Risk of alcohol-related hospital admissions by marital status and social class among females.

Risk ratios (RRs) for hospital admissions due to alcohol poisoning, alcoholism, and alcohol psychosis were calculated by direct age standardization and, if not applicable, from regression models for various marital status and social class combinations among 25-64 year-old females. Data, derived from the Finnish National Hospital Discharge Register for the years 1970-1975, pertained to 4212 females. RRs increased clearly for all three principal diagnoses of hospital admission by marital status but only for alcoholism by social class. In each diagnostic group, married farmers had the lowest and divorced unskilled workers the highest admission rates. The RRs for the latter compared to the former were 8 for alcohol poisoning, 20 for alcohol psychosis and 75 for alcoholism. These results are discussed in relation to findings pertaining to female alcoholism.