Abstract

GUERRERO-LOPEZ, Carlos Manuel et al. Impact of harmful consumption of alcohol in accident-related mortality and chronic diseasses in Mexico. Salud pública Méx [online]. 2013, vol.55, suppl.2, pp.S282-S288. ISSN 0036-3634.

Objective. To analyze alcohol consumption, and its impact on road traffic-related mortality and chronic diseases. Materials and methods. Through the analysis of national health surveys, registry of traffic collisions, mortality records and economic surveys, we estimated prevalence, mortality and consumption indicators. Results. Between 2000 and 2012, alcohol consumption in adolescents remained stable, with a significant increase among adults. Traffic collision rates related with alcohol were 0.36 and 0.58 among adolescents and adults, respectively; 8.4% of the population who suffered traffic injuries was under alcohol effects when the accident occurred. The trend in mortality from two alcohol-attributable diseases has been constant, with an average of 18 000 deaths per year. Conclusion. Alcohol abuse causes serious health damages. Tax raises to alcohol, along with other policies, could reduce harmful alcohol consumption and its associated mortality.

Keywords : alcohol drinking; traffic accidents; alcoholic livercirrhosis; mortality; taxes; Mexico.