Understanding the differential effect of alcohol consumption on the relation between socio-economic position and alcohol-related health problems: results from the Stockholm Public Health Cohort.

During follow-up, a total of 1237 first-time events of alcohol-related health problems occurred. After initial adjustments, heavy drinking appeared to be more harmful to individuals with low SEP compared with high SEP (P = 0.001). Differences in HED frequency explained the largest part of the differential effect of AC. Engaging in weekly HED was more harmful to individuals with low SEP (P = 0.031) than high SEP. Differences in AC, together with other factors, explained a large part of the differential effect of HED. Conclusions The greater adverse impact of alcohol consumption on health in Sweden on people with lower socio-economic position may be largely attributable to higher prevalence of heavy episodic drinking, as well as other behavioral and social risk factors.