WMJ Vol 121 Issue 4: Increased Alcohol-Related Mortality in Wisconsin Pre-COVID: A Two-Decade Trend

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Alcohol-related mortality is increasing nationally, but state-specific trends still need to be explored. This paper reviews the patterning of alcohol-related deaths among Wisconsin residents in the 2 decades prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: Data are from death certificates for state residents from 2000 through 2019. We used underlying cause of death codes (ICD-10) to classify deaths as 100% attributable to alcohol (ie, acute, chronic liver, and other chronic). Demographic characteristics were available for the most recent decedents (2015-2019). We assess trends in alcohol-related mortality and used chi-square tests to assess demographic differences compared to deaths from all other causes.

Results: The number of alcohol-related deaths more than doubled from 2000 through 2019 in Wisconsin, rising from 394 in 2000 to 857 in 2019. In the 5 most recent years (2015-2019), the populations with significantly higher rates of alcohol-related deaths included men, middle-aged adults, Black residents, and those of Hispanic descent. Education level also was significantly related to alcohol-attributable mortality, as those with the highest and lowest education levels were the least likely to die from this cause.

Discussion/Conclusions: Results of these analyses show that the number of deaths due to alcohol-related diseases has risen significantly since 2000, and this trend preceded the COVID-19 pandemic. These rising mortality rates deserve the attention of the medical and public health communities. Our findings show that, in recent years, Hispanic individuals, men, and middle-aged adults are at a higher risk for alcohol-related deaths. Stakeholders may wish to consider interventions targeted to these groups.

Intended Audience

The target audience for this journal-based activity is healthcare providers caring for the people and communities of Wisconsin and beyond.

Learning Objectives

As a result of this journal-based activity, learners, as members of the healthcare team, will be able to:

  1. Summarize findings from a study exploring patterns of alcohol-related deaths among Wisconsin residents representing different demographic groups in the two decades prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  2. Elaborate on alcohol-related mortality and alcohol use policies in Wisconsin compared to the national statistics and policies in other states.
  3. Discuss interventions that could be implemented to reduce alcohol-related mortality by clinical teams and public health communities in Wisconsin for populations who are at a higher risk for alcohol-related deaths.
Course summary
Available credit: 
  • 1.00 AAPA Category 1 CME
  • 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
  • 1.00 ANCC Contact Hours
  • 1.00 University of Wisconsin–Madison Continuing Education Hours
    • 1.00 Approved for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
Registration opens: 
09/18/2023
Course expires: 
09/17/2024
Cost:
$0.00
Part of: 
Wisconsin Medical Journal Volume 121
Rating: 
0

FACULTY DISCLOSURE

It is the policy of the University of Wisconsin–Madison Interprofessional Continuing Education Partnership (ICEP) to identify, mitigate and disclose all relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies* held by the speakers/presenters, authors, planners, and other persons who may influence content of this accredited continuing education (CE). In addition, speakers, presenters and authors must disclose any planned discussion of unlabeled/unapproved uses of drugs or devices during their presentation.

For this accredited continuing education activity all relevant financial relationships have been mitigated and detailed disclosures are listed below.

Name of IndividualIndividual's Role in Activity

Financial Relationship Disclosure

Discussion of
Unlabeled/Unapproved
Uses of Drugs/Devices
in Presentation?

Lynne Cotter, MPHAuthorNo relevant relationships with ineligible companies to discloseNo
Thomas Bentley, MSAuthorNo relevant relationships with ineligible companies to discloseNo
Pamela Imm, MSAuthorNo relevant relationships with ineligible companies to discloseNo
Paul D. Creswell, PhDAuthorNo relevant relationships with ineligible companies to discloseNo
Bryan Johnston, MDReviewerNo relevant relationships with ineligible companies to discloseNo
David Galbis-reig, MD, DFASAMReviewer No relevant relationships with ineligible companies to discloseNo
Sarina B. Schrager, MDEditor No relevant relationships with ineligible companies to discloseNo
Laura Ozkan, PAReviewer No relevant relationships with ineligible companies to discloseNo
Roberta Pawlak, PhD, RN, NEA-BCReviewer No relevant relationships with ineligible companies to discloseNo
Shezad BalochAccreditation SpecialistNo relevant relationships with ineligible companies to disclose 

*Ineligible companies are those whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on, patients.

The ACCME does not consider providers of clinical services directly to patients to be ineligible companies.

Discloser List CME Internal Report

Accreditation

Accreditation Statement

In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by the University of Wisconsin–Madison ICEP and the Wisconsin Medical Journal.  The University of Wisconsin–Madison ICEP is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.


Credit Designation Statements

American Medical Association (AMA)

The University of Wisconsin–Madison ICEP designates this journal-based CE activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™.  Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)   

The University of Wisconsin–Madison ICEP designates this journal-based CE activity for a maximum of 1.0 ANCC contact hours .  

The University of Wisconsin–Madison ICEP has been authorized by the American Academy of PAs (AAPA) to award AAPA Category 1 CME credit for activities planned in accordance with AAPA CME Criteria. This activity is designated for 2.5 AAPA Category 1 CME credits. Approval is valid until September 17, 2024. PAs should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation.    

 

Continuing Education Units

The University of Wisconsin–Madison ICEP, as a member of the University Professional & Continuing Education Association (UPCEA), authorizes this program for 0.1 continuing education units (CEUs) or 1 hour.

Available Credit

  • 1.00 AAPA Category 1 CME
  • 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
  • 1.00 ANCC Contact Hours
  • 1.00 University of Wisconsin–Madison Continuing Education Hours
    • 1.00 Approved for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™

Cost:
$0.00
Please login or register to take this course.

Registration for this activity can only be completed through the ICEP Learning Portal. Attendee registrations made through any other sites cannot be honored. UW-Madison ICEP is not able to refund fees paid through unaffiliated registration sites, such as eMedEvents.com, MedConfWorld.com, EventEgg.com, and 10times.com. Please report any unauthorized websites or solicitations for registrations to help@icep.wisc.edu.

Accessibility

The University of Wisconsin provides equal opportunities in employment and programming, including Title IX requirements. The University of Wisconsin fully complies with the legal requirements of the ADA and the rules and regulations thereof. If any participant in this educational activity is in need of accommodations, please notify us at help@icep.wisc.edu

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