Association between Psychosocial Work Environments and Problem Drinking: Age Differences in Korean Male Workers

Jeon, Gyeong Suk; Choi, Eun Sook

Abstract

PURPOSE
This study firstly examined the pattern and prevalence of drinking. Secondly, we investigated the association between various psychosocial work environment and problem drinking among Korean male workers in different age groups.
METHODS
The study sample was a weighted population of 3,289 (3,289 survey samples) men aged 20 to 64 years who responded to the 2006 Korean Working Condition Survey. Social support from colleague and supervisor, work autonomy, psychological wellbeing at work, and intellectual and emotional work demand were assessed.
RESULTS
After considering sociodemographic factors, smoking, occupational characteristics and other psychosocial work environment factors, problem drinking was associated with "intellectual work demand" for the 20~34 year old group. Social support from colleague and supervisor was significantly associated with problem drinking in the 35~49 year old group. For the 50~64 year old group, problem drinking was associated with 'work autonomy'.
CONCLUSION
The present study clarified that certain psychosocial work environmental factors relate to problem drinking, and the association varies among different age groups.