Self-harm and interpersonal violence attributable to high alcohol use in 204 countries and territories, 1990–2021: Findings from the Global Burden of Disease study 2021

Abstract

Background

Self-harm and interpersonal violence are pressing global public health concerns, with high alcohol consumption being a significant contributing factor. This study analyzes global trends of self-harm and interpersonal violence attributable to high alcohol use from 1990 to 2021, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

Age-standardized death rates (ASDR) and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) were extracted from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 to explore the trends of burden. Data were categorized by gender, age groups, regions, and countries, each with a 95 % uncertainty interval (UI). Bayesian age-period-cohort (BAPC) models were used to forecast future trends.

Results

In 2021, the global ASDR for self-harm and interpersonal violence attributable to high alcohol use was 0.84 (95 % uncertainty interval [UI]: 0.37 to 1.33) and 0.40 (95 % UI: 0.23 to 0.59) per 100,000 population, respectively. Males had consistently higher ASDRs and DALYs than females across all age groups, particularly in the 20–39 age range, where deaths and DALYs peaked for both outcomes. Regionally, Eastern Europe had the highest burden of self-harm, while Central Latin America showed the highest rates of interpersonal violence attributable to high alcohol use. By 2035, ASDR is projected to decrease by 17 % and 21 % for self-harm and interpersonal violence, respectively.

Conclusions

Global alcohol-related self-harm and violence declined long-term but stalled during COVID-19, with higher burdens among males and specific age groups, and significant regional disparities. Sustained public health efforts, targeted policies, and innovative interventions are essential to address persistent disparities and future challenges.