The gender disparities in alcohol-related health risks
How does gender influence the effects of alcohol? Deseret News
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Health Complications Associated with Alcohol Consumption Increase Among Women During COVID-19 Pandemic
According to recent research highlighted by The New York Times, health complications associated with drinking alcohol rose among women during the early part of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The study found that women aged 40 to 64 were significantly more likely than expected to experience serious complications such as alcohol-related cardiovascular and liver disease, as well as severe withdrawal, during the first year and a half of the pandemic.
This increase in alcohol-related problems among women is a concerning trend, as historically, alcohol has caused more issues among men than women in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other studies.
What risks are associated with alcohol use?
Although men still experience more alcohol-related deaths than women, the rate of deaths among women is increasing at a faster pace, as reported by The New York Times.
Dr. Bryant Shuey, the lead author of the study, stated that the gap between alcohol-related complications among men and women is narrowing. From April 2020 to September 2021, women aged 40 to 64 experienced higher rates of alcohol-related liver disease complications than predicted.
While rates of alcohol-related complications also increased among men in the same age group during the pandemic, these increases were not statistically significant.
Even before the pandemic, women were already at an increased risk of certain drinking-related issues due to differences in how their bodies process alcohol. Women tend to have higher blood alcohol levels and experience more immediate and long-term negative health effects compared to men.
A previous study highlighted by the Deseret News found that young and middle-aged women who consume more than one alcoholic beverage per day have a higher risk of developing coronary heart disease.
Men and women drink differently — and face different risks
According to the CDC, men and women who drink alcohol face different risks, partly due to differences in their drinking patterns.
- Approximately 58% of men reported consuming alcohol in the past 30 days, compared to 49% of women.
- About 1 in 5 men engage in binge drinking, while only 13% of women do the same.
- Hospitalization rates for alcohol-related issues are higher among men than women.
- Men account for about two-thirds of the approximately 120,000 deaths related to excessive drinking in the U.S. each year.
- Among individuals involved in fatal motor vehicle crashes, men are 50% more likely than women to have been intoxicated.
- Men are more than three times more likely than women to die by suicide, and they are more likely to have consumed alcohol before their death.
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 5.1: End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere | Indicator 5.1.1: Whether or not legal frameworks are in place to promote, enforce, and monitor equality and non-discrimination on the basis of sex |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status | Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, by age, sex, and persons with disabilities |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
The article discusses health complications associated with alcohol use, particularly among women. This aligns with SDG 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.
SDG 5: Gender Equality
The article highlights the increasing risks and complications of alcohol use among women, indicating a gender-specific issue. This relates to SDG 5, which focuses on achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls.
SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
The article mentions that women between the ages of 40 and 64 experienced higher rates of alcohol-related complications compared to men in the same age group. This highlights an inequality in the risks and impacts of alcohol use. SDG 10 aims to reduce inequalities within and among countries.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified 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
The article emphasizes the need to address the health complications associated with alcohol use, particularly among women. This aligns with Target 3.5, which focuses on strengthening prevention and treatment interventions for substance abuse.
Target 5.1: End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere
The article highlights the increasing risks and complications of alcohol use among women, indicating a gender-specific issue. This relates to Target 5.1, which aims to end discrimination against women and promote gender equality.
Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status
The article mentions the inequality in alcohol-related complications between women and men in the age group of 40 to 64. This aligns with Target 10.2, which aims to promote social, economic, and political inclusion for all, regardless of age, sex, or other factors.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
The article does not explicitly mention specific indicators to measure progress towards the identified targets. However, potential indicators that could be used include:
– Indicator 3.5.1: Coverage of treatment interventions (pharmacological, psychosocial, and rehabilitation and aftercare services) for substance use disorders. This indicator can measure the availability and accessibility of treatment interventions for alcohol-related complications.
– Indicator 5.1.1: Whether or not legal frameworks are in place to promote, enforce, and monitor equality and non-discrimination on the basis of sex. This indicator can assess the existence of legal frameworks that address gender-based discrimination related to alcohol use.
– Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, by age, sex, and persons with disabilities. This indicator can capture the economic inequalities that may contribute to differential risks and impacts of alcohol use.
4. 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 5.1: End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere | Indicator 5.1.1: Whether or not legal frameworks are in place to promote, enforce, and monitor equality and non-discrimination on the basis of sex |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status | Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, by age, sex, and persons with disabilities |
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Source: deseret.com
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