L3 reading (longitudinal study)

Study Overview

  • Topic: Alcohol consumption and mortality among young men in Sweden.

  • Authors: Sven Andreasson, Peter Allebeck, Anders Romelsjö.

  • Sample: 49,464 Swedish conscripts aged 18-19.

  • Duration: Follow-up period of 15 years.

  • Key Finding: High alcohol consumption (>250 g/week) significantly increases mortality risk.

Mortality Risk Assessment

  • Relative Risk of Death:

    • High consumers (>250 g/week): 3.0 (95% CI: 2.3-4.1)

    • Moderate consumers (1-100 g/week): Reference group (1.0)

    • After adjustment for confounding factors: 2.1 (95% CI: 1.4-3.2)

  • Leading Cause of Death: Violent death, particularly suicide or probable suicide (36% of all deaths).

  • No confirmation of a U-shaped curve for total mortality; possible U-shape suggested for non-violent causes.

Methodology

  • Questionnaire Surveys:

    • Conducted in 1969-70 regarding drug use, alcohol habits, social background, and psychiatric history.

    • Non-response rates: 0.4% for general questions, 1-2% for drug and alcohol use.

  • Alcohol Consumption Calculation: Included types and quantities of beverages consumed.

  • Data Analysis: Used stratified analysis and logistic regression to evaluate social background factors.

Alcohol Consumption Groups

  • Categories of consumption (g per week):

    • 0: 2,906 conscripts; 1-100: 38,849; 101-250: 6,492; 251-400: 822; >400: 395.

  • Mortality Rate per 1000:

    • 0 g: 9.6

    • 1-100 g: 11.9

    • 101-250 g: 19.7

    • 250 g: 35.3

Causes of Death by Alcohol Consumption

  • Violent Deaths:

    • 5.8/1000 in abstinent; 28.9/1000 in high consumers.

  • Non-violent Deaths: Tumours (11.2%) and cardiovascular disease (3.9%).

Background Risk Factors

  • Factors assessed for their influence on mortality:

    • Cannabis/solvent abuse, cigarette smoking, school adjustment, contact with authorities, parental drinking habits.

    • Significant associations were found, suggesting psychosocial factors influence alcohol consumption and mortality.

Conclusions and Implications

  • Reliability of Self-Reported Data: Despite potential underreporting, correlations with treatment for alcoholism support validity.

  • Social Factors Impact: Heavy drinkers displayed multiple psychosocial issues.

  • Preventive Implications: The study highlights the need to address not only alcohol consumption but also associated social factors to reduce mortality risk among young men.