Cost-Effectiveness of Preventive Interventions to Reduce Alcohol Consumption in Denmark
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Alcohol consumption is widespread in Denmark. Alcohol is associated with times of celebration, but for many Danes alcohol consumption is not restricted to this. On average every Dane over the age of 14 consumed 11.3 litres of pure alcohol in 2010[1]. Excess consumption of alcohol increases the risk of stroke and hypertensive heart disease, gastro intestinal disorders such as pancreatitis and cirrhosis, several types of cancers and injuries[2–8]. However, there is evidence that moderate consumption of alcohol has a protective effect on ischaemic heart disease[9].
Consumption of moderate amounts of alcohol is therefore advised. In Denmark the guidelines from the Health and Medicines Authority states that low risk alcohol consumption is less than 7 standard drinks (a Danish standard drink is equivalent to 12 grams pure alcohol[10]) per week for women and 14 standard drinks per week for men, whereas alcohol consumption of more than 14 standard drinks per week for women and 21standard drinks per week for men involves a high risk of alcohol-related diseases[10].
