Monitoring and evaluating Scotland’s alcohol strategy: A comparison of alcohol sales and alcohol-related mortality in Scotland and Northern England

Robinson, M., Shipton, D., Walsh, D. and Whyte, B. (2013) Monitoring and evaluating Scotland’s alcohol strategy: A comparison of alcohol sales and alcohol-related mortality in Scotland and Northern England. Project Report. NHS Health Scotland.

Abstract

The rate of alcohol-related mortality in Scotland is substantially higher than other countries in the UK. Yet, data from self-report surveys generally show similar levels and patterns of alcohol consumption. Alcohol sales data enable a more objective estimate of alcohol consumption and show higher population consumption levels in Scotland compared with England & Wales. However, comparisons at country level can mask important regional variations, with both consumption and harm likely to vary across different types of areas. Estimates of self-reported consumption in northern English cities have been shown to be comparable to similarly deprived Scottish urban areas, yet alcohol deaths were more than twice as high in the latter. The aim of this brief report was to use alcohol retail sales data to assess population levels of alcohol consumption in regions of Scotland and Northern England, and to compare these with levels of alcohol-related mortality.

• Item Type: Research Reports or Papers (Project Report)
• Status: Published
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Whyte, Mr Bruce and Shipton, Dr Deborah and Walsh, Dr David
• Authors: Robinson, M., Shipton, D., Walsh, D., and Whyte, B.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Public Health
• Publisher: NHS Health Scotland