Abstract

RAMIREZ SANCHEZ, Danna C.; MARINEZ BARROSO, Katherin A.  and  ASUNSOLO DEL BARCO, Ángel. Alcohol abuse at workplace, risk factors and instruments for health surveillance. Med. segur. trab. [online]. 2011, vol.57, n.224, pp.190-209. ISSN 1989-7790.  https://dx.doi.org/10.4321/S0465-546X2011000300002.

Background: The alcohol abuse (AA) is a public health problem that causes 2.5 million deaths annually (WHO), the labor sector is not immune to this situation, creating the need for early detection of AA on workers. Objective: To identify risk factors and instruments for health surveillance of workers with AA problems. Methods: We reviewed the literature, PUBMED, CIS-DOC, SCIELO, LILACS, MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library. We included studies relating to AA in the working population, risk factors and consequences in the labor sector. They were classified according to level of evidence (Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network, SIGN). Results: There were 75 articles, 31 met the criteria for inclusion: A 2+ evidence study. Fifteen evidence 3 and sixteen with evidence level 4. Alcohol was the most consumed psychoactive substance in the working population prevalence of 77.8% in men and 72.9% in women. It was considered a risk factor for the AA, non-qualified. Two studies with evidence level 4 reported the increased accident rates and absenteeism related to AA. The AA screening methods used were CAGE and AUDIT . Conclusions: The risk factors were identified in the working population, related to work organization, skill levels and individual factors. The use of CAGE and AUDIT for detection of AA was considered the best option for easy application and low cost. Insufficient documentation was found on the effects of AA, suggesting the promotion of study of these issues and assess the use of screening measures to enhance prevention.

Keywords : Alcohol abuse; labor sector; risk factors; workplace; CAGE; AUDIT.

        · abstract in Spanish     · text in Spanish     · Spanish ( pdf )