Work context and drinking behavior in the French public service: a qualitative study

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Occupational Health
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Alcohol use disorders (AUD) pose a significant public health challenge, particularly within the working population.
• Alcohol consumption negatively impacts worker well-being, safety, and productivity, necessitating workplace intervention.
• The French civil service, characterized by high stress levels, requires targeted AUD prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe alcohol consumption patterns within the French public service.
• To understand the underlying factors contributing to alcohol use behaviors.
• To identify effective prevention measures to mitigate the risk of developing alcohol use disorders.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive qualitative study utilizing focus groups.
• Purposive sampling and data saturation were employed.
• Inductive thematic analysis adhering to COREQ guidelines.

Main Results:

• Alcohol presence and avoidance mechanisms in the workplace were analyzed, pre- and post-prohibition.
• Societal, work-related, and personal factors were identified as key determinants of AUD.
• Prevention strategies should integrate collective and individual approaches, supported by leadership, including screening and care.

Conclusions:

• Workplace prevention of alcohol-related disorders contributes to reducing the burden of non-communicable diseases.
• Implementing comprehensive AUD prevention is vital for the health and safety of civil servants.
• Integrating AUD prevention into corporate culture is essential for long-term success.