Psychosocial stress, demoralization and the consumption of tobacco, alcohol and medical drugs by veterinarians

Melanie Harling,Anja Schablon,Albert Nienhaus,Petra Strehmel

doi:10.1186/1745-6673-4-4

Abstract

BackgroundIn this cross-sectional study the association between psychosocial stress, demoralization and the consumption of psychotropic substances in veterinarians was examined using data from a sample of 1,060 subjects (52.7% response).MethodsMultiple logistic regression models were used to determine risk factors for psychosocial stress, demoralization, tobacco consumption (≹ 10 items/day), high-risk alcohol consumption (men > 20 g pure alcohol/day, women > 10 g pure alcohol/day), binge drinking, problem drinking according to CAGE and regular medical drug intake (at least weekly).ResultsIntense psychosocial stress is a risk factor for binge drinking and for regular drug use. High demoralization values are associated with tobacco consumption, problem drinking and regular drug intake. The probability of a high demoralization value increased with intense psychosocial stress.Practicing veterinarians are more frequently affected by psychosocial stress and have a greater risk of alcohol or drug consumption than veterinarians working in a non-clinical area of work (e.g. Department of Veterinary Services, Industry).ConclusionThe findings support the hypothesis of complex interrelationships between psychosocial stress, demoralization and the consumption of psychotropic substances in the veterinary profession and underscore the need of further research.

Highlights

In this cross-sectional study the association between psychosocial stress, demoralization and the consumption of psychotropic substances in veterinarians was examined using data from a sample of 1,060 subjects (52.7% response)
Practicing veterinarians are more frequently affected by psychosocial stress and have a greater risk of alcohol or drug consumption than veterinarians working in a non-clinical area of work (e.g. Department of Veterinary Services, Industry)
The findings support the hypothesis of complex interrelationships between psychosocial stress, demoralization and the consumption of psychotropic substances in the veterinary profession and underscore the need of further research

Summary

Introduction

In this cross-sectional study the association between psychosocial stress, demoralization and the consumption of psychotropic substances in veterinarians was examined using data from a sample of 1,060 subjects (52.7% response). Veterinarians are exposed to a variety of risks at work. These include injuries by the animals being treated, traffic and travel accidents and diseases of the skin and respiratory tract [1,2,3]. One study by Trimpop et al [6] on accident rates in veterinary surgeries examined job-related stress and job satisfaction. There is evidence in the literature that psychosocial stress at work may be a risk factor for the con-

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion