Romania has become the leader in alcohol consumption, far exceeding the European average. The new OECD report highlights not only the high level of consumption among adults, but also the ever-lower age at which minors start consuming alcohol.
Romania records the highest level of alcohol consumption among all OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) member countries, mentions the Organization’s report for the past year.
5% of deaths in Romania are attributed to alcohol consumption, compared to 3%, as recorded in the other states, writes Mediafax.
Romania, leader in alcohol consumption
On average, recorded alcohol consumption in 2023 was 12.3 liters of pure alcohol per adult, while the OECD average was 8.5 litres.
A significant increase in alcohol consumption – 30% – was recorded in Romania between 2013 and 2023.
In terms of episodic binge drinking, we are also in the lead here: 11% of the population binge drink – the highest rate in the OECD, with 20% of men and 3% of women.
The OECD report also notes the fact that Romania does not have an elaborated national strategy on alcohol consumption and that alcohol is also available in gas stations.
25% of Romanian teenagers vape – one of the highest values in the OECD
Regarding smoking, 9% of deaths registered in Romania are attributed to smoking, an average close to that of other OECD member countries.
Among adults, the smoking rate was, in 2019, 18.7%, above the OECD average of 14.8%.
Men smoke about 4 times more than women.
23% of 15-year-olds have smoked in the last 30 days.
25% use e-cigarettes / vapes – among the highest in the OECD.
Regarding anti-smoking policies, the report mentions several measures taken by Romania: smoking ban in closed spaces, warnings on packages, gradual increase of taxes (2024 – 2026). The report notes that there is no generic packaging and that tobacco taxes are below WHO recommendations.
The highest treatable mortality rate
Romania is among the countries with very high avoidable mortality: 251 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants from preventable causes.
For comparison, the OECD average is 145, while in the EU OECD countries it is 179.
Also, an interesting thing noted in the OECD report: mortality from treatable causes (that is, avoidable through medical interventions) is, in Romania, 179 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants – the highest rate among OECD countries – this indicates weaknesses in prevention, late or non-existent access to medical services, reduced efficiency of the health system.
One Romanian out of five does sports more than three times a week
The main cause of mortality in Romania is cardiovascular diseases.
Romania has very high mortality rates from ischemic heart disease, cerebrovascular mortality (CVA) above the OECD average.
We are talking about a type of mortality avoidable through lifestyle, related to unhealthy eating, sedentary lifestyle, smoking, harmful alcohol consumption.
29% of deaths recorded in 2021 were attributed to behavioral risk factors, 16% were associated with dietary risks (while in other OECD countries the rate was 10%).
Only 40% of Romanians consume fruits and vegetables daily and only one in five Romanians do sports more than three times a week.
The level of involvement of the population in public health policies is low
67% of Romanian adults are overweight or obese, vs. 54% in the other countries.
In 2022, one Romanian teenager out of four was overweight or obese.
Regarding initiatives in the public health system, the report mentions some progress, but the impact in the population is limited.
It acknowledges the existence of programs for non-communicable diseases (diabetes) and health education campaigns, but notes poor coverage for rural and remote areas.
The report also notes the low level of involvement of the population in these programs, doubled by the structural crisis of the public health system, both leading to an avoidable mortality rate.
