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

doi:10.1186/1745-6673-4-4

Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology

Volume 4

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Harling M
Strehmel P
Schablon A
Nienhaus A

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Strehmel P
Schablon A
Nienhaus A
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Research

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

Melanie Harling¹^* , Petra Strehmel²^* , Anja Schablon¹^* and Albert Nienhaus¹^*

¹Institution for Statutory Accident Insurance and Prevention in the Health and Welfare Services, Department of Occupational Health Research, Pappelallee 35-37, 22089 Hamburg, Germany

²Faculty of Business and Social Work, Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, Saarlandstrasse 30, 22303 Hamburg, Germany

author email corresponding author email* Contributed equally

Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology 2009, 4:4doi:10.1186/1745-6673-4-4


Published:	25 February 2009

Abstract

Background

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).

Methods

Multiple 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).

Results

Intense 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).

Conclusion

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.