Association between long working hours and the onset of problematic alcohol use in young workers: A population-based longitudinal analysis in South Korea

Abstract

BackgroundLong working hours can negatively impact mental health. We examined the association between long working hours and problematic alcohol use among young Korean workers. MethodsWe included a nationally representative sample of workers below the age of 40 from the Youth Panel between 2016 and 2020 (N = 7846; observations: 27,646). The exposure variable was working hours per week. Problematic alcohol use was assessed using the CAGE questionnaire, and generalized estimating equations were used to account for repeated measurements. ResultsObservations of the participants revealed that 5 % worked < 35 h/week, 51 % worked 35–40 h/week, 24 % worked 41–48 h/week, 11 % worked 49–54 h/week, and 9 % worked ≥55 h/week. The prevalence of problematic alcohol use among the workers was 2 % for <35 h/week, 2 % for 35–40 h/week, 3 % for 41–48 h/week, 4 % for 49–54 h/week, and 4 % for ≥55 h/week. The adjusted odds ratios (95 % confidence intervals) for the association between working hours per week and the onset of problematic alcohol use in the following year were 0.86 (0.45–1.66) for <35 h, 1.56 (1.22–1.99) for 41–48 h, 2.03 (1.49–2.75) for 49–54 h, and 1.68 (1.17–2.42) for ≥55 h, compared to 35–40 h. LimitationsThe observational design of the study prevented the establishment of a causal relationship between working hours and the onset of problematic alcohol use. ConclusionLong working hours were associated with the development of problematic alcohol use. Policy interventions should promote healthier drinking habits among workers with long work hours.