ABSTRACT
Background
Nurses are the largest profession within the health workforce. Limited available literature
suggests high rates of alcohol consumption may occur among Australian nurses.
Aim
To determine the prevalence of high-risk alcohol consumption among Australian nurses.
Methods
A cross-sectional national survey was distributed via professional groups and social
media to Australian nurses. Participants provided demographic information and completed
a modified Perceptions of Work Stress Scale. The 10-item Alcohol Use Disorders Identification
Test (AUDIT) was used to explore nurses’ self-reported alcohol consumption. Surveys
were conducted between July and October 2021.
Findings
The overall prevalence of risky drinking was 36.9% among participants; 26.1% at risky
or hazardous levels, 5.6% at the high-risk or harmful level, and 5.1% at high-risk,
almost certainly dependent levels. Correlations between work setting, stress, and
risky alcohol consumption revealed nurses working in Emergency Departments were most
likely to report higher perceived stress and AUDIT scores.
Discussion
The prevalence of high-risk alcohol consumption among Australian nurses was higher
than previously reported. The COVID-19 pandemic emerged as a potential factor contributing
to increased stress and alcohol consumption among Australian nurses.
Conclusion
Given the current vulnerability in the nursing workforce, tailored interventions are
urgently required to address high-risk alcohol consumption.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: February 27, 2023
Accepted:
December 21,
2022
Received in revised form:
December 14,
2022
Received:
May 31,
2022
Publication stage
In Press Corrected ProofIdentification
Copyright
© 2022 Australian College of Nursing Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ltd.
