Alcohol Consumption Patterns of Shiftworkers Compared With Dayworkers

Abstract

The detrimental effects of excessive alcohol consumption are well documented. There is some evidence that shiftworkers consume more alcohol than dayworkers as a sleep aid to compensate for sleep difficulties associated with work schedules. This study investigated drinking patterns between shiftworkers and dayworkers using the 2006 and 2007 waves from the Household Income and Labour Dynamics Survey. A subset of workers who were not in full-time study and had a single job were selected; participants who did not drink alcohol (n = 2090) were excluded. Using the 2001 Australian Government alcohol guidelines, alcohol consumption for risk of short-term harm (7+ standard drinks for men, 5+ for women) was investigated. The number of workers who drank alcohol "nearly every day" or "every day" was also examined. Some 13% of shiftworkers and 10% of those on standard schedules reported consuming alcohol at levels risky for short-term harm. Having a child less than 17 yrs (odds ratio [OR] = .39, 95% confidence interval [CI] = .22-.69), higher job demands (OR = .71, 95% CI = .58-.86), being female (OR = .45, 95% CI=. 26-.79), and being older (OR = .89, 95% CI = .87-.92) significantly reduced, whereas being a shiftworker (OR = 2.10, 95% CI = 1.08-4.12) significantly increased, the odds of drinking alcohol in short-term risky levels. Nearly 10% of shiftworkers and 8% of those on standard schedules reported consuming alcohol in short-term risky levels at least weekly. Having a child less than 17 yrs (OR = .40, 95% CI = .22-.74), higher job demands (OR = .69, 95% CI = .56-.86), being female (OR = .28, 95% CI = .15-.53), and being older (OR = .92, 95% CI = .89-.94) were associated with a significant reduction in the odds of consuming alcohol at risky levels at least weekly. Being a shiftworker was not associated with a significant increase in the odds of consuming alcohol at such risky levels at least weekly, but a trend was evident (OR = 1.47, 95% CI = .73-3.00). Some 13.5% of shiftworkers and 21% of those on standard schedules reported consuming alcohol in any amount "near daily" or "daily." Working more hours than preferred (OR = 1.80, 95% CI = 1.12-2.89) and being older (OR = 1.10, 95% CI = 1.07-1.13) were associated with a significant increase, and being female (OR = .18, 95% CI = .10-.33), and being a shiftworker (OR = .20, 95% CI = .09-.45) were associated with a significant decrease in the odds of consuming alcohol "daily" or "near daily." Overall, the results suggest that shiftworkers may be more likely to consume alcohol at levels considered to be risky for health in the short term. In contrast, they appear less likely to drink alcohol daily. This pattern is suggestive of "binge drinking" behavior.

Sleep Duration and Chronic Fatigue Are Differently Associated with the Dietary Profile of Shift Workers

“…There is evidence to suggest that shift work may influence patterns of alcohol intake [62]. Shift workers may use alcohol as a sleep aid [63,64] and some studies have found that working the night shift is associated with increased alcohol consumption [52,65].…”

“…Alternatively, other work-related factors may explain the differences between the industries. For example, lower demands at work have been associated with reduced odds of risky drinking levels [62]. Whilst investigating these factors was not a focus of the current study they may be useful to include when comparing differences in alcohol consumption between industries.…”

20th International Symposium on Shiftwork and Working Time: Biological Mechanisms, Recovery, and Risk Management in the 24-h Society

“…This is an interesting observation, since studies on the long-term health consequences of early morning work are very rare. Dorrian and Skinner (2012) examine the link between shiftwork and alcohol consumption. A high consumption of alcohol by shiftworkers may contribute to their high prevalence of sleep and fatigue problems plus workrelated injuries.…”

Long working hours are linked to risky alcohol consumption

“…Finally, attention must be paid to differences between daily and weekly patterns of alcohol consumption; shift workers, for example, are significantly more likely than others to have risky patterns of daily but not weekly alcohol consumption. 12 Where should we place long working hours among the many work related and other risk factors linked to risky use of alcohol? The answer remains elusive.…”