1
|
Thørrisen MM, Skogen JC, Bonsaksen T, Skarpaas LS, Aas RW. Are workplace factors associated with employee alcohol use? The WIRUS cross-sectional study. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e064352. [PMID: 36229146 PMCID: PMC9562323 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-064352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Sociodemographic predictors of employee alcohol use are well established in the literature, but knowledge about associations between workplace factors and alcohol use is less explored. The aim of this study was to explore whether workplace factors were associated with employee alcohol use (consumption and alcohol-related problems). DESIGN Cross-sectional study. Linear and binary logistic regression analyses. SETTING Heterogeneous sample of employees (workers and supervisors) from 22 companies across geographical locations and work divisions in Norway. PARTICIPANTS Employees (N=5388) responded on survey items measuring workplace factors and alcohol use. OUTCOMES Data on alcohol use were collected with the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). Consumption was measured with the AUDIT-C (the first three items), and alcohol-related problems were operationalised as a sum score of 8 or higher on the full 10-item AUDIT. RESULTS Higher levels of alcohol consumption were associated with more liberal workplace drinking social norms (b=1.37, p<0.001), working full-time (b=0.18, p<0.001), working from holiday home (b=0.40, p<0.01), being a supervisor (b=0.25, p<0.001), having supervisors with less desired leadership qualities (b=-0.10, p<0.01), shorter working hours (b=-0.03, p<0.05), higher workplace social support (b=0.13, p<0.05) and higher income (b=0.02, p<0.001). Alcohol-related problems were associated with more liberal workplace drinking social norms (OR=3.52, p<0.001) and shorter working hours (OR=0.94, p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Workplace drinking social norms were the supremely most dominant predictor of both consumption and alcohol-related problems. Results suggest that some workplace factors may play a role in explaining employee alcohol consumption, although the predictive ability of these factors was limited. This study points to the importance of drinking social norms, workplace drinking culture and leadership for understanding employee alcohol use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mikkel Magnus Thørrisen
- Department of Rehabilitation Science and Health Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Jens Christoffer Skogen
- Department of Health Promotion, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Bergen, Norway
- Center for Alcohol & Drug Research, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Tore Bonsaksen
- Department of Health and Nursing Sciences, Faculty of Social and Health Sciences, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Elverum, Norway
- Department of Health, Faculty of Health Studies, VID Specialized University, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Lisebet Skeie Skarpaas
- Department of Rehabilitation Science and Health Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
| | - Randi Wågø Aas
- Department of Rehabilitation Science and Health Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Bonsaksen T, Thørrisen MM, Hashemi N, de Porras DGR, Aas RW. Do health professionals' attitudes towards alcohol use matter for alcohol prevention efforts? Results from the WIRUS-OHS study. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:1004. [PMID: 35933345 PMCID: PMC9356481 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-08400-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Use of alcohol is a major public health issue, representing the 7th largest burden of disease in the world. Workplaces offer a unique arena for health initiatives addressing alcohol use, where occupational health services (OHS) personnel play an important role. However, we do not know if the extent of such initiatives may be influenced by personal drinking attitudes among OHS personnel. Thus, the aim of the study was to explore how drinking attitudes among OHS personnel were associated with their frequency of working with alcohol-related cases and with their views on alcohol prevention activities in the OHS. METHODS The WIRUS project included a cross-sectional survey of attitudes and practices among OHS personnel (n = 325) employed by Norwegian OHS services (n = 69), who informed about sociodemographic and professional characteristics, drinking attitudes, frequency of cases with alcohol-related issues, and perceptions toward the role of the OHS in primary, secondary, and tertiary alcohol prevention activities. Measures of associations were examined with linear and logistic regression models. RESULTS Drinking attitudes were unrelated to the frequency of working with alcohol-related cases. Physicians, psychologists, and nurses had higher frequency of working with alcohol-related cases, compared to those with other professional backgrounds (β = 0.46, p = 0.01). Drinking attitudes were also unrelated to attitudes towards primary/secondary/tertiary alcohol prevention activities in the OHS, while female OHS personnel were more positive towards increased primary alcohol prevention activities in the OHS (OR: 1.82, p < 0.05). Only marginal portions (1%-3%) of the variance in attitudes towards alcohol prevention activities in the OHS were accounted for by the models. CONCLUSION This study did not find evidence of associations between OHS personnel's drinking attitudes and their practices and attitudes towards alcohol prevention activities. The lack of association between OHS personnel's attitudes towards alcohol use and their attitudes and practices relating to alcohol prevention in the workplace might point towards professionalism, as personal attitudes appear not to interfere with their priorities and professional mission. Given the small amount of outcome variance explained by the tested models, other variables should be used in future studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tore Bonsaksen
- grid.477237.2Department of Health and Nursing Sciences, Faculty of Social and Health Sciences, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Elverum, Norway ,grid.463529.f0000 0004 0610 6148Department of Health, Faculty of Health Studies, VID Specialized University, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Mikkel Magnus Thørrisen
- grid.412414.60000 0000 9151 4445Department of Occupational Therapy, Prosthetics and Orthotics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway ,grid.18883.3a0000 0001 2299 9255Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Neda Hashemi
- grid.18883.3a0000 0001 2299 9255Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway
| | - David Gimeno Ruiz de Porras
- grid.267308.80000 0000 9206 2401Southwest Center for Occupational and Environmental Health, Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics, and Environmental Sciences, School of Public Health in San Antonio, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77229 USA ,grid.5612.00000 0001 2172 2676Center for Research in Occupational Health (CiSAL), Universitat Pompeu Fabra, 08002 Barcelona, Spain ,grid.466571.70000 0004 1756 6246CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Randi Wågø Aas
- grid.412414.60000 0000 9151 4445Department of Occupational Therapy, Prosthetics and Orthotics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway ,grid.18883.3a0000 0001 2299 9255Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Hashemi NS, Dalen I, Skogen JC, Sagvaag H, Gimeno Ruiz de Porras D, Aas RW. Do Differences in Drinking Attitudes and Alcohol-Related Problems Explain Differences in Sick Leave? A Multilevel Analysis of 95 Work Units Within 14 Companies From the WIRUS Study. Front Public Health 2022; 10:817726. [PMID: 35712266 PMCID: PMC9194082 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.817726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Systematic reviews have shown a strong relationship between alcohol consumption and sick leave. The effect of alcohol consumption on sick leave may, however, vary according to the work environment. While attitudes toward drinking may impact sick leave, there is little research on the contribution of drinking attitudes to sick leave. Moreover, alcohol-related problems and drinking attitudes may be influenced by the broader sociocultural contexts of the organizational units where people work. Objectives This study aimed to explore the relationship of alcohol-related problems and drinking attitudes with sick leave while considering the nesting of employees within working units within companies. Method Data from the WIRUS (Workplace Interventions preventing Risky alcohol Use and Sick leave) study were linked to company-registered sick leave data for 2,560 employees from 95 different work units in public (n = 9) and private companies (n = 5) in Norway. Three-level (employee, work unit, and company) negative binomial regression models were estimated to explore the 12-month prospective association of alcohol-related problems and drinking attitudes with four measures of sick leave (one-day, short-term, long-term, and overall sick leave days). Models were adjusted for gender, age, cohabitation status, educational attainment, work position, and employment sector. Results We observed higher variation of one-day, short-term, and overall sick leave days between companies than between work units within companies (15, 12, and 30% vs. 0, 5, and 8%, respectively). However, neither alcohol-related problems nor drinking attitudes were associated with sick leave and, thus, those variations in sick leave were not explained by alcohol-related problems or drinking attitudes. Conclusion Our findings suggest company-level differences are more important than within company differences when explaining differences in sick leave. While alcohol-related problems or drinking attitudes were not associated with sick leave, future studies may need to explore the role of company policies, practices, or social norms in variations in sick leave rates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Neda S Hashemi
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Ingvild Dalen
- Department of Research, Section of Biostatistics, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway.,Department of Quality and Health Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Jens Christoffer Skogen
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway.,Department of Health Promotion, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Bergen, Norway.,Alcohol and Drug Research Western Norway, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Hildegunn Sagvaag
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway
| | - David Gimeno Ruiz de Porras
- Southwest Center for Occupational and Environmental Health, Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics, and Environmental Sciences, School of Public Health in San Antonio, The University of Texas Health Science at Houston, San Antonio, TX, United States.,Center for Research in Occupational Health (CiSAL), Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain.,Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública-CIBERESP), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Randi Wågø Aas
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway.,Department of Occupational Therapy, Prosthetics and Orthotics, Faculty of Health Sciences, OsloMet - Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Gender Differences in the Association between Positive Drinking Attitudes and Alcohol-Related Problems. The WIRUS Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17165949. [PMID: 32824384 PMCID: PMC7460403 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17165949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background: Alcohol consumption is deeply integrated in people's social- and work lives and, thus, constitutes a serious public health challenge. Attitudes toward drinking stand out as important predictors of drinking, but have to date been sparsely studied in employee populations. This study explores the association of employees' attitudes toward drinking with their alcohol-related problems, and whether this association is moderated by gender and employment sector. Methods: Cross-sectional data were collected from a heterogeneous sample of employees (N = 4094) at 19 Norwegian companies. Drinking attitudes were assessed using the Drinking Norms Scale. The AUDIT (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test) scale was then used to assess any alcohol-related problems. Data were analyzed using chi-square tests, analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), and multiple logistic regression. Results: Employees with predominantly positive drinking attitudes were almost three times as likely to report alcohol-related problems compared to employees with more negative drinking attitudes (OR = 2.75; 95% CI: 2.00-3.76). Gender moderated the association between positive drinking attitudes and alcohol-related problems (OR = 3.30; 95% CI: 2.10-5.21). The association was stronger in women (OR = 5.21; 95% CI: 3.34-8.15) than in men (OR = 3.10; 95% CI: 2.11-4.55). Employment sector did not moderate the association between drinking attitudes and alcohol-related problems. Conclusions: Employee attitudes toward alcohol should be monitored to better enable early workplace health promotion interventions targeting alcohol problems. These interventions might need to be gender-specific.
Collapse
|
5
|
Elling DL, Wennberg P, Almquist YB, Sundqvist K. Workplace alcohol prevention: are managers' individual characteristics associated with organisational alcohol policy knowledge and inclination to initiate early alcohol interventions? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF WORKPLACE HEALTH MANAGEMENT 2020. [DOI: 10.1108/ijwhm-09-2019-0118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
PurposeIndividual factors associated with managers' organisational alcohol policy knowledge and inclination to initiate early alcohol interventions have been understudied. This study aims to examine differences in managers' policy knowledge and inclination across a range of socio-demographic, work-related and health characteristics, and it aims to examine the association between policy knowledge and inclination to intervene, net of these characteristics.Design/methodology/approachQuestionnaire data were collected from 430 managers. Organisational alcohol policy knowledge and inclination to intervene were measured using a 5-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (very low) to 5 (very high). Socio-demographic, work-related and health characteristics included gender, age, education, managerial responsibility, years in current position, self-rated health and alcohol consumption. Associations were examined using multilevel ordinal regression analysis.FindingsManagers with a greater number of employees demonstrated the highest level of organisational alcohol policy knowledge and were more inclined to initiate early alcohol interventions. Alcohol policy knowledge was associated with inclination to intervene, net of individual characteristics.Practical implicationsConsidering how managers' characteristics might influence efforts to decrease hazardous alcohol consumption is potentially important when designing future workplace alcohol prevention programmes.Originality/valueSeveral individual factors related to managers' organisational alcohol policy knowledge and inclination to initiate early alcohol interventions were identified, particularly managerial responsibility. However, the association between policy knowledge and inclination to intervene remained strong after accounting for these individual factors. Future studies should explore alternative explanations at the individual and organisational levels.
Collapse
|
6
|
Who reported having a high-strain job, low-strain job, active job and passive job? The WIRUS Screening study. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0227336. [PMID: 31887201 PMCID: PMC6936855 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0227336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective The Job Demands and Control model classifies job types as active, passive, low-strain or high-strain, based on a combination of job demands and control. While studies have shown high-strain jobs to have adverse consequences for health and work participation, prognostic factors for the four job types have been less explored. The aim of this study was to assess the associations between sociodemographic factors and job descriptors and being in high-strain, low-strain, active and passive jobs. Methods The WIRUS Screening study targeted Norwegian employees in private and public enterprises. In this study, associations with job types among 4,487 employees were investigated with binary logistic regression analyses, adjusting for sociodemographic and job-related variables. Results In fully adjusted models, high-strain job was associated with female gender; lower education; shift work; and doing work outside the workplace. Low-strain job was associated with opposite scores on the same variables, and with lower job position. Active job was associated with lower age; female gender; higher levels of education; higher job position level; shift work; and not doing work outside the workplace. Passive job was associated with opposite scores on the same variables. Conclusions The study corroborates the role gender and education have for experiencing the job, and expands on existing knowledge on the role of job position and irregular working hours and spaces. By identifying factors associated with job types, the prevention of health problems and work disability may become be more targeted.
Collapse
|
7
|
Skogen JC, Bøe T, Thørrisen MM, Riper H, Aas RW. Sociodemographic characteristics associated with alcohol consumption and alcohol-related consequences, a latent class analysis of The Norwegian WIRUS screening study. BMC Public Health 2019; 19:1364. [PMID: 31651277 PMCID: PMC6814033 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-7648-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND For alcohol, the association with socioeconomic status (SES) is different than for other public health challenges - the associations are complex, and heterogeneous between socioeconomic groups. Specifically, the relationship between alcohol consumption per se and adverse health consequences seems to vary across SES. This observation is called the 'alcohol harm paradox'. This study aims to describe different patterns of alcohol use and potential problems. Next, the associations between sub-groups characterized by different patterns of alcohol use and potential problems, and age, gender, educational level, full-time employment, occupational level and income is analysed. METHODS Employing data from the ongoing cross-sectional WIRUS-study, N = 4311 participants were included in the present study. Individual response patterns of the ten-item Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) were analysed and latent class analysis (LCA) was used to identify latent groups. Next, the associations between the classes identified in the best fitting LCA-model and sociodemographic factors were analysed and presented. RESULTS We identified three classes based on the response patterns on AUDIT. Class 1 was characterised by low-level alcohol consumption and very low probability of negative alcohol-related consequences related to their alcohol consumption. Class 2 was characterised by a higher level of consumption, but despite this, class 2 also had a relatively low probability of reporting negative alcohol-related consequences. Class 3, however, was characterised by high levels of alcohol consumption, and a high probability of reporting negative consequences of their consumption. The classes identified were systematically differentially associated with the included measures of SES, with class 3 characterised by younger age, more males and lower educational attainment. CONCLUSIONS Our findings highlight the interconnectedness of alcohol consumption and alcohol-related consequences. Furthermore, the identified classes and SES yields further insights into to intricate relationship between various socioeconomic factors, alcohol use patterns and related negative consequences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jens Christoffer Skogen
- Department of Health Promotion, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Bergen, Norway. .,Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway. .,Alcohol & Drug Research Western Norway, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway.
| | - Tormod Bøe
- Department of Psychosocial Science, Faculty of Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Mikkel Magnus Thørrisen
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway.,Department of Occupational Therapy, Prosthetics and Orthotics, Faculty of Health Sciences, OsloMet - Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
| | - Heleen Riper
- Department of Clinical, Neuro- and Developmental Psychology, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Randi Wågø Aas
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway.,Department of Occupational Therapy, Prosthetics and Orthotics, Faculty of Health Sciences, OsloMet - Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Skogen JC, Thørrisen MM, Bonsaksen T, Vahtera J, Sivertsen B, Aas RW. Effort-Reward Imbalance Is Associated With Alcohol-Related Problems. WIRUS-Screening Study. Front Psychol 2019; 10:2079. [PMID: 31607975 PMCID: PMC6755332 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
There is ample evidence of associations between a perceived stressful working environment and several health-related outcomes. To better understand potential mechanisms behind these observations some studies have focused on the relationship between effort-reward imbalance at work and alcohol consumption. So far, the findings have been inconsistent. One reason for this inconsistency might come from the focus on alcohol consumption per se, while disregarding other aspects such as adverse consequences related to the consumption of alcohol. The aim of the present study was to explore associations between perceived effort and reward, effort-reward imbalance and overcommitment, and alcohol-related problems. Using data from the alcohol screening component in the Norwegian WIRUS-project (N = 5,080), we ascertained the perceived effort, reward, effort-reward imbalance (ERI) and overcommitment using the effort-reward imbalance questionnaire. Alcohol-related problems was determined using a cut-off ≥8 on the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT). Associations were estimated using crude and adjusted logistic regression models. Covariates were age, gender and education. We found associations between different aspects of ERI and overcommitment, and alcohol-related problems. Specifically, the main analysis indicated that there was an increased odds for alcohol-related problems among those who reported high levels of ERI in conjunction with high overcommitment [adjusted OR: 1.40 (CI 95% 1.10–1.78)] compared to those with low levels of ERI and low overcommitment. Our findings suggest that ERI and overcommitment is associated with increased likelihood of alcohol-related problems. These findings indicate that individual and work-related factors should be taken into account collectively when aiming to determine the impact of psychosocial work environment on alcohol-related problems. Due to the cross-sectional nature of the present study, we are not able to determine the direction of the associations, and future studies should aim to investigate this.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jens Christoffer Skogen
- Department of Health Promotion, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Bergen, Norway.,Alcohol and Drug Research Western Norway, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway.,Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Mikkel Magnus Thørrisen
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Prosthetics and Orthotics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
| | - Tore Bonsaksen
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Prosthetics and Orthotics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway.,Faculty of Health Studies, VID Specialized University, Sandnes, Norway
| | - Jussi Vahtera
- Department of Public Health, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Børge Sivertsen
- Department of Health Promotion, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Research and Innovation, Helse Fonna HF, Haugesund, Norway.,Department of Mental Health, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Randi Wågø Aas
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway.,Department of Occupational Therapy, Prosthetics and Orthotics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Sagvaag H, Rimstad SL, Kinn LG, Aas RW. Six shades of grey: Identifying drinking culture and potentially risky drinking behaviour in the grey zone between work and leisure. The WIRUS culture study. J Public Health Res 2019; 8:1585. [PMID: 31572696 PMCID: PMC6747020 DOI: 10.4081/jphr.2019.1585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: The aim of this study was to explore drinking culture and drinking situations that employers and employees encounter in the grey zone between work and leisure, and identify what might affect employees’ risky drinking behaviour. Methods: We used eight focus groups to interview 61 core company informants from eight Norwegian companies (private and public sector) participating in the WIRUS – Workplace-based interventions preventing risky alcohol use and sick leave – project. The informants represented employers and employees with a diversity of roles at multiple organisational levels. The transcribed interviews were analysed by applying a phenomenological hermeneutical approach. Results: The analysis revealed six dimensions of drinking culture representing potentially risky drinking behaviour in situations that fall in the grey zone between work and leisure: (1) “Who invited me?” (Degree of obligation towards inviter), (2) “Do I have to participate?” (Degree of participation volunteerism), (3) “To drink or not to drink?” (Degree of drinking volunteerism), (4) “Work talk or small talk?” (Degree of work-related conversation), (5) “Are there any drinking rules to follow?” (Degree of regulation), and (6) “The influence of being away from home” (degree of distance to home). Conclusions: The findings reveal that employers and employees’ experience of drinking culture can be categorised as six different “shades of grey”. The grey zone is shaded from light to dark grey, indicating how risky the informants perceive the grey zone to be. The findings may be useful when designing workplace health promotion programmes and alcohol regulations in the workplace. Significance for public health Identifying potentially risky drinking situations in the grey zone between work and leisure is of relevance for public health as use of alcohol is considered a threat to public health. Alcohol is causing ill health and premature death, as well as physical and social problems. Work related use of alcohol is one arena influencing the alcohol consumption, and therefore a significant arena for a public health perspective on employees’ alcohol habits. In Norwegian working life, the use of alcohol takes place in the grey zone between work and leisure time, to a small degree at work, and identifying risky drinking situations in the grey zone, is of value in order to develop efficient and effective alcohol prevention strategies. The model developed in this article for identifying potentially risky drinking situations can help improve interventions for health outcomes for working population, significant for public health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hildegunn Sagvaag
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Stavanger
| | - Silje Lill Rimstad
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Stavanger.,West Norway Competence Centre (KoRus Stavanger)/Rogaland A-Centre, Stavanger
| | - Liv Grethe Kinn
- Department of welfare and participation, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences
| | - Randi Wågø Aas
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Stavanger.,Oslo Met - Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Skogen JC, Thørrisen MM, Olsen E, Hesse M, Aas RW. Evidence for essential unidimensionality of AUDIT and measurement invariance across gender, age and education. Results from the WIRUS study. Drug Alcohol Depend 2019; 202:87-92. [PMID: 31325821 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2019.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Revised: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 06/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Globally, alcohol use is among the most important risk factors related to burden of disease, and commonly emerges among the ten most important factors. Also, alcohol use disorders are major contributors to global burden of disease. Therefore, accurate measurement of alcohol use and alcohol-related problems is important in a public health perspective. The Alcohol Use Identification Test (AUDIT) is a widely used, brief ten-item screening instrument to detect alcohol use disorder. Despite this the factor structure and comparability across different (sub)-populations has yet to be determined. Our aim was to investigate the factor structure of the AUDIT-questionnaire and the viability of specific factors, as well as assessing measurement invariance across gender, age and educational level. METHODS We employed data (N = 4,318) from the ongoing screening study in the Norwegian national WIRUS project. We used Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) to establish the factor structure of the AUDIT. Next, we investigated the viability of specific factors in a bi-factor model, and assessed measurement invariance of the preferred factor structure. RESULTS Our findings indicate the AUDIT is essentially unidimensional, and that comparisons can readily be done across gender, age and educational attainment. CONCLUSION We found support for a one-factor structure of AUDIT. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the viability of specific factors in a bi-factor model as well as evaluating measurement invariance across gender, age and educational attainment for the AUDIT questionnaire. Therefore, further studies are needed to replicate our findings related to essential unidimensionality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jens Christoffer Skogen
- Department of Health Promotion, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Bergen, Norway; Alcohol & Drug Research Western Norway, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway; Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway.
| | - Mikkel Magnus Thørrisen
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Prosthetics and Orthotics, Faculty of Health Sciences, OsloMet - Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
| | - Espen Olsen
- UiS Business School, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Morten Hesse
- Centre for Alcohol and Drug Research, Aarhus University, Denmark
| | - Randi Wågø Aas
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway; Department of Occupational Therapy, Prosthetics and Orthotics, Faculty of Health Sciences, OsloMet - Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Thørrisen MM, Bonsaksen T, Hashemi N, Kjeken I, van Mechelen W, Aas RW. Association between alcohol consumption and impaired work performance (presenteeism): a systematic review. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e029184. [PMID: 31315869 PMCID: PMC6661906 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-029184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this review was to explore the notion of alcohol-related presenteeism; that is, whether evidence in the research literature supports an association between employee alcohol consumption and impaired work performance. DESIGN Systematic review of observational studies. DATA SOURCES MEDLINE, Web of Science, PsycINFO, CINAHL, AMED, Embase and Swemed+ were searched through October 2018. Reference lists in included studies were hand searched for potential relevant studies. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA We included observational studies, published 1990 or later as full-text empirical articles in peer-reviewed journals in English or a Scandinavian language, containing one or more statistical tests regarding a relationship between a measure of alcohol consumption and a measure of work performance. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS Two independent reviewers extracted data. Tested associations between alcohol consumption and work performance within the included studies were quality assessed and analysed with frequency tables, cross-tabulations and χ2 tests of independence. RESULTS Twenty-six studies were included, containing 132 tested associations. The vast majority of associations (77%) indicated that higher levels of alcohol consumption were associated with higher levels of impaired work performance, and these positive associations were considerably more likely than negative associations to be statistically significant (OR=14.00, phi=0.37, p<0.001). Alcohol exposure measured by hangover episodes and composite instruments were over-represented among significant positive associations of moderate and high quality (15 of 17 associations). Overall, 61% of the associations were characterised by low quality. CONCLUSIONS Evidence does provide some support for the notion of alcohol-related presenteeism. However, due to low research quality and lack of longitudinal designs, evidence should be characterised as somewhat inconclusive. More robust and less heterogeneous research is warranted. This review, however, does provide support for targeting alcohol consumption within the frame of workplace interventions aimed at improving employee health and productivity. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42017059620.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mikkel Magnus Thørrisen
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Prosthetics and Orthotics, Faculty of Health Sciences, OsloMet - Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
| | - Tore Bonsaksen
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Prosthetics and Orthotics, Faculty of Health Sciences, OsloMet - Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
- Faculty of Health Sciences, VID Specialized University, Sandnes, Norway
| | - Neda Hashemi
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Ingvild Kjeken
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Prosthetics and Orthotics, Faculty of Health Sciences, OsloMet - Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
- National Advisory Unit on Rehabilitation in Rheumatology, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Willem van Mechelen
- Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Department of Public and Occupational Health and Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Vrije University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Center of Human Movement Sciences, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Population Sciences, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Randi Wågø Aas
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Prosthetics and Orthotics, Faculty of Health Sciences, OsloMet - Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway
- Presenter - Making Sense of Science, Stavanger, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Thørrisen MM, Skogen JC, Kjeken I, Jensen I, Aas RW. Current practices and perceived implementation barriers for working with alcohol prevention in occupational health services: the WIRUS OHS study. Subst Abuse Treat Prev Policy 2019; 14:30. [PMID: 31242911 PMCID: PMC6595559 DOI: 10.1186/s13011-019-0217-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol is associated with detrimental health and work performance outcomes, and one to three out of ten employees may benefit from interventions. The role of occupational health services (OHS) in alcohol prevention has received little attention in research. The primary aims of this study were to explore current practices of alcohol prevention targeting employees in occupational health settings, and examine whether and which perceived implementation barriers were associated with alcohol prevention activity. The secondary aim was to explore whether barriers were differentially associated with primary, secondary and tertiary prevention activities. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, survey data were collected from 295 OHS professionals in Norway in 2018. Data were analysed by means of descriptive statistics, one-way analysis of variance, paired samples t-tests, and multivariate linear regression analyses. RESULTS Overall, seven out of ten OHS professionals worked with alcohol-related cases less than monthly, while only one out of ten did so on a weekly basis. Their activities were more focused on tertiary prevention than on primary and secondary prevention. Physicians, psychologists and nurses reported to handle alcohol-related issues more often than occupational therapists and physical therapists. Higher levels of implementation barriers internal to the OHS' organisation (competence, time and resources) were associated with lower alcohol prevention activity. Barriers external to the OHS' organisation (barriers concerning employers and employees) were not. This pattern was evident for primary, secondary and tertiary prevention activities. A majority of OHS professionals agreed that employees' alcohol consumption constitute a public health challenge, and that OHS' should focus more on alcohol prevention targeting employees. CONCLUSIONS Occupational health settings at workplaces may be particularly serviceable for alcohol prevention programmes since the majority of the population is employed and the majority of employees consume alcohol. An increase in overall prevention activity, and a shift from mainly focusing on tertiary prevention to an increased emphasis on primary and secondary prevention, may both hinge on increased training of OHS professionals, emphasising knowledge on the importance of working with alcohol prevention, and training in administering alcohol prevention programmes. Making alcohol prevention a priority may also require increased allocation of time and resources.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mikkel Magnus Thørrisen
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Prosthetics and Orthotics, Faculty of Health Sciences, OsloMet – Oslo Metropolitan University, PO box 4 St. Olavs plass, NO-0130 Oslo, Norway
- Presenter – Making Sense of Science, PO box 8118, NO-4068 Stavanger, Norway
| | - Jens Christoffer Skogen
- Department of Health Promotion, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, PO box 973, NO-5808 Bergen, Norway
- Center for Alcohol & Drug Research, Stavanger University Hospital, PO box 8100, NO-4068 Stavanger, Norway
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Stavanger, PO box 8600, Forus, NO-4036 Stavanger, Norway
| | - Ingvild Kjeken
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Prosthetics and Orthotics, Faculty of Health Sciences, OsloMet – Oslo Metropolitan University, PO box 4 St. Olavs plass, NO-0130 Oslo, Norway
- National Advisory Unit on Rehabilitation in Rheumatology, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, PO box 23, Vindern, NO-0319 Oslo, Norway
| | - Irene Jensen
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Division of Intervention and Implementation Research for Worker Health, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Randi Wågø Aas
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Prosthetics and Orthotics, Faculty of Health Sciences, OsloMet – Oslo Metropolitan University, PO box 4 St. Olavs plass, NO-0130 Oslo, Norway
- Presenter – Making Sense of Science, PO box 8118, NO-4068 Stavanger, Norway
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Stavanger, PO box 8600, Forus, NO-4036 Stavanger, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Rivière M, Leroyer A, Ferreira Carreira L, Blanchon T, Plancke L, Melchior M, Younès N. Which work-related characteristics are most strongly associated with common mental disorders? A cross-sectional study. BMJ Open 2018; 8:e020770. [PMID: 30082345 PMCID: PMC6078252 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-020770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Studies exploring work-related risk factors of common mental disorders (CMDs), such as major depressive disorder (MDD), generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) or alcohol abuse, have generally focused on a limited set of work characteristics. For the first time in a primary care setting, we examine simultaneously multiple work-related risk factors in relation to CMDs. METHOD We use data from a study of working individuals recruited among 2027 patients of 121 general practitioners (GPs) representative of the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region in the North of France (April-August 2014). CMDs (MDD; GAD; alcohol abuse) were assessed using the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview. Six worked-related factors were examined (work intensity, emotional demands, autonomy, social relations at work, conflict in values and job insecurity). Several covariates were considered (patient, GP and contextual characteristics). To study the association between workplace risk factors and CMDs, we used multilevel Poisson regression models adjusted for covariates. RESULTS Among study participants, 389 (19.1%) met criteria for MDD, 522 (25.8%) for GAD and 196 (9.7%) for alcohol abuse. In multivariable analyses adjusted for covariates, MDD/GAD was significantly associated with work intensity (RR 1.16, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.27) (absolute risk=52.8%), emotional demands (RR 1.24, 95% CI 1.13 to 1.35) (absolute risk=54.9%) and social relations at work (RR 0.78, 95% CI 0.70 to 0.87) (absolute risk=15.0%); alcohol abuse was associated with social relations at work (RR 1.25, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.53) (absolute risk=7.6%) and autonomy (OR 0.82, 95% CI 0.67 to 0.99) (absolute risk=8.9%). CONCLUSIONS Several workplace factors are associated with CMDs among working individuals seen by a GP. These findings confirm the role of organisational characteristics of work as a correlate of psychological difficulties above and beyond other sources of risk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Rivière
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d'épidémiologie et de Santé Publique (IPLESP UMRS 1136), F75013, Paris, France
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Centre Hospitalier Régional, Orléans, France
| | | | | | - Thierry Blanchon
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d'épidémiologie et de Santé Publique (IPLESP UMRS 1136), F75013, Paris, France
| | - Laurent Plancke
- Regional Federation of Research in Psychiatry and Mental Health Hauts-de-France, Lille, France
| | - Maria Melchior
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d'épidémiologie et de Santé Publique (IPLESP UMRS 1136), F75013, Paris, France
| | - Nadia Younès
- EA 40-47 University of Versailles Saint-Quentin, Versailles, France
- Academic Unit of psychiatry for adults, Versailles Hospital, Versailles, France
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Thørrisen MM, Skogen JC, Aas RW. The associations between employees' risky drinking and sociodemographics, and implications for intervention needs. BMC Public Health 2018; 18:735. [PMID: 29898703 PMCID: PMC6000943 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-018-5660-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2017] [Accepted: 06/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Harmful alcohol consumption is a major risk factor for ill-health on an individual level, a global public health challenge, and associated with workplace productivity loss. This study aimed to explore the proportion of risky drinkers in a sample of employees, investigate sociodemographic associations with risky drinking, and examine implications for intervention needs, according to recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO). Methods In a cross-sectional design, sociodemographic data were collected from Norwegian employees in 14 companies (n = 3571) across sectors and branches. Risky drinking was measured with the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). The threshold for risky drinking was set at ≥8 scores on the AUDIT. Based on WHO guidelines, risky drinkers were divided into three risk categories (moderate risk: scores 8–15, high risk: scores 16–19, and dependence likely risk: scores 20–40). The association between sociodemographic variables and risky drinking were explored with chi square tests for independence and adjusted logistic regression. The risk groups were then examined according to the WHO intervention recommendations. Results 11.0% of the total sample reported risky drinking. Risky drinking was associated with male gender (OR = 2.97, p < .001), younger age (OR = 1.03, p < .001), low education (OR = 1.17, p < .05), being unmarried (OR = 1.38, p < .05) and not having children (OR = 1.62, p < .05). Risky drinking was most common among males without children (33.5%), males living alone (31.4%) and males aged ≤39 (26.5%). 94.6% of risky drinkers scored within the lowest risk category. Based on WHO guidelines, approximately one out of ten employees need simple advice, targeting risky drinking. In high-risk groups, one out of three employees need interventions. Conclusions A considerable amount of employees (one to three out of ten), particularly young, unmarried males without children and higher education, may be characterised as risky drinkers. This group may benefit from low-cost interventions, based on recommendations from the WHO guidelines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mikkel Magnus Thørrisen
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Occupational Therapy, Prosthetics and Orthotics, OsloMet - Oslo Metropolitan University, St. Olavs plass, NO-0130, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Jens Christoffer Skogen
- Department of Health Promotion, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Bergen, Norway.,Center for Alcohol & Drug Research Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Randi Wågø Aas
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Occupational Therapy, Prosthetics and Orthotics, OsloMet - Oslo Metropolitan University, St. Olavs plass, NO-0130, Oslo, Norway.,Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway.,Presenter - Making Sense of Science, Stavanger, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Buvik K, Moan IS, Halkjelsvik T. Alcohol-related absence and presenteeism: Beyond productivity loss. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2018; 58:71-77. [PMID: 29864644 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2018.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Revised: 05/08/2018] [Accepted: 05/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol use by employees is associated with negative consequences for the workplace in terms of absence and poor work performance. The aims of this study were to map the prevalence of alcohol-related absence and inefficiency using survey data from a broad sample of employees, and to explore how alcohol-related absence and presenteeism are experienced and handled using data from qualitative interviews. METHODS The prevalence data stems from a web survey completed by 1940 Norwegian employees aged 20-74 years. The qualitative data consists of analyses of 24 interviews with managers, co-workers of heavy drinking employees, and heavy drinking employees, from various lines of businesses. RESULTS 1-2% reported alcohol-related full day absence in the last 12 months, and 2% reported partial day absence; 11% reported inefficiency due to drinking the previous day. Analyses of interview data revealed that alcohol-related absence and presenteeism may cause a range of economic and practical problems. Managers reported spending a lot of resources and effort on single cases. In addition, the results showed how the presence of a heavy drinking employee may have a negative impact on the broader psychosocial environment, and cause concern for workplace safety. Due to consideration of the drinker's well-being and fear of negative reactions, problem cases can last for years. CONCLUSIONS Despite the relatively low prevalence of alcohol-related absence and inefficiency, the study suggest that the alcohol-related problems of a few, or only one, employee may still have substantial and far-reaching negative consequences for the workplace.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristin Buvik
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Department of Alcohol, Tobacco and Drugs, Postbox 4404, Nydalen, 0403 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Inger Synnøve Moan
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Department of Alcohol, Tobacco and Drugs, Postbox 4404, Nydalen, 0403 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Torleif Halkjelsvik
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Department of Alcohol, Tobacco and Drugs, Postbox 4404, Nydalen, 0403 Oslo, Norway.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Aas RW, Haveraaen L, Sagvaag H, Thørrisen MM. The influence of alcohol consumption on sickness presenteeism and impaired daily activities. The WIRUS screening study. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0186503. [PMID: 29040323 PMCID: PMC5645115 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0186503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2017] [Accepted: 10/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Alcohol use is a global health issue and may influence activity performance in a variety of domains, including the occupational and domestic spheres. The aim of the study was to examine the influence of annual drinking frequency and binge drinking (≥6 units at one occasion) on activity impairments both at work (sickness presenteeism) and outside the workplace. Methods Employees (n = 3278), recruited from 14 Norwegian private and public companies, responded to a questionnaire containing questions from the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and the Workplace Productivity and Activity Impairment questionnaire (WPAI). Results Multiple hierarchical regression analyses revealed that binge drinking was associated with both sickness presenteeism and impaired daily activities, even after controlling for gender, age, educational level, living status and employment sector. Annual drinking frequency was associated with impaired daily activities, but not sickness presenteeism. Conclusions Binge drinking seems to have a stronger influence on activity performance both at work and outside the workplace than drinking frequency. Interventions targeting alcohol consumption should benefit from focusing on binge drinking behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Randi Wågø Aas
- Department of Health Studies, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway
- Presenter - Making Sense of Science, Stavanger, Norway
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Prosthetics and Orthotics, Oslo and Akershus University College of Applied Sciences, Oslo, Norway
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Hildegunn Sagvaag
- Department of Health Studies, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Mikkel Magnus Thørrisen
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Prosthetics and Orthotics, Oslo and Akershus University College of Applied Sciences, Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|