Alcohol Consumption and Mortality in Czech Middle- and Older-Age Adults: The Hapiee Study

Hynek Pikhart , University College London
Jitka Pikhartova, University College London
Martin Bobak, University College London
Andrea Dalecka, Masaryk University
Eliska Hrezova, Masaryk University

Background: High alcohol consumption has been linked to the elevated morbidity and mortality seen in Central and Eastern Europe. While short- and medium-term effects have been explored, evidence on the long-term impact of midlife drinking on mortality in older age is limited. Aim: To examine the long-term association between midlife alcohol consumption and all-cause mortality in later life. Methods: Data came from the Czech arm of the Health, Alcohol and Psychosocial factors in Eastern Europe (HAPIEE) cohort. A random population sample of 8,856 men and women aged 45–69 years at baseline (2002) was followed for an average of 18.2 years (maximum 22.6). Alcohol volume, frequency, and drinking patterns were assessed using a graduated frequency questionnaire. Mortality data were obtained from national registers, and Cox regression estimated hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for all-cause mortality by decade of follow-up. Results: Over 3,000 participants died during follow-up. In age- and sex-adjusted models, participants consuming >20 litres of pure alcohol per year had a higher mortality risk (HR 1.55, 95% CI: 1.29–1.87) compared with those consuming <1 litre; after full adjustment, the HR was 1.36 (95% CI: 1.12–1.65). Weekly binge drinking (=180 ml ethanol on one occasion) was also associated with increased mortality (HR 1.32, 95% CI: 0.93–1.88). The effect was slightly stronger in men. Conclusions: Higher midlife alcohol intake is associated with an increased long-term risk of death in older age, with effects persisting over time.

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 Presented in Session 86. Health Behaviours and Lifestyke Determinants of Wellbeing