Work organization and drinking: An epidemiological comparison of two psychosocial work exposure models

Objectives: To examine the relationship between two alternative psychosocial work exposure measurement frameworks (i.e., job alienation and job stress) and three drinking behaviours (frequent, heavy and drinking and work). Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 3,099 US drinking workers. Job stress conditions were assessed according to the Karasek's job strain model. Alienating job conditions were assessed with measures based on Kohn and Schooler's occupational self-direction concept. Multivariate logistic regression controlling for a wide range of known covariates was used. Results: High strain work showed no associations, while workers in passive jobs had an increased likelihood of heavy (OR = 1.29; 95%CI: 1.02-1.64) and lower likelihood of frequent drinking (OR = 0.71; 95%CI: 0.52-0.97). Unexpectedly, low complexity combined with low constraint related to more frequent drinking (OR = 1.60; 95%CI: 1.22-2.10). No associations with drinking at work were observed. Conclusion: Our findings suggest an association between different work environment features and drinking behaviours. Our findings highlight the value of exploring the hypothesized passive pathway of the job strain model together with other theoretical perspectives, such as alienating job conditions.