The number of young people admitted to hospital due to excessive alcohol consumption is over 20% higher than previously thought, according to new research reported by De Morgen on Saturday.
Based on data from the Intermutualistic Agency (IMA), which compiles information from health insurers, around 2,200 youths in Belgium are hospitalised annually for alcohol intoxication. This figure is derived from blood alcohol tests conducted on 12 to 17-year-olds between 2019 and 2021.
Researchers from the University of Antwerp compared this figure with data from eight Antwerp hospitals. They reviewed medical records for mentions of alcohol intoxication.
The comparison revealed that the actual number is over 20 percent higher. When extrapolated to the entire country, this would mean that approximately 2,600 youths are hospitalised each year due to alcohol intoxication.
