June 21st 2024.
Recent research has shown that a concerning number of Australian women are drinking at dangerous levels, despite facing harmful consequences. According to a study conducted by Flinders University, over 300,000 women are regularly consuming 11 or more standard drinks in one sitting at least once a month, putting them at a "very high risk" of negative health effects. This is a significant issue, as women are more susceptible to alcohol-related harms but have historically been underrepresented in alcohol research.
Victoria Kostadinov, from the College of Medicine and Public Health, expressed concern over this lack of research focus on women who drink at very high levels. She noted that most studies do not differentiate between those who drink slightly above the recommended guidelines and those who consume well above these levels. This is particularly troubling because women are more vulnerable to severe alcohol-related health problems, such as liver issues, heart disease, cancer, and mental health issues like depression and anxiety. Additionally, there is evidence that alcohol may interact differently with women's biological rhythms, such as estrogen and progesterone cycles, and that the effects of alcohol worsen with age and menopause.
The rise in alcohol consumption among Australian women is also alarming, with a 203% increase between 1950 and 1980 compared to just 6% among men. This coincides with a clear push to market alcohol products, drinking spaces, and drinking culture specifically to women since the 1990s. In response to this concerning trend, the Flinders University study is the first of its kind in Australia to examine the prevalence and characteristics of women who drink at very high-risk levels and compare it with men to create a national profile.
The results of the study show that a higher percentage of men consume alcohol at very high-risk levels than women. However, the characteristics of high-risk women drinkers differ from their male counterparts. Women who drink at high levels are more likely to be younger, unmarried, experience high psychological distress, and have a mental health condition compared to men who consume similar amounts of alcohol. This highlights the need for tailored strategies to prevent and manage very high-risk consumption among women, taking into account how sex and gender can affect responses to treatment, policies, and health promotion messages.
Professor Jacqueline Bowden, director of the National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction, emphasized the serious health risks associated with alcohol consumption. She noted that alcohol is classified in the same group of carcinogens as asbestos, radiation, and tobacco and can increase women's risk of various cancers, including digestive, breast, and pancreatic cancer. The findings of this research emphasize the need for targeted strategies to prevent and manage very high-risk consumption among women. As always, it's important to stay informed about the latest news and developments, and you can do so by following us on WhatsApp for up-to-date information on breaking news, celebrities, and sports. Our WhatsApp channel ensures your privacy and security, so you can stay informed without any unwanted comments or algorithms.
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