This meta-analysis of 54 published studies tested the extent to which a systematic misclassification error was committed by including as ‘abstainers’ many people who had reduced or stopped alcohol use, a phenomenon associated with ageing and ill health.
The studies judged to be error free found no significant all-cause or cardiac protection, suggesting that the cardiac protection afforded by alcohol may have been over-estimated.
AuthorKaye Middleton Fillmore (email: kmfalc@itsa.ucsf.edu), William C. Kerr, Tim Stockwell, Tanya Chikritzhs and Alan Bostrom
CitationKaye Middleton Fillmore, William C. Kerr, Tim Stockwell, Tanya Chikritzhs & Alan Bostrom (2006) Moderate alcohol use and reduced mortality risk: Systematic error in prospective studies, Addiction Research & Theory, 14:2, 101-132, DOI: 10.1080/16066350500497983
Source
Addiction Research & Theory
Release date
20/08/2009
Moderate Alcohol Use and Reduced Mortality Risk: Systematic Error in Prospective Studies
Abstract
The majority of prospective studies on alcohol use and mortality risk indicates that abstainers are at increased risk of mortality from both all causes and coronary heart disease (CHD).
This meta-analysis of 54 published studies tested the extent to which a systematic misclassification error was committed by including as ‘abstainers’ many people who had reduced or stopped alcohol use, a phenomenon associated with ageing and ill health.
The studies judged to be error free found no significant all-cause or cardiac protection, suggesting that the cardiac protection afforded by alcohol may have been over-estimated.
Estimates of mortality from heavier alcohol use may also be higher than previously estimated.
Source Website: Taylor & Francis Online
