Estimating the cost of alcohol-related absenteeism in the Australian workforce: the importance of consumption patterns

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dc.contributor.authorPidd, K.
dc.contributor.authorBerry, J.G.
dc.contributor.authorRoche, A.M.
dc.contributor.authorHarrison, J.E.
dc.date.issued2006
dc.description.abstractObjective: To estimate the extent and cost of alcohol-related absenteeism in the Australian workforce. Design: A secondary analysis of select data obtained from 13 582 Australian workers (aged >= 14 years) collected as part of the 2001 National Drug Strategy Household Survey. Main outcome measures: Self-reported measures of alcohol-related absenteeism, illness or injury absenteeism and alcohol consumption categorised according to National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) guidelines for short- and long term risk. Results: The use of self-reported measures of alcohol-related absenteeism resulted in an estimate of 2 682 865 work days lost due to alcohol use in 2001, at a cost of $437 million. The use of self-reported measures of illness or injury absenteeism to determine the extent of absenteeism attributable to alcohol use resulted in an estimate of 7 402 341 work days lost, at a cost of $1.2 billion. These estimates are about 12 to 34 times greater than previous estimates based on national data. Low-risk drinkers and infrequent or occasional risky and high-risk drinkers accounted for 49%–66% of alcohol related absenteeism. Conclusions: The extent and cost of alcohol-related absenteeism is far greater than previously reported, and more than half the burden of alcohol-related absenteeism is MJA 2006; 185: 637–641 incurred by low-risk drinkers and those who infrequently drink heavily.
dc.description.statementofresponsibilityKenneth J Pidd, Jesia G Berry, Ann M Roche and James E Harrison
dc.identifier.citationMedical Journal of Australia, 2006; 185(11-12):637-641
dc.identifier.doi10.5694/j.1326-5377.2006.tb00738.x
dc.identifier.issn0025-729X
dc.identifier.issn1326-5377
dc.identifier.orcidBerry, J.G. [0000-0002-4446-7927]
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/2440/103084
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherAustralasian Medical Publishing Company Ltd
dc.rightsCopyright status unknown
dc.source.urihttps://www.mja.com.au/journal/2006/185/11/estimating-cost-alcohol-related-absenteeism-australian-workforce-importance
dc.subjectHumans
dc.subjectWounds and Injuries
dc.subjectHealth Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
dc.subjectAlcohol Drinking
dc.subjectRisk-Taking
dc.subjectAbsenteeism
dc.subjectEpidemiology
dc.subjectAge Factors
dc.subjectSex Factors
dc.subjectTemperance
dc.subjectAdolescent
dc.subjectAdult
dc.subjectEmployment
dc.subjectCosts and Cost Analysis
dc.subjectAustralia
dc.subjectFemale
dc.subjectMale
dc.titleEstimating the cost of alcohol-related absenteeism in the Australian workforce: the importance of consumption patterns
dc.typeJournal article
pubs.publication-statusPublished

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