148177 Correlation of alcohol dependence and alcohol consumption

Monday, November 5, 2007

Nelson Chuang, MHS , Department of Emergency Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
Guohua Li , Department of Emergency Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
Objective: The single distribution theory implies that, in a given population, per capita alcohol consumption is a major determinant of the alcohol dependence prevalence. This study aims to examine the association between apparent per capita alcohol consumption and alcohol dependence prevalence using empirical data for a sample of World Health Organization (WHO) member states. Method: We analyzed data on alcohol consumption and dependence for 32 nations compiled by the WHO. The association between alcohol dependence prevalence and log-transformed apparent per capita alcohol consumption was assessed using population-weighted correlation coefficient and linear regression modeling. Results: The prevalence of alcohol dependence in the study sample ranged from 0.2% in Egypt and Syria to 12.2% in Poland, and apparent per capita alcohol consumption ranged from 0 in Iran to 12.89 liters of pure alcohol per year in Germany. The prevalence of alcohol dependence was significantly, positively correlated with log-transformed apparent per capita alcohol consumption (weighted correlation coefficient 0.48, p=0.002468). Linear regression modeling revealed that each liter increase in apparent per capita alcohol consumption was associated with an increase of 2.1 percentage points in the prevalence of alcohol dependence (95% confidence interval 0.59 to 3.56). Conclusions: Apparent per capita alcohol consumption is positively associated with the prevalence of alcohol dependence at the national level. Interventions aimed at reducing overall alcohol consumption for the entire population might be effective in decreasing the prevalence of alcohol dependence.

Learning Objectives:
1. Introduce audience to the single distribution theory. 2. Discuss new solutions in alcohol policy to reduce the rates of alcohol dependence. 3. Understand the relationship between alcohol dependence and alcohol consumption on a global scale.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No
Any institutionally-contracted trials related to this submission?

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.