title: [Population-based studies on alcohol-related harm in Spain].
abstract: Based on the review of scientific papers and institutional reports on the subject and analysis of some secondary data, we assess the alcohol-related harm in Spain between 1990 and 2011. In 2011 they could be attributable to alcohol, 10% of the total mortality of the population aged 15-64, and about 30% of deaths due to traffic accidents. Among the population aged 15-64 years at least 0.8% had alcohol use disorders, an additional 5% could have harmful alcohol consumption that would need clinical evaluation, and about 20% had had some acute alcohol intoxication (AAI) in the last year. The AAI accounted for approximately 0.5-1.1 % of hospital emergency visits. Social costs of alcohol could represent 1% of gross domestic product. The prevalence of alcohol-related harm was significantly higher in men than women, with a male/female ratio greater than three for alcohol-related mortality and serious injuries, and this situation has hardly changed in the last 20 years. Alcohol-related harm has followed a downward trend, except for AAI. In 1990-2011 the standardized mortality rates related to alcohol decreased by half. Large gaps in knowledge and uncertainties on alcohol-related harm in Spanish population, clearly justify the institutional support for the research in this field and the implementation of a comprehensive monitoring system.
authors.forename: José
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Pulido
authors.forename: B Iciar
authors.initials: BI
authors.lastname: Indave-Ruiz
authors.forename: Esther
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Colell-Ortega
authors.forename: Mónica
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ruiz-García
authors.forename: Montserrat
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bartroli
authors.forename: Gregorio
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Barrio
mesh_terms: D000063:Accidents, Traffic / Q000401:mortality*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000191:economics / Q000453:epidemiology; D019973:Alcohol-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000191:economics / Q000453:epidemiology*; D017281:Cost of Illness; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D017048:Health Care Costs / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D061213:Mortality, Premature; D015995:Prevalence; D012737:Sex Factors; D013030:Spain / Q000453:epidemiology; D014754:Violence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000191:economics / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D055815:Young Adult