International Institute for
Society and Health
2007/08 IISH PUBLIC SEMINAR SERIES
You are invited to attend a workshop on:
th
Tuesday 27 November 3.00- 5.00pm
The Russian Mortality Crisis and the Role of Alcohol
Dr Susannah Tomkins
Non-communicable Disease Epidemiology Unit, LSHTM,
Dr Martin Bobak
Department of Epidemiology, University College London
Dr S Goya Wannamethee
Department of Primary Care and Population Science, University College London
Russia's transition from a socialist to market-led economy was accompanied by a severe decline in
the health status of the population. Between 1991 and 1994, life expectancy for men fell by over six
years and for women by over three years. This dramatic decline was unprecedented both in Russia
and in other industrialised countries. Alcohol consumption plays a far greater role in the mortality crisis
than had previously been thought. Other factors such as increased psychosocial stress during the
period could also have contributed to this mortality crisis. Britain has seen a doubling in the rates of
alcohol-related deaths since 1991, although life expectancy has increased by over three years since
then.
This workshop is organised by the UCL International Institute for Society and Health, with three invited
speakers. Dr Susannah Tomkins works on the ‘Izhevsk Family Study’, a case-control study
investigating the risk factors for premature mortality in Russian men of working age, and a longitudinal
study on alcohol and mortality in Russia. Dr Martin Bobak leads the HAPIEE Study (Health, Alcohol
and Psychosocial factors In Eastern Europe), a multi-centre study assessing the effects of dietary
factors, alcohol consumption and psychosocial factors on health in men and women in Russia,
Poland, Lithuania, and the Czech Republic. Dr S Goya Wannamethee works on the British Regional
Heart Study, a prospective study in middle-aged men drawn from general practices in 24 British towns,
recruited in 1978-1980 and is one of the leading academics on the health effects of alcohol in Britain.
Each speaker will talk for twenty minutes, followed by ten minutes of question and answers. There will
be an open discussion at the end led by Professor Sir Michael Marmot.
This seminar will be held at UCL. RSVP seminar attendance by 23/11/07 (indicating any
special needs and for directions to the seminar room) Email: iish@ucl.ac.uk Tel: 020 7679
8249 Drinks & snacks at 5pm after the seminar.
You may access an audio recording of past seminars at: http://www.ucl.ac.uk/iish/seminars.htm