Alcohol use disorders among healthcare professionals: a call for action.

Journal: Health promotion international

Volume: 39

Issue: 5

Year of Publication: 2024

Affiliated Institutions:  Department of Research, Gertrude's Children's Hospital, Muthaiga Road, , Nairobi, Kenya. Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway. MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa. Directorate of Library Services, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Wellstar College of Health and Human Services, Kennesaw, GA, USA. Department of Emergency Medicine, Duke School of Medicine/Global Emergency Medicine Innovation and Implementation Research Center, Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA. Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.

Abstract summary 

Alcohol consumption and harmful and hazardous drinking are significant contributors to the global burden of disease, accounting for about 3 million deaths each year globally. Owing to their stressful work environment, healthcare professionals are at a high risk of experiencing physical and mental health problems, particularly alcohol use disorders. Alcohol use disorder among healthcare professionals is of concern as it is associated with decreased work productivity and performance and associated ill health and cognitive impairment. This review, therefore, aimed to gather evidence on the prevalence and associated factors for alcohol use disorders among healthcare professionals. The findings revealed a high prevalence of alcohol use disorders among healthcare professionals, which were worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, there was a glaring dearth of studies conducted in low- and middle-income countries. Urgent interventions and support systems are therefore needed to address these issues. A comprehensive approach, considering individual and organizational factors, alongside evidence-based interventions, training and support programs, can promote workforce well-being and improve the quality of patient care. It is imperative to integrate alcohol use screening, preventive and treatment interventions with primary healthcare and psychiatry services. This will help ensure early diagnosis and timely initiation of preventive and therapeutic measures, reducing the risk of missed opportunities. Furthermore, offering effective human resource management support services to healthcare professionals would significantly enhance their well-being and help prevent alcohol use disorders.

Authors & Co-authors:  Waithera Hannah W HW Ndumwa Harrieth P HP Njiro Belinda J BJ Chande-Mallya Rehema R Julius William W Swahn Monica M Staton Catherine A CA Francis Joel M JM

Study Outcome 

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Statistics
Citations : 
Authors :  8
Identifiers
Doi : daae121
SSN : 1460-2245
Study Population
Male,Female
Mesh Terms
Humans
Other Terms
alcohol use disorder;healthcare professionals;heavy episodic use;risky drinking
Study Design
Study Approach
Country of Study
Publication Country
England