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Job loss and alcohol abuse: a test using data from the Epidemiologic Catchment Area project
R Catalano1, D Dooley, G Wilson
1School of Public Health, University of California at Berkeley 94720.
Journal of Health and Social Behavior
|September 1, 1993
Summary
Job loss increases the risk of alcohol abuse. However, in areas with low employment, even those employed have a lower risk of alcohol abuse.
Area of Science:
- Sociology
- Epidemiology
- Mental Health
Background:
- Job loss is a significant life stressor.
- Understanding the link between employment status and alcohol abuse is crucial for public health.
- Previous research has explored socioeconomic factors influencing substance abuse.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between job loss and the incidence of clinically significant alcohol abuse.
- To examine the impact of community-level employment on individual risk for alcohol abuse.
Main Methods:
- Utilized panel data from the Epidemiologic Catchment Area (ECA) project.
- Analyzed the incidence of clinically significant alcohol abuse in relation to employment status and community economic conditions.
Main Results:
- Individuals experiencing job loss showed a higher incidence of clinically significant alcohol abuse compared to those who were not laid off.
- Employed individuals in communities with unexpectedly low overall employment exhibited a reduced risk of developing alcohol abuse.
Conclusions:
- Job loss is a significant risk factor for alcohol abuse.
- Community economic conditions, specifically low employment rates, may have a protective effect against alcohol abuse, even for employed individuals.
- Findings have implications for economic policy and the design of mental health services.