged 20-24, which coincides with high rates of unplanned pregnancies, increasing the risk of FASD. Specific subpopulations, such as children in care facilities and specialized clinical settings, face higher FASD prevalence. Preventing alcohol consumption during pregnancy is crucial for maternal and fetal well-being. Yet approximately 10% of women worldwide continue to drink during pregnancy, with notably high rates in the European Region. Young adults, especially in countries like Italy, continue to consume alcohol despite legal restrictions, mirroring the drinking patterns of men and raising concerns for fetal health and development. Research findings regarding alcohol’s risks during pregnancy vary, emphasizing the need for increased education on this issue. Ethylglucuronide (EtG) is a reliable biomarker for monitoring alcohol intake during pregnancy, suggesting regular urine examinations throughout each trimester. Proactive education campaigns, particularly in educational institutions, and establishing early diagnosis centers are recommended to address FASD effectively.

Prevalence of alcohol problems in Russia in periods of socio-economic crises

The article investigates changes in the alcoholic behavior of the Russian population for more than 40 years. The study focuses on the relationship between socio-economic crises and the prevalence of alcohol problems. It is shown that in periods of social and economic crises two behavioral patterns can manifest themselves: increased alcohol consumption due to increased psychological distress and decreased consumption due to budgetary constraints. Analysis of statistical data and survey materials allows us to conclude that Russia is characterized by large and repeated fluctuations in the prevalence of alcohol consumption. On the basis of quantitative data we trace the dynamics of citizens’ well-being and alcohol consumption from 1994 to 2022. We consider such parameters as the level of life satisfaction, the level of anxiety about the impossibility to provide oneself with the most necessary things in the next 12 months, as well as self-assessment of the economic situation and the feeling of one’s own powerlessness. It has been revealed that it is not so much the difficult economic situation that contributes to the tense alcohol situation in Russia as the process of abrupt transformations: changes in the socio-economic situation, both for the better and for the worse, can increase the level of alcoholization.

Alcohol consumption habits and their impact on academic performance: analysis of ethanol patterns among health students. A cross-sectional study.

Studies have indicated a substantial increase in alcohol consumption among university students. Specifically, abusive consumption among health students can adversely affect their academic training and future professional practice. This study aimed to analyze alcohol consumption habits among healthcare students and investigate the associations between alcohol consumption patterns and sociodemographic and academic variables. We performed this cross-sectional study at a private university located in the city of Salvador, Bahia. We conducted this study with 770 students using a printed, self-administered, anonymous questionnaire containing sociodemographic and academic performance data, as well as the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and Rutgers Alcohol Problems Inventory (RAPI). We observed that the prevalence of alcohol consumption (65.1%) and binge drinking (57.5%) among Brazilian healthcare students was high, with more frequent consumption among men (73.1%), in medicine (83.0%) and veterinary medicine (79.1%) programs and in semesters beyond the fourth (71.7%). We found associations between drinking habits and sex (P = 0.016), religion (P < 0.000), course (P < 0.000) and semester (P = 0.047). Binge drinking was associated with attending academic activities without getting any sleep (P < 0.000), missing classes due to hangovers (P < 0.000), encountering issues with the institution's administration (P = 0.028), and failing to complete activities due to alcohol consumption (P < 0.000). The prevalence of alcohol consumption and binge drinking among Brazilian healthcare students was high and associated with sex, religion, course, academic semester, risky behaviors, and negative academic impacts.