Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to investigate the level of problem drinking by male blue-collar workers in light of their health status and their perception of drinking amount.
METHOD
A steel factory located in the central region of Korea was chosen and 182 questionnaire responses from male workers were analyzed using the SPSS/WIN 11.0 in reference to each worker's physical examination record.
RESULTS
According to the criteria set by WHO, 19 workers(10.4%) were found to have 'problem drinking', 81 workers(44.5%) 'alcohol use disorder'and 14 workers(7.7%) 'alcohol dependence'. Only the remaining 68 workers(37.4%) were found to have 'normal drinking'. In relation to the workers'health status by CMI, 'alcohol dependence'scored 62.92, and 'alcohol use disorder'scored 56.53, both of which were far higher than the 'problem drinking'score of 44.52, In particular, it was found that each of the diabetes group(t=2.32, p<.05) and the liverdisease group(t=2.01, p<.05) drank much more than the non-diabetes group or the non-liver-disease group. In terms of the workers'perception of drinking amount, 'alcohol use disorder'and 'alcohol dependence'scored 147.62 and 144.21 respectively, both of which were far higher than the 'problem drinking'score of 138.57.
CONCLUSION
The above results suggest the need to educate workers on the necessity and practices of moderate drinking before they enter a state of alcohol use disorder or alcohol dependence. Accordingly, as a part of early management and treatment of the workers'drinking problem, it may well be necessary to activate OAPs (Occupational Alcohol Programs).

• Keywords: Alcohol;Workers;Problem Drinking