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

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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.

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Acknowledgments

This study was supported by Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico (CNPq 458922/2014-5). LG is a research fellow of the National Research Council (CNPq, Grant Number 312371/2013-6).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Medical Faculty, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Alfredo Balena, n. 190, room 705, Centro, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, CEP 30130-100, Brazil

    Najla Ourives Cunha & Ada Ávila Assunção

  2. School of Nutrition, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Morro do Cruzeiro, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, CEP 35400-000, Brazil

    Luana Giatti

  3. Public Health Postgraduate Program, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av.Alfredo Balena, n. 190, room 705, Centro, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, CEP 30130-100, Brazil

    Luana Giatti

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  1. Najla Ourives Cunha
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Correspondence to Najla Ourives Cunha.

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Cunha, N.O., Giatti, L. & Assunção, A.Á. Factors associated with alcohol abuse and dependence among public transport workers in the metropolitan region of Belo Horizonte. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 89, 881–890 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-016-1124-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-016-1124-8

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