Psychosocial and Demographic Correlates of Alcohol Related Mortality

Abstract

Background

Alcohol-related deaths (ARD) in the UK have doubled in the last 15-20 years. Thisstudy examines the psychosocial and demographic correlates of alcohol-relatedmorality.

Aims and Objectives

To examine 1) whether stressful life events affect ARD and combined alcohol anddrug related fatality (CDAF). 2) The demographic distributions of ARD and CDAF.3) The difference in the proportion of suicide and accidental death among ARDand CDAF's.

Methods

Cross-sectionalcohort study utilising the psychological autopsy method. Data was collected atWest London Coroner's office from 2006-2008. Of 429 autopsies, 278 met inclusioncriteria, of which 48 and 52 were ARD and CDAF respectively.

Results

The majority (96% for ARD and 76.9% for CDAF) were males. For ARD 50% were aged under 44yrs. However, for CDAFthe majority were under 44yrs. Combined the majority (60%) were under 44yrs. CDAF had a normal distribution across the 5 age groups, peaking at 35-44. ARDpeaked in 45-54 and 16-24 age groups.

Conclusion

There is a clear difference in the demographic distribution among ARD and CDAFcases. No statistically significant difference in the proportion of suicide andaccidental deaths were identified. However, further amendments to the SocialReadjustment Rating Scale could provide a better insight as to whether lifeevents have an influence on an individual's suicidal tendencies.