Longitudinal trends of alcohol and tobacco consumption among Australian physicians and nurses, 1989–2005

Abstract

Aim: This study examined alcohol and tobacco consumption trends among a national sample of Australian health care workers between 1989 and 2005.Method: Alcohol and tobacco smoking data specific for physicians and nurses was obtained during four national health surveys. Data were analysed by alcohol consumption level, tobacco smoking status, job category and year of study. The relative risk of substance use between physicians, nurses and the general Australian population was also evaluated.Results: The proportion of Australian physicians and nurses with risky alcohol consumption habits appears to have fluctuated over time, particularly among nurses. Although tobacco smoking among Australian nurses has declined in recent years, the relatively low proportion of physician smokers remained fairly stable over the same time period. Both professional groups were considerably less likely to use tobacco when compared with the general population.Conclusion: This study provides one of the first clear insights into longitudinal substance use trends among Australian health care workers during the past 17 years. A sustained reduction in alcohol and tobacco use must continue in future, so that they remain exemplars at the forefront of anti‐substance abuse programmes in the community.