Health at a Glance: Europe 2018
State of Health in the EU Cycle
Health at a Glance: Europe 2018 presents comparative analyses of the health status of EU citizens and the performance of the health systems of the 28 EU Member States, 5 candidate countries and 3 EFTA countries. It is the first step in the State of Health in the EU cycle of knowledge brokering. This publication has two parts. Part I comprises two thematic chapters, the first focusing on the need for concerted efforts to promote better mental health, the second outlining possible strategies for reducing wasteful spending in health. In Part II, the most recent trends in key indicators of health status, risk factors and health spending are presented, together with a discussion of progress in improving the effectiveness, accessibility and resilience of European health systems.
Alcohol consumption among adults
Alcohol-related harm is a major public health concern in the European Union, both in terms of morbidity and mortality. Alcohol was the third leading risk factor for disease and mortality after tobacco and high blood pressure in Europe in 2012, and accounted for an estimated 7.6% of all men’s deaths and 4.0% of all women’s deaths (WHO, 2014). High alcohol intake is associated with increased risk of heart diseases and stroke, as well as liver cirrhosis and certain cancers, but even moderate alcohol consumption increases the long-term risk of developing such diseases. Foetal exposure to alcohol increases the risk of birth defects and intellectual impairments. Alcohol also contributes to death and disability through accidents and injuries, assault, violence, homicide, and suicide, particularly among young people.
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