The effect of age on the relationships between work-related factors and heavy drinking

The aim of this study was to investigate age-related differences in the relationship between work-related factors and heavy drinking.

This study in 3,398 male workers at a factory in Japan examined data on heavy drinking, defined as an alcohol consumption >40 g/day, and work-related factors including occupation, shift work, and job stress evaluated using the Japanese version of the Karasek's Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ). In the present cross-sectional study, alcohol consumption was assessed using a self-administered diet history questionnaire (DHQ).

The prevalence of heavy drinkers in the study population was 15.5% and rose with increasing age. An increase in the odds ratio (OR) for heavy drinking was observed consistently in blue-collar workers compared with white-collar workers in all age groups. In subjects aged 20-29 years, shift work had also increased the OR for heavy drinking. In subjects aged 40-49 years, the two groups with a lower decision latitude had an increased OR compared with the highest group. In subjects aged 20-29 years, the age adjusted OR for individuals who received the lowest level of social support in the workplace was increased significantly compared with the highest group (4.22 [95%CI, 1.07-16.62] ). On the other hand, social support showed a positive association with heavy drinking in subjects aged 40-49 and 50-59 years. Job demand was not related to heavy drinking in any of the age groups.

Our findings suggest that occupation and work schedule are related to alcohol use more apparently in a younger age group and that psychosocial factors are related to enhancement or prevention of alcohol use.