Citation

Monteiro MG, Dawson J, Krech L. Transp. Res. Circular 2007; (E-C123): 73-83.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, U.S. National Academy of Sciences Transportation Research Board)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Alcohol policies can be effective in changing alcohol consumption in the overall population as well as specific harms related to alcohol. Harms differ according to the amount and pattern of drinking and therefore information on the impact of alcohol in the disease burden is helpful to better appreciate the picture regarding alcohol policies. Alcohol consumption, as measured by per capita consumption, is varied in the Americas. This paper presents estimates for the year 2000 for selected countries in the region. However, these figures reflect only recorded consumption and apparently there is a great deal of unrecorded consumption, ranging from 11% to 55% of the total figures. The pattern of alcohol consumption, however, is more homogeneous. Although many countries have not undertaken appropriate general population surveys on alcohol consumption and patterns of drinking, key informants have provided information to the World Health Organization (WHO) that have been used to estimate the typical pattern of drinking in a country. Data presented show that for the vast majority of countries the average pattern is more hazardous than the global average?characterized by infrequent, in high amounts per occasion, mainly for the purpose of intoxication. Consumption relates to harm and information on the extent of harm is needed in order to develop and evaluate policies to reduce such harm. The latest estimates of the burden of disease in the region, as measured by DALYs (disability adjusted life years) are presented. It can be seen that alcohol use disorders (mainly alcohol dependence), and injuries (intentional and unintentional) are the major sources of years of life lost due to excessive alcohol consumption. Alcohol is the leading risk factor for the burden of disease in the Americas, being greater than tobacco or lack of sanitation or malnutrition. If nothing is done, it is predicted that the burden will increase in years to come, as alcohol consumption is likely to increase in the context of a hazardous pattern of drinking. Therefore, information on existing alcohol policies in the region of the Americas is needed so consideration can be given on what needs to change and how. This is the focus of this paper.