Factors associated with alcohol abuse and dependence among public transport workers in the metropolitan region of Belo Horizonte

Abstract

Purpose: Alcohol use may be associated with occupational factors. The objective of this study was to describe the prevalence and identify factors independently associated with alcohol abuse and dependence among urban public workers.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a proportional sample of 1607 bus drivers and conductors in three municipalities within the metropolitan region of Belo Horizonte was analyzed (total population: 17,740). Face-to-face interviews were conducted using a digital questionnaire that investigated working conditions and health. Affirmative responses to at least two questions in the CAGE questionnaire were considered to represent situations of abuse and dependence. The magnitude of the associations was estimated by means of logistic regression in univariable and multivariable models.

Results: The prevalence of alcohol abuse and dependence was 13.5 %. Positive associations with the following were identified: lower schooling level (incomplete high school: OR 1.77; 95 % CI 1.14-2.74; and elementary education: OR 1.57; 95 % CI 1.10-2.26); current smoking (OR 2.12; 95 % CI 1.47-3.07); non-participation in social activities (OR 1.74; 95 % CI 1.21-2.48); medical diagnosis of three of more diseases (OR 1.57; 95 % CI 1.01-2.42); aggression at work (OR 1.39; 95 % CI 1.01-1.93); and work-related distress (OR 1.85; 95 % CI 1.27-2.71). Workers who did not have children presented a lower chance of alcohol abuse and dependence than did those with children (OR 0.67; 95 % CI 0.45-0.99).

Conclusions: Results of this study point that the urban public transport workers, users of public transport and also pedestrians could be on increased risk of accidents. So considering the importance of this service for all society and the risk involved in this activity, prospective studies are needed to clarify the relationships observed.

Keywords: Alcohol abuse; Bus drivers; Occupational health; Transport services.