[Occupation and drug consumption--results from a survey in Hordaland county]

There is little systematized knowledge about drug use and its association to occupation. We studied how drug use varied between different occupational groups, with particular emphasis on those that impair awareness and psychomotor performance.

Study data stemmed from the Hordaland county health survey (Norway) performed in 1997 - 99. 34,249 persons 40 - 49 years of age were included in the study and 66 % responded. The participants were classified into 10 different occupational categories according to national standards. Information about drug use and occupation was analysed and corrected for age and gender.

21.1 % of working men and 36.1 % of working women reported that they had used at least one registered drug the day before they answered the questionnaire. The pattern of drug use varied between occupational groups. Individuals with a military occupation had the lowest rate of use (12.8 %), while employees within sales, service and care reported the highest one (35.7 %). The variation between groups in terms of drugs that impair awareness and psychomotor performance, was small and non significant

Drug use varied between occupational groups, even after control for age and gender. This may either be due to differences between the occupations, to differences between the individuals who choose certain occupations, or a combination of the two. The main conclusion is, however, that the study uncovered no association between hazardous or unfortunate drug use and any single kind of occupation.