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Этанол в биологических жидкостях умерших в трех регионах России в 2019-2022 гг.
Significance. Alcohol consumption is one of the main risk factors in Russia and globally. Despite successful anti-alcohol policy that has been implemented in Russia since the middle of the 2000s, the rates of alcohol-related morbidity and mortality as well as the level of alcohol consumption remain high. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen anti-alcohol policies, including targeted measures. It is essential to understand the socio-demographic profile of alcohol-related mortality. Forensic medical statistics are one of the most valuable and reliable sources of information in this context.
Purpose. To identify a demographic profile of alcohol-related deaths. The objective of the study is to determine the age and sex distribution of deaths with exogenous ethanol detected in biological fluids, based on forensic medical examination data, and to determine the distribution of the deceased by concentration of exogenous ethanol detected.
Material and methods. Statistical data on forensic medical examinations of the deceased from violent and non-violent causes of death with exogenous ethanol by gender and sex in the Moscow Region in 2019-2021, as well as statistical data on the distribution of violent and non-violent deaths by concentration of exogenous ethanol detected in biological fluids of the deceased in St. Petersburg in 2020-2022 and the Leningrad Regions in 2020-2022. The study uses descriptive statistics.
Results. Our analysis showed that the highest number of deaths from external causes with ethanol detected by forensic medical examination was concentrated in ages 35-45. Thus, a significant proportion of presumably "alcohol-related" deaths from external causes of death is represented by young people, both men and women.
In most cases, the ethanol concentration in biological fluids of the deceased from external causes ranged between 1.5 and 3 ppm, corresponding to a moderate degree of intoxication. In other words, this level of intoxication is sufficient to significantly increase the risk of death. At the same time, in the 15-25 age group, there is an increased proportion of deaths with low ethanol concentrations in biological fluids. This suggests that for young people, the dangerous stage of intoxication occurs even earlier than for adults. Among those died from non-violent causes with exogenous ethanol detected by forensic medical examination among the population aged 65 and over, about 85% had a concentration of ethanol up to 1.5 ppm, and in all other age groups, the concentration was up to 2.5 ppm.
Conclusion. Statistical data from forensic examinations as another available source of data, offer extensive opportunities for researching and monitoring the process of alcoholization in the country. Taking into account the urgency of alcohol-related mortality and changing trends in alcohol consumption, it is necessary to establish a centralized collection of these data, including indicators of detected ethanol concentrations, also taking into account the age and gender characteristics of the deceased.
Scope of Application. Developing policies for health promotion and longevity, conducting research in the areas of demography and public health.