Alcohol and drugs as social risk factors in society of transition in the prevention of premature death and suicidal behaviour

Grant holder: Prof Dr Airi Värnik
Project manager: Kairi Kõlves
Duration: 2003-2005
Funded by: Estonian Science Foundation (Grant No 5349)
Description: The main objectives of the study are:

1. From the scientific approach to find out correlation between (1) alcohol and drug use, (2) premature deaths and suicidal behaviour and (3) social processes in Estonia both on the macro level and on the individual level using internationally comparable methods and to publish results.
2. From the applicable point of view to give scientific basis for finding the possibilities to decrease premature deaths and suicidal behaviour by target groups. This could be the evidence-based procedure for working out and developing preventive methods in the frames of the present study and as well in the frames of the national alcohol policy program and the national mental health promotion program. The aim is also to recommend guidelines for other countries with similar historical background.