Ross J Tynan1,2,3, Robyn Considine3, John Wiggers3,4, Terry J Lewin5, Carole James6, Kerry Inder7, Frances Kay-Lambkin2,5, Amanda L Baker3, Jaelea Skehan1, David Perkins5,6, Brian J Kelly3,5. 1. Hunter Institute of Mental Health, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia. 2. NHMRC Centre for Research Excellence in Mental Health and Substance Use, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. 3. School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia. 4. Hunter New England Population Health, Wallsend, New South Wales, Australia. 5. Centre for Brain and Mental Health Research, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia. 6. Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia. 7. School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To investigate patterns of alcohol use within the coal mining industry, and associations with the personal, social, workplace and employment characteristics. DESIGN: 8 mine sites across 3 eastern Australian states were surveyed, selected to encompass key geographic characteristics (accessibility and remoteness) and mine type (open cut and underground). Problematic alcohol use was measured using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) to determine: (1) overall risky or hazardous drinking behaviour; and (2) frequency of single-occasion drinking (6 or more drinks on 1 occasion). RESULTS: A total of 1457 employees completed the survey, of which 45.7% of male and 17.0% of female participants reported levels of alcohol use within the range considered as risky or hazardous, considerably higher than the national average. Hierarchical linear regression revealed a significant contribution of many individual level factors associated with AUDIT scores: younger age, male, current smoking status; illicit substance use; previous alcohol and other drug use (AOD) problems; and higher psychological distress. Workplace factors associated with alcohol use included working in mining primarily for the high remuneration, and the type of mining, with underground miners reporting higher alcohol use than open-cut miners. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings provide support for the need to address alcohol use in the coal mining industry over and above routine on-site testing for alcohol use. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/.
OBJECTIVES: To investigate patterns of alcohol use within the coal mining industry, and associations with the personal, social, workplace and employment characteristics. DESIGN: 8 mine sites across 3 eastern Australian states were surveyed, selected to encompass key geographic characteristics (accessibility and remoteness) and mine type (open cut and underground). Problematic alcohol use was measured using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) to determine: (1) overall risky or hazardous drinking behaviour; and (2) frequency of single-occasion drinking (6 or more drinks on 1 occasion). RESULTS: A total of 1457 employees completed the survey, of which 45.7% of male and 17.0% of female participants reported levels of alcohol use within the range considered as risky or hazardous, considerably higher than the national average. Hierarchical linear regression revealed a significant contribution of many individual level factors associated with AUDIT scores: younger age, male, current smoking status; illicit substance use; previous alcohol and other drug use (AOD) problems; and higher psychological distress. Workplace factors associated with alcohol use included working in mining primarily for the high remuneration, and the type of mining, with underground miners reporting higher alcohol use than open-cut miners. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings provide support for the need to address alcohol use in the coal mining industry over and above routine on-site testing for alcohol use. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/.
Authors: Ross J Tynan; Carole James; Robyn Considine; Jaelea Skehan; Jorgen Gullestrup; Terry J Lewin; John Wiggers; Brian J Kelly Journal: Int J Ment Health Syst Date: 2018-11-01
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