Gender Differences in the Economic Burden of Alcohol Use in Belgium
Author(s)
Pieter Vynckier, Post-doctoral researcher1, Nick Verhaeghe, MSc, DrPH, PhD2.
1post-doctoral researcher, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium, 2Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
1post-doctoral researcher, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium, 2Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
OBJECTIVES: In Belgium, 82% of men report regular alcohol consumption and 71% of women indicate they drink alcohol regularly, indicating a remarkable gender disparity in drinking behaviour. Alcohol use is known to be associated with a high disease burden, resulting in economic consequences. Therefore, the aim of the study was to provide a contemporary overview of the direct medical costs attributable to alcohol in Belgium.
METHODS: Data from the Belgian Health Interview Survey (BHIS) was combined with health insurance claims data (reference year 2018). Healthcare costs were calculated on individuals’ alcohol use patterns (abstainers, former drinkers, current drinkers). Univariate and multivariable regression analysis with negative binomial distribution and log link were performed to evaluate the average healthcare costs in relation to alcohol consumption, sociodemographic characteristics, and (behavioural) risk factors. Incremental costs were calculated using the G-computation method.
RESULTS: A total of 10,829 individuals were included in the analyses, of which 47.7% were men. On average, slightly more men reported that they drink alcohol compared with women (51% vs. 49%; P<0.001). Significant lower incremental medical costs were found for alcohol users (-€448.46; P<0.001) compared with abstainers. Remarkable, gender-stratified analyses showed that the cost reduction was higher for men (-€548.84; p<0.001) compared with women (-€441.78; P<0.001).
CONCLUSIONS: Results of our study show that despite known health risks, alcohol use was associated with lower direct medical costs, particularly among men. A possible explanation for the lower costs may be that alcohol use is associated with more fatal events, thereby reducing long-term health expenditures. These findings highlight a complex relationship that warrants further investigation to underlying cost differences, especially on (hazardous) alcohol use frequency, which may influence cost outcomes.
METHODS: Data from the Belgian Health Interview Survey (BHIS) was combined with health insurance claims data (reference year 2018). Healthcare costs were calculated on individuals’ alcohol use patterns (abstainers, former drinkers, current drinkers). Univariate and multivariable regression analysis with negative binomial distribution and log link were performed to evaluate the average healthcare costs in relation to alcohol consumption, sociodemographic characteristics, and (behavioural) risk factors. Incremental costs were calculated using the G-computation method.
RESULTS: A total of 10,829 individuals were included in the analyses, of which 47.7% were men. On average, slightly more men reported that they drink alcohol compared with women (51% vs. 49%; P<0.001). Significant lower incremental medical costs were found for alcohol users (-€448.46; P<0.001) compared with abstainers. Remarkable, gender-stratified analyses showed that the cost reduction was higher for men (-€548.84; p<0.001) compared with women (-€441.78; P<0.001).
CONCLUSIONS: Results of our study show that despite known health risks, alcohol use was associated with lower direct medical costs, particularly among men. A possible explanation for the lower costs may be that alcohol use is associated with more fatal events, thereby reducing long-term health expenditures. These findings highlight a complex relationship that warrants further investigation to underlying cost differences, especially on (hazardous) alcohol use frequency, which may influence cost outcomes.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2025-11, ISPOR Europe 2025, Glasgow, Scotland
Value in Health, Volume 28, Issue S2
Code
EE479
Topic
Economic Evaluation
Topic Subcategory
Cost/Cost of Illness/Resource Use Studies
Disease
Mental Health (including addition), Nutrition