Alcohol problems and all-cause mortality in men and women: predictive capacity of a clinical screening tool in a 21-year follow-up of a large, UK-wide, general population-based survey

Batty, G.D., Hunt, K. , Emslie, C., Lewars, H. and Gale, C.R. (2009) Alcohol problems and all-cause mortality in men and women: predictive capacity of a clinical screening tool in a 21-year follow-up of a large, UK-wide, general population-based survey. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 66(4), pp. 317-321. (doi: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2008.09.021)

Abstract

<p>Objective While the relation between alcohol consumption and mortality has been well explored, little is known about the link between alcohol problems and mortality in general population-based studies, particularly among women. This was the objective of the present study.</p> <p>Methods In this prospective cohort study, 5333 non-abstaining individuals (2539 women) from the UK-wide Health and Lifestyle Survey (aged 42.9 years at study induction) completed the CAGE questionnaire of alcohol problems and participated in a medical examination in 1984/1985; they were then followed up for mortality experience until 2005.</p> <p>Results Alcohol problems at baseline were less common in women (2.4%) than in men (7.8%). A total of 21 years of follow-up gave rise to 1201 deaths. Elevated rates of mortality were evident in persons reporting symptoms of alcohol problems in comparison to those who did not. In gender-stratified analyses, alcohol problems were more strongly associated with mortality risk in women (age-adjusted hazards ratio: 2.25; 95% confidence interval: 1.22–4.12) than in men (1.49; 1.12–1.99), although this effect modification was not statistically significant (P value for interaction=0.125). Controlling for a range of covariates—including socioeconomic position, co-morbidity (somatic and psychiatric), and alcohol intake—had essentially no impact on these associations.</p> <p>Conclusion The CAGE questionnaire may have some utility in routine health assessments in the general population.</p>

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Hunt, Professor Kathryn and Emslie, Dr Carol and Batty, Dr G
• Authors: Batty, G.D., Hunt, K., Emslie, C., Lewars, H., and Gale, C.R.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > MRC/CSO SPHSU; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Public Health
• Journal Name: Journal of Psychosomatic Research
• ISSN: 0022-3999
• ISSN (Online): 1879-1360