Abstract
BackgroundAlcohol use by health care professionals is one of the potential factors that may affect the prevention of hazardous drinking in Primary Care (PC). The objective of the study was to estimate the prevalence of hazardous alcohol use by PC professionals and assess the existing relationship between socio-demographic and occupational variables of PC professionals and their alcohol use.MethodsA descriptive, cross-sectional, observational, multicenter study was performed. Location: PC sites of the Spanish National Health Care System (NHS). Participants: Physicians and nurses, who completed an online questionnaire intended to identify the pattern of hazardous alcohol use through the AUDIT-C test. The study population was recruited through random sampling stratified by regions of the PC sites in the NHS. The primary measurements: Frequency of alcohol use, number of drinks containing alcohol on a typical day, frequency of six or more drinks on one occasion.ResultsOne thousand seven hundred sixty professionals completed the questionnaire. Hazardous alcohol use was detected in 27.80% (95% CI: 25.5–29.7) of PC providers. The prevalence of hazardous alcohol use was higher in males (34.2%) [95% CI: 30.4–37.6] and professionals aged 56 years or over (34.2%) [95% CI: 28.2–40.2]. The multiple logistic regression analysis revealed a higher hazardous use in males (OR = 1.52; 95% CI: 1.22–1.90), PC physicians (OR = 1.42; 95% CI: 1.01–2.02) and professionals with more time worked (OR = 1.03; 95% CI: 1.01–1.05).ConclusionOur study shows the current prevalence of hazardous alcohol use among Spanish PC providers, revealing a higher percentage of hazardous alcohol use in healthcare professionals compared to the Spanish general population. Further interventions are required to increase the awareness of negative consequences derived from alcohol use among PC professionals and its impact on the clinical setting.
Highlights
Alcohol use by health care professionals is one of the potential factors that may affect the prevention of hazardous drinking in Primary Care (PC)
Based on the previous data, the implementation of preventive activities aimed at reducing alcohol use, Romero-Rodríguez et al BMC Family Practice (2019) 20:104 conducted by health care professionals, represents a public health priority [5]
63.5% of professionals surveyed belonged to the scientific society Spanish Society of Family and Community Medicine (semFYC), 26.8% were affiliated to SEMERGEN, 4.5% were members of SEMG (Spanish Society of General Physicians -Sociedad Española de Médicos Generales-), 1.2% belonged to the nursing society ASANEC (Andalusian Association of Community Nursing-Asociación andaluza de Enfermería Comunitaria-) and 4% were members of other societies not included above. 25.9% of healthcare professionals surveyed were affiliated to the PAPPS
Summary
Alcohol use by health care professionals is one of the potential factors that may affect the prevention of hazardous drinking in Primary Care (PC). Alcohol use is a major public health problem worldwide This psychoactive substance is a causal factor in more than 200 diseases and injuries [1]. Its use is associated with the increased risk of health conditions, such as cardiovascular diseases, mental and behavioral disorders, neoplasms, and road traffic injuries. Besides these health consequences, alcohol use has a social and economic impact in the society [2]. According to the latest survey published by the World Health Organization (WHO), the European region has the highest record of per capita alcohol use worldwide (9.8 l) and an increased global disease burden attributable to alcohol [3].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
