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Increasing tax on alcohol appears to lower rates of gonorrhea

In Maryland, rates of gonorrhea significantly decreased after the state increased alcohol tax by $0.03 per $1, according to recently published data.

“There are clearly plausible mechanisms by which alcohol taxes may decrease population STI rates. Extensive literature demonstrated that increased alcohol taxes lower alcohol consumption and affect drinking patterns. Lower alcohol consumption caused by alcohol taxes should, on average, translate to lower alcohol consumption prior to sex, reduced alcohol-related sexual risk-taking and reduced population-level STIs,” Stephanie Staras, PhD, MSPH, assistant professor, department of health outcomes and policy, College of Medicine, University of Florida, and colleagues wrote.

Staras and colleagues analyzed data from the National Notifiable Disease Surveillance System to assess the correlation between alcohol tax and rates of gonorrhea and chlamydia in Maryland.

Results demonstrated a 24% decrease in rates of gonorrhea after Maryland implemented its increase in alcohol tax. This decrease resulted in 1,600 fewer cases of gonorrhea throughout Maryland, annually. Staras and colleagues estimated that $519,600 in direct medical expenses were prevented in the year and a half after the tax increase.

No correlation was seen between decrease in chlamydia rates and increased alcohol tax, according to the researchers.

The researchers noted that further reductions in STIs and health care costs may be observed if the alcohol tax increase mimicked the state’s fivefold higher tobacco tax implemented in 2008.

“Right now, the only population-level intervention for STIs recommended by the CDC is condom distribution. However, the effects we observed in this study are comparable to the effectiveness of condom distribution, and taxes generate revenue rather than spend it — making it a powerful option for policymakers to consider,” Staras said in a press release. – by Casey Hower

Disclosures: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.