Relationship between male pancreatitis morbidity and alcohol consumption in Western Australia, 1971-84.

Acute pancreatitis morbidity rates for Western Australian men aged 20 to 39 years, and over 40 years, were related to per adult (greater than or equal to 15 years) alcohol consumption, using the Mann-Whitney U test. A significant result was obtained for the young men. The male 20 years and over chronic pancreatitis morbidity rate was also significantly related to alcohol consumption. Various reasons for the results are discussed, and in particular from the view point that changes in the level of alcohol consumption appear to affect subsequent pancreatitis morbidity rates.