The Burnet Institute evaluated Victorian health records, uncovering a persistent influx of hospitalizations for alcohol-associated hepatitis that failed to normalize after the pandemic. Although younger demographics generally consume less alcohol overall, a dangerous subset is suffering from severe and irreversible organ damage. Researchers also noted a concerning increase among women alongside the historically higher admission rates seen in men. In response, public health advocates are demanding tighter regulations on alcohol delivery availability and marketing.
Key points
Alcohol-associated hepatitis treatments surged at the start of lockdowns in March 2020 an…: Alcohol-associated hepatitis treatments surged at the start of lockdowns in March 2020 and have settled at a higher permanent baseline.
Doorstep delivery expansion, home confinement, and pandemic-related stress contributed si…: Doorstep delivery expansion, home confinement, and pandemic-related stress contributed significantly to elevated levels of severe liver conditions.
Public health advocates are calling for stronger harm-reduction measures, including tight…: Public health advocates are calling for stronger harm-reduction measures, including tighter restrictions on alcohol marketing and doorstep availability.
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Rising numbers of young people are being hospitalised with severe, irreversible liver disease, as alcohol-related hospital admissions remain above pre-pandemic levels after peaking during Covid lockdowns.
A new Burnet Institute report, commissioned by the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (Fare), analysed nearly two decades of Victorian health data to examine the prevalence of alcohol-associated harm.
The study analysed 4,111 hospital admissions between 1 January 2017 to 30 June 2024, along with clinical data from 1 January 2010 to 30 June 2024.
When Covid lockdowns began in March 2020, treatment of alcohol-related hepatitis – a subset of liver disease – rose sharply, the data shows. They slowed after restrictions eased in late 2021.
But they have continued to be far above pre-pandemic levels.
The lead researcher, Prof Jessica Howell, said the rise correllated with a number of factors linked to the “overall stress” and “uncertainty” of lockdowns, although the report “can’t specifically tease out the causes”.
“Access to alcohol increased because you could get it delivered to your home,” she said. “So that really did lead to an escalation.”
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