Psychosocial Stress and Substance Use in Veterinarians
Author Information
Author(s): Melanie Harling, Petra Strehmel, Anja Schablon, Albert Nienhaus
Primary Institution: Institution for Statutory Accident Insurance and Prevention in the Health and Welfare Services, Department of Occupational Health Research
Hypothesis
The study investigates the association between psychosocial stress, demoralization, and the consumption of psychotropic substances in veterinarians.
Conclusion
The findings support the hypothesis of complex interrelationships between psychosocial stress, demoralization, and the consumption of psychotropic substances in the veterinary profession.
Supporting Evidence
- Intense psychosocial stress is linked to binge drinking and regular drug use.
- High demoralization values correlate with tobacco consumption and problem drinking.
- Veterinarians in clinical practice experience more psychosocial stress than those in non-clinical roles.
Takeaway
Veterinarians who feel stressed are more likely to drink alcohol, smoke, and use drugs. It's important to help them manage their stress.
Methodology
A cross-sectional study using self-administered questionnaires and multiple logistic regression models.
Potential Biases
Self-reported data on substance use may be biased towards socially desirable responses.
Limitations
The study's cross-sectional design limits conclusions about causality, and self-reported data may be biased.
Participant Demographics
{"gender":{"men":499,"women":561},"age":{"≤ 34 years":175,"35 – 44 years":420,"45 – 54 years":259,"≥ 55 years":206},"professional_work":{"non-clinical":292,"practice_owner":529,"employee_in_practice":239}}
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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