Structure of deaths associated with heavy alcohol use and their contribution to general mortality in Northwest Slovakia.

OBJECTIVES

The article analyses death cases with detected blood alcohol level ≥2 g/kg. Their contribution to general mortality is calculated.

METHODS

Death cases from 2005 to 2012 with detected blood alcohol concentration ≥2 g/kg (975 cases) were selected from autopsy records at the Department of Forensic Medicine and Medical Expertises of the Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin. The selected cases were analysed by age and causes of death (pathological, fatal alcohol intoxication, other external causes). Their contribution to general mortality was calculated using official demographic data.

RESULTS

Deaths associated with heavy alcohol use comprised 2.2 % of general mortality in males and 0.3 % in females and showed declining trend. The proportion was highest in males aged up to 39 years (10.3 %). External causes dominated among death cases associated with heavy alcohol use (90.8 % in males, 83.7 % in females).

CONCLUSIONS

Deaths associated with heavy alcohol use significantly contribute to general mortality, particularly in younger males. In spite of the trend indicating slight improvement of the situation, this specific part of alcohol-related problems still constitutes a significant public health issue.