Workplace discrimination and alcohol consumption: findings from the San Francisco Muni Health and Safety Study.

OBJECTIVE

There is evidence of an association between occupational stress and alcohol consumption. This study investigates the association between workplace racial discrimination and alcohol consumption in a sample of urban transit operators.

METHODS

During 1993-1995, after undergoing a medical exam, 1,542 transit operators completed an interview. Depending on the outcome, we used logistic or linear regression models to examine the cross-sectional relationship between discrimination experience and alcohol consumption.

RESULTS

Operators who reported discrimination in at least one situation, out of a possible four, were more likely to have had negative life consequences as a result of drinking (adjusted OR = 1.97; 95% CI, 1.20-3.83) and were more likely to be classified as having an alcohol disorder (OR = 1.56 [0.96-2.54]), compared to those who reported no instances of workplace discrimination. Results adjusted simultaneously for age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, income, marital status, and seniority. There was no association between workplace discrimination and heavy drinking or drinks per month.

CONCLUSIONS

Cross-sectional data from a sample of urban transit operators indicates an association between workplace racial discrimination and some measures of alcohol consumption.