Risk factors for alcohol-specific hospitalizations and deaths: Prospective cohort study

Abstract

Aims: To study the risk factors for hospitalizations and deaths due to alcohol-specific diagnoses. Methods: Representative samples of men (n = 4431) aged 15-69 at the baseline interviews in September 1969, 1976 and 1984 were pooled. Follow-up was 16.3 years or to the first end-point. The main outcome measure was hospitalization (main cause) or death (underlying or contributory cause) due to an alcohol-specific diagnosis. Results: There were altogether 216 men with either hospitalization or death with an alcohol-specific diagnosis. This outcome was positively associated with smoking, overall alcohol intake, being an ex-drinker and being divorced or widowed. Similar associations and relative risk estimates were found when cases of alcohol dependence were excluded and when focusing on alcohol psychosis or on alcohol-specific diseases of the stomach, liver and pancreas. Conclusion: Cigarette smoking, overall alcohol intake, being an ex-drinker and marital status associate with alcohol-specific hospitalizations and deaths and can predict these outcomes. © The Author 2011. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Medical Council on Alcohol.