Rationale for harmful alcohol consumption as a risk factor for chronic
diseases
Introduction
The questions in this module measure:
 Frequency of alcohol consumption
 Quantity of alcohol consumption
Research
findings
Some research findings related to alcohol consumption are as follows:
 In 2000, alcohol use caused 3.2% of deaths (1.8 million) worldwide, and 4% of
the global disease burden.1
 Alcohol consumption is the leading risk factor for disease burden in low
mortality developing countries and the third largest risk factor in developed
countries.2
 The proportion of disease burden attributable to alcohol use in the developing
world is between 2.6% to 9.8% of the total burden for males and 0.5% to 2.0%
of the total burden for females.3
 Besides the direct toxic effects of intoxication and addiction, alcohol use causes
about 20% to 30% of each of esophageal cancer, liver disease, homicide,
epileptic seizures, and motor vehicle accidents worldwide.2
 Heavy alcohol use increases the risk of cardiovascular disease4,5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and
stroke10, 11, 12, 13, 14.
 Alcohol consumption during pregnancy is related to various risks to the fetus,
which include Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. Alcohol consumption during
pregnancy can also lead to spontaneous abortion, low birth weight and
prematurity, and intra-uterine growth retardation.15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26,
27, 28, 29, 30
 Higher volume of alcohol consumption is also associated with depression.2
 Excessive alcohol consumption can severely impair an individual's functioning
in social roles such as parent, spouse or partner.2
Reference
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2. Global Status Report on Alcohol 2004. Geneva, World Health
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features of fetal alcohol syndrome leads to IQ deficits. Journal of
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