A new survey found hazardous levels of alcohol consumption among a fifth of doctors. The findings were published in the journal Occupational Medicine.
A self-reported survey regarding alcohol consumption was carried out among doctors at an acute London Trust. The survey comprised nine questions adapted from the alcohol use disorders identification test (AUDIT) and CAGE questionnaire.
The survey completion rate was 24%. The findings showed that 14% of respondents abstained from drinking, 21% drank once a month or less, 31% drank between two to four times a month, 25% drank 2 to 3 times a week and 9% drank on more than four occasions in a week.
In the 2 years preceding the survey, 9% of respondents said they were unable to perform their expected duties on at least one occasion as a result of drinking. Five percent of respondents reported being concerned about the effect of alcohol on their performance, 2% reported being annoyed by criticism of their drinking, 9% had the guilt of drinking and 4% said they needed an eye-opener.
Eighteen percent of the respondents expressed a desire to curb their alcohol consumption; however, 43% were uncertain where to seek assistance.
"Our findings reiterate the importance of identifying and addressing high alcohol consumption in medical staff," the authors said.
This article originally appeared on Univadis, part of the Medscape Professional Network.
