Complications from Alcohol Use Are Rising Among Women

Complications from Alcohol Use Are Rising Among Women  The New York Times

Complications from Alcohol Use Are Rising Among Women

Complications from Alcohol Use Are Rising Among Women

The Latest

A new study adds to a mounting body of evidence showing that rising alcohol consumption among women is leading to higher rates of death and disease.

A new study adds to a mounting body of evidence showing that rising alcohol consumption among women is leading to higher rates of death and disease. The report, published Friday in the journal JAMA Health Forum, examined insurance claims data from 2017 to 2021 on more than 14 million Americans ages 15 and older. Researchers found that during the first year and a half of the coronavirus pandemic, women ages 40 to 64 were significantly more likely than expected to experience serious complications like alcohol-related cardiovascular and liver disease, as well as severe withdrawal.

The Background

Alcohol consumption in the United States has generally increased over the last 20 years, said Dr. Timothy Naimi, the director of the Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research at the University of Victoria. Dr. Naimi was a co-author on a recent paper that showed deaths from excessive alcohol use in the United States rose by nearly 30 percent between 2016 and 2021.

While men still die more often from drinking-related causes than women, deaths among women are climbing at a faster rate. “The gap is narrowing,” said Dr. Bryant Shuey, an assistant professor of medicine at the University of Pittsburgh and the lead author of the new study.

The Research

The study looked at serious health issues related to drinking, including alcohol-related liver and heart disease, inflammation of the stomach lining that led to bleeding, pancreatitis, alcohol-related mood disorders and withdrawal. Researchers compared insurance claims data for these complications with the rates they expected to see based on past prevalence of these conditions.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

  1. SDGs Addressed or Connected to the Issues

    • SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
    • SDG 5: Gender Equality
    • SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
  2. Specific Targets Based on the Article’s Content

    • Target 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol
    • Target 5.5: Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic, and public life
    • Target 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies, and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies, and action in this regard
  3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article

    • Indicator 3.5.1: Coverage of treatment interventions (pharmacological, psychosocial, and rehabilitation and aftercare services) for substance use disorders
    • Indicator 5.5.1: Proportion of seats held by women in national parliaments and local governments
    • Indicator 10.3.1: Proportion of population reporting having personally felt discriminated against or harassed in the previous 12 months on the basis of a ground of discrimination prohibited under international human rights law

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

SDGs Targets Indicators
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being Target 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol Indicator 3.5.1: Coverage of treatment interventions (pharmacological, psychosocial, and rehabilitation and aftercare services) for substance use disorders
SDG 5: Gender Equality Target 5.5: Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic, and public life Indicator 5.5.1: Proportion of seats held by women in national parliaments and local governments
SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities Target 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies, and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies, and action in this regard Indicator 10.3.1: Proportion of population reporting having personally felt discriminated against or harassed in the previous 12 months on the basis of a ground of discrimination prohibited under international human rights law

Explanation:

The article discusses the increase in alcohol-related health problems among women during the pandemic. This issue is connected to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) is relevant as it aims to address substance abuse, including harmful alcohol use. SDG 5 (Gender Equality) is connected because the article highlights the rising rates of alcohol-related deaths among women, indicating a gender disparity. SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) is also relevant as it aims to reduce inequalities of outcome, including addressing discriminatory practices related to health issues.

Based on the article’s content, specific targets can be identified. Target 3.5 focuses on strengthening the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including harmful alcohol use. Target 5.5 aims to ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership in decision-making processes. Target 10.3 aims to reduce inequalities by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies, and practices.

The article mentions or implies indicators that can be used to measure progress towards these targets. Indicator 3.5.1 measures the coverage of treatment interventions for substance use disorders, including alcohol-related issues. Indicator 5.5.1 measures the proportion of seats held by women in national parliaments and local governments, reflecting their participation and representation. Indicator 10.3.1 measures the proportion of the population reporting personal experiences of discrimination or harassment based on prohibited grounds, such as gender.

In summary, the article addresses or connects to SDGs 3, 5, and 10. The specific targets identified are 3.5, 5.5, and 10.3, with corresponding indicators 3.5.1, 5.5.1, and 10.3.1 mentioned or implied in the article.

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Source: nytimes.com

 

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