Prevalence and distribution of alcohol use and impairment in the workplace: a U.S. national survey

OBJECTIVE: Although much research has explored overall alcohol use in the workforce, little research has explored the extent of alcohol use and impairment in the workplace. This study explored the overall prevalence, frequency, and distribution of alcohol use and impairment during the workday. METHOD: Data were collected from a national probability sample of 2805 employed adults using a random digit dialing telephone survey. Alcohol use within 2 hours of reporting to work, alcohol use during the workday, working under the influence of alcohol, and working with a hangover were assessed for the 12 months preceding the interview. RESULTS: Workplace alcohol use and impairment directly affect an estimated 15% of the U.S. workforce (19.2 million workers). Specifically, an estimated 1.83% (2.3 million workers) drink before work, 7.06% (8.9 million workers) drink during the workday, 1.68% (2.1 million workers) work under the influence of alcohol, and 9.23% (11.6 million workers) work with a hangover. The results also suggest that most workplace alcohol use and impairment occur infrequently. The distribution of workplace alcohol use and impairment differs by gender, race, age, marital status, occupation, and work shift. CONCLUSION: Workplace alcohol use and impairment are prevalent enough that additional research should focus on their causes and impact on employee productivity. Moreover, clear policies should be in place regarding alcohol use and impairment at work. But despite management's responsibility for the development and enforcement of such policies, managers report elevated rates of consuming alcohol during the workday, working under the influence of alcohol, and working with a hangover.     

Psychosocial factors at the workplace—do they affect substance use? Evidence from the Tyrolean workplace study

BACKGROUND: To determine the prevalence of drug consumption and the impact of workplace demands and burdens for substance use, we conducted a survey in a representative sample of Tyrolean employees. METHODS: This analysis was restricted to the 700 respondents (395 male, 305 female; age 18-60 years) in the year 2001 by telephone interview who hold a full-time or part-time job during the 6 months preceding the interview. We studied the use of antidepressants, benzodiazepines, analgetics. stimulants and phytotherapeutics. RESULTS: Of the whole sample, 5.6% employees (4.8% male, 6.6% female) stated that they take some kind of pills to cope with job demands. There was no statistically significant difference between males and females. Substance use depended to a great extent on the work atmosphere and job satisfaction. The prevalence of drug consumption increased from 3.7% (good atmosphere at work) and 3.3% (high job satisfaction) to 12.6% (bad atmosphere at work) and 42.9% (low job satisfaction ) (p = 0.019 and p = 0.001). The feeling of being a victim of bullying at work appears to be particularly destructive for the individuals' well-being. Only 4.1% of the employees who were not victims of bullying took drugs because of job problems, as compared with 20% of the bullying victims. DISCUSSION: Our results indicate that drug consumption as the consequence of workplace burdens is a frequent and serious problem with negative consequences for the life quality of the individuals and for the individuals' efficiency. Therefore, occupational medicine and employers should direct their attention to ensure the best possible work place structure and occupational conditions.     

Psychoactive drug consumption: performance-enhancing behaviour and pharmacodependence in workers

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate factors associated to psychoactive medication use and dependence in working environment during a 1-year period. METHODS: We performed a 1-year-follow-up cohort study including workers from Toulouse metropolitan area. During their annual compulsory examination to assess their aptitude to work, subjects were asked to fill in an anonymous questionnaire at 1 year interval, in May 2000 and May-June 2001. RESULTS: Among a study sample of 1273 subjects (47.4% of men, mean age 39.2 +/- 9.2 years), the prevalence of psychoactive medication use at baseline was 9.1% (4.3% anxiolytic, 1.9% hypnotic, 1.7% antidepressant, 2.1% opiate analgesic and 0.5% antipsychotic drugs, according to ATC classification). Dependence on these drugs was found in 3.5% of workers. This consumption was associated with professional categories (higher in employees versus senior executive, Odds Ratio: 1.80; 95% Confidence Interval [1.04-3.11]), low job satisfaction and outside workplace (1.92; [1.30-2.84] and 3.40; [2.27-5.09] respectively), and patterns of medication use at workplace: for sleeping disorders related to job (18.27; [11.81-28.26]), for enhancing performance at work (28.13; [12.00-65.92]), for relieving unpleasant symptoms at work (22.98; [9.59-55.01]). The risk of psychoactive medication chronic use (psychoactive drug users in 2000 and 2001), and dependence at 1 year were both strongly associated with nicotine dependence (5.99 and 6.23, respectively) and performance-enhancing behaviour with drugs and/or alcohol (8.35 and 3.32 respectively), whereas current use (psychoactive drug users only in 2001) was strongly associated with performance-enhancing behaviour. CONCLUSIONS: Among workers using psychoactive drugs, one out of three are dependent on psychoactive medications. Performance-enhancing behaviour and coping strategies might be a determinant of psychoactive drug use and could lead to dependence in the workplace.     

Alcohol use and workplace aggression: An examination of perpetration and victimization

Purpose: The purpose of the present investigation was to examine the relationship between victimization from and perpetration of workplace aggression between coworkers and frequency of alcohol use during the last year. Methods: Civilian employees (N=300) selected from the US population were interviewed over the telephone with psychometrically sound measures of workplace aggression and alcohol use frequency during the last year. Hierarchical regression analyses were used to examine the relationship between alcohol use and workplace aggression, after controlling for sociodemographic variables. Results: Both percentage of days of any drinking and percentage of days of heavy drinking during the last year were positively related to (a) victimization from verbal and physical aggression at work and (b) perpetration of verbal and physical aggression at work. Implications: Consistent with research studies spanning the sociobehavioral literature, the present investigation found alcohol use was associated with perpetration of and victimization from verbal and physical workplace aggression. Although the study established an association exists between alcohol use and workplace aggression, future investigations should attempt to understand employee alcohol use in the context of a multifaceted model that includes other likely factors that contribute to the incidence of aggressive behavior on the job.     

Employee drinking practices and work performance

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine the independent effects of a variety of drinking indicators on self-reported work performance. METHOD: Data from a cross-sectional mailed survey (response rate = 71%) of managers, supervisors and workers (N = 6,540) at 16 worksites were analyzed. Average daily volume was computed from frequency and usual quantity reports. Drinking on the job included drinking during any of six workday situations. The CAGE was used to indicate alcohol dependence. Employees were also asked how frequently they drank to get high or drunk. Work performance was measured through a series of questions about work problems during the prior year. The number of times respondents experienced work performance problems was regressed on the four drinking measures, and a variety of demographic characteristics, job characteristics and life circumstances that might also negatively affect work performance. RESULTS: The frequency of self-reported work performance problems increased, generally, with all four drinking measures. In a multivariate model that controlled for a number of demographics, job characteristics and life-situations, average daily volume was no longer significantly associated with work performance but the other three drinking measures were. Interestingly, although moderate-heavy and heavy drinkers reported more work performance problems than very light, light, or moderate drinkers, the lower-level-drinking employees, since they were more plentiful, accounted for a larger proportion of work performance problems than did the heavier drinking groups. CONCLUSIONS: Employers should develop clear policies limiting drinking on the job and, in addition to employee assistance programs for problem drinkers, should develop worksite educational interventions aimed at informing all employees about the relationship between drinking behaviors and work performance.     

Socioecological Factors Related to Hazardous Alcohol use among Female Sex Workers in Lilongwe,Malawi: A Mixed Methods Study

Background: Alcohol use is pervasive among female sex workers (FSW) placing them at increased risk of violence and sexual risk behaviors. FSW often live and work where alcohol is highly normative. Objective: To understand the socioecological influences on hazardous alcohol use among FSW in Malawi. Methods: In 2014, 200 FSW identified through venue-based sampling in Lilongwe, Malawi, completed a quantitative behavioral survey, with a sub-sample participating in qualitative interviews. Multivariable log-binomial regression was used to identify associations between hazardous alcohol use (AUDIT score ≥ 7) and time in sex work, clients per week, unprotected sex, alcohol use with clients, and living environment. Qualitative interviews enhanced findings from quantitative data and identify emergent themes around socioecological influences on alcohol use. Results: Over 50% reported hazardous alcohol use and lived in an alcohol-serving venue. Hazardous alcohol use was associated with sex work duration of ≥2 years (aPR: 1.30; 95%CI: 1.02,1.65) and alcohol use at last sex with a client (aPR: 1.29; 95%CI: 1.06,1.57). FSW perceived alcohol as a facilitator for sex work by reducing inhibitions and attracting clients, but acknowledged alcohol leads to violence and/or unprotected sex. Despite these risks and a motivation to reduce use, FSW feared that refusing to drink would be tantamount to turning away clients. Conclusions: Although FSW recognized alcohol-related risks, the norms and power dynamics of sex work perpetuated hazardous alcohol use. Multilevel interventions are needed to collectively change norms around drinking and sex work that will enable FSW to reduce alcohol consumption when engaging in their work.     

Drinking Reasons and Alcohol Problems by Work Venue Among Female Sex Workers in Guangxi,China

Objective: Alcohol use is a key determinant of sexual risk behaviors, but pathways to alcohol use in the context of commercial sex still remain unclear. The present study explores reasons for drinking and their roles on alcohol use problems among female sex workers (FSWs) in different types of commercial sex venues. Method: In 2009, a sample of 1,022 FSWs from Guangxi, China completed a survey containing a 10-item Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and a 28-item measure of reasons for drinking. Factor analysis revealed five reasons for drinking: suppression, disinhibition, work requirement, sexual enhancement, and confidence booster. Results: All identified reasons except confidence booster appeared to be related to a higher tendency of developing alcohol use problems among FSWs. Types of commercial sex venues moderated the relationship between work requirement and alcohol use problems. Conclusions: Alcohol-risk reduction interventions among this population need to provide them with alternative approaches to regulate emotions and modify their misconceptions about alcohol's sexual enhancing function. More attention is needed to FSWs’ vulnerability to the negative influence of occupational drinking.     

Workplace Responsibility,Stress, Alcohol Availability and Norms as Predictors of Alcohol Consumption-Related Problems Among Employed Workers

The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of alcohol use and problems among employed individuals in Alberta, Canada (N = 1,890), and to conduct a multivariate examination of predictors of alcohol consumption-related problems. General alcohol problems were identified by 10%, although very few workers described any specific work-related alcohol problems (1%). Structural equation modeling revealed that, as hypothesized, workplace alcohol availability predicted general alcohol problems. Job responsibility and workplace norms also predicted alcohol problems but only for men. Perceived work stress did not predict alcohol problems. Results support the development of interventions that focus on re-shaping alcohol use norms.     

Organisational identity and alcohol use among young employees: A case study of a professional services firm

BackgroundCultural influences on young people's drinking have been the focus of much research and policy practice. Young people's drinking is influenced by a range of institutions, including the workplace, yet this has received comparatively little attention by researchers and policymakers. This study examines the workplace influences on young people's drinking through the conceptual lens of organisational identification.MethodsData was collected through 16 semi-structured interviews with mainly young employees of a professional services firm in New Zealand. The interviews were coded and analysed thematically, generating five themes of alcohol use at work.ResultsAlcohol was used in a number of ways by the respondents in relation to their work, from acting as a means of relieving stress or anxiety induced by work, to providing a means for bonding with work colleagues. Their work also impacted on their alcohol use in more ‘positive’ ways (e.g. respondents limiting their intake to prevent damage to their career prospects).ConclusionThe study highlights how processes of organisational identification both encourage and inhibit alcohol use. The consumption of alcohol at work provides young professionals with a medium to engage in a variety of organisational identification processes. An understanding of these processes can assist policymakers in focusing on the workplace, an area largely ignored to date, as a target for their campaigns aimed at reducing the harmful effects of young people's heavy alcohol use.     

Hazards associated with the boat building industry in New Zealand: an OSH audit.

AIM: To randomly audit the boat building industry in New Zealand to assess the occupational health status and level of knowledge of employees. METHODS: A survey was conducted using a nurse and inspector administered questionnaire. 151 workers from 120 randomly selected firms participated in the survey. RESULTS: 31.5% respondents thought they had had some sort of work related health problem since working in that job. 22% reported wheezing during the last twelve months. 14-16% met criteria for occupational causation, and 4% met a measure of severe wheezing related to work. 25.6% of workers had dermatitis. Only a quarter of these met criteria for occupational causation. No respondents reported symptoms suggestive of chronic solvent neurotoxicity. Solvents and epoxy resins comprised the majority of chemicals with which there was contact. Observation suggested little use of Material Safety Data Sheets as a source of knowledge about toxicity of the chemicals used. Although 94.3% reported wearing gloves, this did not correlate with numbers reporting dermatitis suggesting non-compliance or glove failure. CONCLUSION: New Zealand boat builders and their employees remain at risk for occupational health problems by virtue of their employment.     

The role of alcohol use and cigarette smoking in sickness absence: Are there social inequalities?

BackgroundWhile studies have found a social gradient in negative consequences of drinking and smoking, evidence is less clear for a gradient also in alcohol use and smoking's association with sickness absence. We investigate the association between alcohol use and cigarette smoking and general sickness absence, and examine the moderating role of socio-economic status for these associations when controlling for general health status.MethodQuestions on alcohol use, measured by the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT-C), smoking, general health and sickness absence were included in annual national cross-sectional telephone surveys on alcohol, tobacco and drug use (2015–18) amongst Norwegian adults aged 16–79-years (average response rate=59%). The analytic sample comprised 4719 full- and part-time employees aged 25–79 years (46.7% were female, mean age=44.3 years). Individual-level data on education were obtained from national registries.ResultsIn adjusted negative binomial regression analyses, current and former daily smoking were associated with a higher occurrence of sickness absence in groups with low educational attainment, but not in groups with high educational attainment. Alcohol use was negatively associated with sickness absence. While a significantly higher number of sickness days was reported by smokers in the low compared with the high education group, educational attainment did not moderate the alcohol use – sickness absence association.ConclusionDaily smoking is associated with sickness absence. A negative social gradient was found in the smoking – absence association. Reduced daily smoking might give a reduction in sickness absence.     

Alcohol misuse is rare among Hong Kong medical students

Introduction and Aims. High rates of hazardous alcohol consumption have been reported among medical students in several countries. This study aimed to determine the degree of self‐reported alcohol use among medical students in Hong Kong, and to compare this with published data from medical students elsewhere. Design and Methods. 111/137 (81%) final year medical students from the Chinese University of Hong Kong were recruited and anonymously completed the World Health Organization's Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, a screening tool which assesses alcohol consumption, dependence and alcohol‐related problems. Results are graded as low risk (score 1–7) or harmful and hazardous (8 or more). Results. The rate of ever drinking among this group of Hong Kong medical students is relatively high (74%) but few students reported at‐risk drinking patterns (1.8%). Most students who drank did so less than once per month and most reported typically drinking only one to two drinks when they did drink alcohol. Discussion and Conclusions. While rates of alcohol drinking among this group of Hong Kong medical students are comparable to those reported in Europe and North America, rates of problem drinking are much lower.[Rotheray KR, Cattermole GN, Liow ECH, Machin P, Graham CA, Rainer TH. Alcohol misuse is rare among Hong Kong medical students. Drug Alcohol Rev 2011;30:685–688]     

Pills and pints: risky drinking and alcohol-related harms among regular ecstasy users in Australia

Introduction and Aims. A significant proportion of young Australians engage in risky alcohol consumption, and an increasing minority are regular ecstasy (3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine) users. Risky alcohol use, alone or in combination with ecstasy, is associated with a range of acute and chronic health risks. The aim of this study was to document the incidence and some health‐related correlates of alcohol use, and concurrent alcohol and ecstasy use, among a large, national sample of regular ecstasy users (REU) in Australia. Design and Methods. National, cross‐sectional surveys of REU in Australia 2003–2008. Among REU in 2008 (n = 678) usual alcohol use, psychological distress and health‐related quality of life were measured using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, Kessler Psychological Distress Scale and Short Form‐8 Survey respectively. Results. Among REU in 2008, 36% reported high‐risk patterns of usual alcohol consumption, 62% reported usually consuming more than five standard drinks with ecstasy, and 24% reported currently experiencing high or very high levels of psychological distress. Controlling for age and education, high‐risk drinking among REU was associated with higher levels of psychological distress and poorer health‐related functioning; however, the associations between concurrent alcohol and ecstasy use, and health outcomes, were not significant (P > 0.05). Discussion and Conclusions. A large and increasing proportion of REU in Australia engage in high‐risk patterns of alcohol consumption, including in combination with ecstasy. High‐risk alcohol consumption among this group is associated with adverse health‐related outcomes. Prevention and harm reduction interventions for REU should incorporate messages about the risks associated with alcohol use. There is an ongoing need for youth‐specific, coordinated alcohol and other drug and mental health services.[Kinner SA, George J, Johnston J, Dunn M, Degenhardt L. Pills and pints: Risky drinking and alcohol‐related harms among regular ecstasy users in Australia. Drug Alcohol Rev 2012;31:273–280]     

‘Off your Face(book)’: alcohol in online social identity construction and its relation to problem drinking in university students

Introduction and Aims. Alcohol is a key component of identity exploration for many young people, yet few studies have investigated identity construction in relation to problematic drinking. Increases in youth alcohol consumption have coincided with expanding use of communications technologies, particularly social networking sites (SNS), which have altered traditional conditions of identity construction. It has been found young people often engage with alcohol in the SNS environment by portraying themselves as binge drinkers. The current study applied an innovative approach to identity construction (the photographic essay) to provide insight into the portrayal of ‘alcohol‐identity’ on Facebook. Design and Methods. One hundred and fifty‐eight university students completed a range of alcohol measures before providing access for researchers to view their Facebook profiles to operationalise their alcohol‐identity according to autophotographic methodology. Results. Participants utilised a variety of photographic and textual material to present alcohol as a component of their identity on Facebook, with over half having selected an alcohol‐related profile image. Alcohol‐identity predicted alcohol consumption and problematic alcohol‐related behaviours as measured by questionnaires used to reliably identify alcohol‐related problems in university students. Almost 60% reported potentially problematic alcohol use according to the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test. Discussion and Conclusions. Findings suggest that portraying oneself as a drinker is considered by many young people to be a socially desirable component of identity in the SNS environment, perpetuating an online culture that normalises binge drinking. Ready‐made Facebook photo essays provide an alternate method of accessing problematic alcohol use, supplementing self‐report measures.[Ridout B, Campbell A, Ellis L. ‘Off your Face(book)’: Alcohol in online social identity construction and its relation to problem drinking in university students. Drug Alcohol Rev 2012;31:20–26]     

Factors Associated With Risky Alcohol Consumption Among Male Street Laborers in Urban Vietnam

Background: Alcohol consumption is of global concern. However, drinking patterns and associated factors remain under-investigated, especially among low socioeconomic groups such as street laborers. Objective: Using the social cognitive model as a framework for the study we aimed to identify factors associated with risky alcohol consumption. Methods: In a cross-sectional study using structured questionnaires, 450 male street laborers searching for casual works in Hanoi, Vietnam were interviewed. A logistic regression was applied in order to detect predictors of risky alcohol drinking. Results: During the last month, 45% of the participants reported daily consumption while the other 55% consumed weekly or less. Among the drinkers (416 out of 450, 92%), 27% were identified as high-risk drinkers who reported more than 14 standard drinks per week, while only 8% were lifetime abstainers. The multivariable logistic regression showed that older age, higher income were positively associated with a higher likelihood of drinking alcohol, while high school level negatively. The environmental predictor was the higher level of peer connection. The association between drinking and risky behavior was found positive with regards to the number of sexual partners. Conclusions: The study suggests that male street laborers are vulnerable to health risks. Decision makers should note that a significant proportion of this target group exceeds the guidelines for alcohol use and this should be included in future interventions or further research. A multisectoral approach together with an important strategy of education is needed to control alcohol use.     

Economic impact of workplace productivity losses due to allergic rhinitis compared with select medical conditions in the United States from an employer perspective

ABSTRACT

Objective: To evaluate the cost of lost productivity in the workplace due to allergic rhinitis compared to other selected medical conditions from an employer perspective.

Setting and participants: A total of 8267 US employees at 47 employer locations who volunteered to participate in health/wellness screenings.

Measurements: The Work Productivity Short Inventory was used to assess the impact of a predefined group of health conditions on workplace productivity for the previous 12 months. Both absenteeism and presenteeism (lost productivity while at work) were recorded. Costs were calculated using a standard hourly wage.

Results: Allergic rhinitis was the most prevalent of the selected conditions; 55% of employees reported experiencing allergic rhinitis symptoms for an average of 52.5 days, were absent 3.6 days per year due to the condition, and were unproductive 2.3?h per workday when experiencing symptoms. The mean total productivity (absenteeism + presenteeism) losses per employee per year were US $593 for allergic rhinitis, $518 for high stress, $277 for migraine, $273 for depression, $269 for arthritis/rheumatism, $248 for anxiety disorder, $181 for respiratory infections, $105 for hypertension or high blood pressure, $95 for diabetes, $85 for asthma, and $40 for coronary heart disease. The mean total productivity loss per employee per year due to caregiving was $102 for pediatric respiratory infections, $85 for pediatric allergies, $49 for Alzheimer's disease, and $42 for otitis media/earache.

Conclusions: Allergies are major contributors to the total cost of health-related absenteeism and presenteeism. Payers and employers need to consider this when determining health benefits for employees.     

Acculturation,hazardous drinking and depressive symptomatology among Hispanics enrolled in a clinical trial

Background: Among Hispanics in USA, lower acculturation level has been found to be protective against alcohol abuse and depression. However, this relationship may not hold within at-risk samples. The prevalence and co-occurrence of hazardous drinking and depressive symptoms and their relationship to acculturation were examined among Hispanics enrolled in a study to reduce heavy drinking. At enrolment, all the participants reported past-month heavy drinking (one or more occasions of >4/5 drinks for females/males, and average weekly consumption >7/14 drinks per week). We explored whether gender moderated the effects of acculturation on hazardous drinking and depressive symptoms. Methods: Participants (N?=?100) completed measures at baseline. Results: Eighty-nine percent of participants met criteria for hazardous alcohol use as assessed by the AUDIT and of those, 55% (n?=?49) also reported elevated depressive symptoms. Of those who reported elevated depressive symptoms, nearly all (94%) met AUDIT criteria for hazardous drinking. Acculturation was not related to hazardous drinking or depressive symptoms in the full sample. Highly acculturated women reported more hazardous drinking than less acculturated women. Acculturation was not associated with hazardous drinking in men, but less acculturated men reported higher levels of depression than highly acculturated men. Discussion: Depression should be assessed in alcohol interventions for Hispanics. Alcohol interventions should be tailored for acculturation level and gender to improve relevance and efficacy. Clinical Trial Registration #NCT01996280.     

Israeli college student alcohol use: the association of background characteristics and regular drinking patterns

In Israel, there is a lack of research regarding the association between background characteristics of university students and their use of alcohol. In response, a cohort of 1276 male and female undergraduate students was surveyed at a major university in the country. Among the study participants, 21% (270) reported regular, weekly use of alcohol. Men were much more inclined to drink on a weekly basis than women; and, 7% of the students who used alcohol regularly did so on a daily basis. Approximately 70% of the students who used alcohol drank in the company of friends; and, one-third of the alcohol using students reported that it was important to have their friends with them when they used the substance. Student background characteristics found to be associated with weekly alcohol use included: gender, age, country of origin, economic status, academic discipline, father's level of education, and parents' use of alcohol and legal medication. An important finding of this study was that 30% of the students who used alcohol reported driving a car after drinking and 3% of this sub-population drank while driving. Alcohol tends to be used and abused more than any other licit or illicit substance among Israeli university students. This issue, however, receives far less attention than illicit drug use in terms of education, public awareness, prevention and treatment activities. Alcohol use and abuse among university students in Israel is far from the major problem found elsewhere. Nevertheless, planned prevention and other forms of intervention are needed on campuses throughout the country.     

The moderating effect of alcohol intake on the relationship between work strains and psychological distress

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the extent to which alcohol intake modified the associations between psychological distress and work strains. METHOD: The data were obtained from a sample of 10,387 employees nested in 422 occupations. Four types of alcohol drinkers were defined according to drinker status measured by alcohol intake over the last week (1) abstainers, (2) drinkers who abstained from drinking in the last seven days, (3) low-risk drinkers (according to the Canadian guidelines), (4) high-risk drinkers. The Ilfeld scale was used to measure the level of psychological distress (referencing the last week). Work strains were measured according to Karasek's skills utilization, decision authority and psychological demands, as well as by regularity of work schedule, number of working hours per week, exposure to physical and chemical risks, job status and type of remuneration. Multilevel logistic regressions were conducted with adjustments for gender and age. RESULTS: 6.1% of the logit variance of psychological distress was between occupations. Alcohol intake showed a U-shaped relationship with psychological distress, and it was a moderator of skills utilization and exposure to physical risks. Decision authority, psychological demands, work schedule, gender and age were linked to psychological distress. CONCLUSIONS: Moderate alcohol intake is not associated with psychological distress and does not intensify the effect of work strains. The results give some support to the positive effect of moderate alcohol consumption on stress reduction and mental health.     

Telephonic screening and brief intervention for alcohol misuse among workers contacting the employee assistance program: A feasibility study

Introduction and Aims. Substantial empirical support exists for alcohol screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) in medical, but not non‐medical settings such as the workplace. Workplace settings remain underutilised for delivering evidenced‐based health services. This research aims to translate medical research into behavioural health‐care practice in a telephonic call centre acting as a point of entry into an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). The goal of the study is to examine the feasibility of implementing routine telephonic alcohol SBIRT in an EAP call centre and assess whether routine SBIRT results in increased identification of workers who misuse alcohol. Design and Methods. The design was pretest–posttest, one‐group, pre‐experimental. An alcohol SBIRT program developed based on World Health Organization recommendations was implemented in one EAP call centre serving one large employer. Workers were offered screening using the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) during intake, brief counselling using motivational interviewing, referral to counselling, and follow‐up. Results. At 5 months, 93% of workers contacting the EAP completed the AUDIT‐C: 40% prescreened positive and 52% went on to screen at moderate or high risk for an alcohol problem. Overall identification rate (18%) approached general US population estimates. Most agreed to follow‐up and three‐quarters set an appointment for face‐to‐face counselling. Discussion and Conclusions. Integration of routine alcohol SBIRT into EAP practice is feasible in telephonic delivery systems and increases identification and opportunity for brief motivational counselling. When SBIRT is seamlessly integrated workers are willing to answer questions about alcohol and participate in follow‐up.[McPherson TL, Goplerud E, Derr D, Mickenberg J, Courtemanche S. Telephonic screening and brief intervention for alcohol misuse among workers contacting the employee assistance program: A feasibility study. Drug Alcohol Rev 2010;29;641–646]