In the Republic of Moldova, the number of women who suffer from chronic alcoholism and alcohol-related psychoses is on the rise. In 2017, 7,169 women were under medical surveillance because of alcohol abuse. About 52% of the women were of a fertile age and brought up and educated children. The data were presented by the National Public Health Agency in connection with the National Alcohol Free Day that is celebrated on October 2, IPN reports.
According to the Agency, even if the incidence of chronic alcoholism diminished during the past five years, the prevalence is constantly high , being three times higher than the European average. In 2017, there were 85.3 cases per 100,000 people. The situation worsens also owing to alcohol consumption among children and teens. The teens who start to drink before they turn 15 are the most vulnerable ones.
The Agency makes reference to a study of alcohol use carried out in schools. This shows that half of the eighth and ninth graders drank alcoholic beverages during the past 30 days. About 38.7% of the students drank five or more portions of alcoholic beverages on a particular occasion during the past 30 days. More than half of the respondents drank their first glass of alcohol at the age of 13 or earlier. About 8% of those surveyed had been in an advanced state of inebriation at the age of 13 or earlier.
Alcohol has a major impact on health and causes over 200 diseases and disorders. It is the main risk factor for neuro-psychotic disorders, cardiovascular diseases, cirrhosis, cancer, traumas and wounds and generates considerable costs for medical assistance, treatment and recuperation. Worldwide, about 3.3 deaths every year result from harmful use of alcohol.
