Work–family conflicts and drinking behaviours among employed women and men

Abstract

Objective To examine the relationship between work–family conflicts and drinking behaviours among women and men, and to discover whether the relationship remains the same after taking into account family structure and socio-economic status. Method Cross-sectional surveys were carried out by postal questionnaires in 2001 and 2002 among female and male municipal employees aged 40–60, of Helsinki, Finland; 4228 women and 1043 men participated, with a response rate of 66%. Dependent variables were heavy drinking—for men >12 standard portions per week and for women >9 portions per week; weekly binge drinking including 6 or more portions per occasion; and problem drinking, as measured by the CAGE questionnaire. Independent variables were work-to-family conflicts and family-to-work conflicts. Covariates were age, family structure, education, income, and occupational class. Results Work–family conflicts were strongly related to problem drinking among both women and men and also associated with heavy drinking among women. Taking family structure and socio-economic status into account did not markedly change the relationship between work–family conflicts and heavy drinking among women, but strengthened slightly the association with problem drinking among both women and men. Conclusions Work–family conflicts are particularly important issues in problem drinking among men and women and also in heavy drinking among women. Improving the balance between work and family may be a way to prevent problem drinking.