Who stays? Australian alcohol and other drug work and worker characteristics predicting regional, rural and remote job retention.

Introduction: The Australian alcohol and other drug (AOD) regional, rural and remote (RRR) workforce experiences chronic workforce retention challenges. However, little is known about the characteristics of RRR AOD workers nationally, or factors associated with retention.

Objective: To examine the personal and professional characteristics of RRR AOD workers and identify factors that predict intent to remain in the workforce.

Factors associated with very high-risk drinking in the Australian general population: How do men and women compare?

Introduction: Despite vulnerability to alcohol-related harms, women have historically been under-represented in alcohol research. This study examined the prevalence and characteristics of women who drink at very high-risk levels (11+ standard drinks monthly), factors associated with this consumption and comparisons with men.

Methods: Secondary analyses of 2019 National Drug Strategy Household Survey data were undertaken.

'I'd be willing to take that risk for the enjoyment of the time that I have': a COM-B influenced analysis of older people's perspectives on their alcohol consumption.

: To explore how older people understand, perceive, and evaluate the various factors which drive their alcohol consumption behaviours. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 33 Australian community-dwelling older adults (aged 65+ years) who drank alcohol at least once a month. Thematic analyses identified common themes which were then mapped onto the COM-B theoretical framework.

Older workers in the alcohol and other drug sector: Predictors of workforce retention.

Objective: Older workers are increasingly prevalent in health and human services, including the alcohol and other drug (AOD) sector. Their turnover intentions have important implications for service system stability and retention.

Methods: Descriptive and regression analyses of survey data examined age-related differences (<50, ≥50 years old) in non-government workers' demographic, health and professional profiles and predictors of turnover intention.

Have decreases in young workers' risky drinking resulted in an increase in illicit drug use?

Issues Addressed: Recent reductions in young people's risky alcohol use have been widely documented but have not been examined among employed youth. Young workers' risky drinking may have corresponded with increased illicit drug use. This study investigated these issues.

Ageing and Alcohol: Drinking Typologies among Older Adults.

Alcohol consumption and harms among older people are increasing. We examined different demographic characteristics and drinking patterns among an older population. Secondary analyses of nationally representative Australian data; subjects aged 50+ years ( = 10,856).

Predictors of work engagement among Australian non-government drug and alcohol employees: Implications for policy and practice.

Background: The alcohol and other drugs (AOD) workforce faces multiple challenges including stigma, limited resources, ideological conflicts and complex demands. An engaged, supported and stable workforce is essential for optimal service provision, quality care, effective harm reduction implementation and cost efficiency. However little research has examined factors that impact worker engagement in the AOD sector.

Older Australians' perceptions of alcohol-related harms and low-risk alcohol guidelines.

Introduction And Aims: Australia has an ageing population. Given the concomitant increase in the numbers and proportion of risky drinkers among older adults, research examining contributory factors is a priority. The current study examined older adults' estimates of the NHMRC low-risk drinking guidelines, consumption patterns and associated harms and self-identification of drinking type.

Operationalising the quality of life construct in studies of alcohol and drug residential rehabilitation programme clients: A systematic review.

Introduction And Aims: Quality of life (QOL) is increasingly recognised as an important treatment indicator in the alcohol and other drug (AOD) sector, particularly in treatment modalities providing 'whole of life programmes', such as residential rehabilitation. However, it is currently unclear how studies conducted in AOD residential rehabilitation settings have operationally defined and measured QOL. This study therefore aimed to determine current practices in defining and measuring the QOL of residential rehabilitation clients.

Brief workshops to teach drug and alcohol first aid: A pilot evaluation study.

Introduction And Aims: Health and community service workers frequently encounter people with alcohol and other drug (AOD) problems in the course of their work, yet few have had training on how to respond effectively. A Drug and Alcohol First Aid workshop was developed by Lyndon, a non-government organisation treatment provider, and delivered to community and health sector workers and the general public. It presented evidence-based information regarding AOD use and harm reduction and treatment options.

Men, Work, and Mental Health: A Systematic Review of Depression in Male-dominated Industries and Occupations.

Among men, depression is often unrecognised and untreated. Men employed in male-dominated industries and occupations may be particularly vulnerable. However, efforts to develop tailored workplace interventions are hampered by lack of prevalence data.

Bongs and baby boomers: Trends in cannabis use among older Australians.

Objective: To examine the prevalence and predictors of cannabis use among older Australians and discuss implications for service provision.

Methods: Secondary analyses were conducted on the 2004 and 2013 National Drug Strategy Household Survey, a large and nationally representative data set. Frequency analyses explored the distribution of demographic characteristics and cannabis use.

Addressing inequities in alcohol consumption and related harms.

Social determinants, or the conditions in which individuals are born, grow, live, work and age, can result in inequities in health and well-being. However, to-date little research has examined alcohol use and alcohol-related problems from an inequities and social determinants perspective. This study reviewed the evidence base regarding inequities in alcohol consumption and alcohol-related health outcomes in Australia and identified promising approaches for promoting health equity.

Do workplace policies work? An examination of the relationship between alcohol and other drug policies and workers' substance use.

Background: There is growing interest in workplace policies as a strategy to prevent or manage alcohol and other drug (AOD) problems. This study is the first to explore the prevalence and impact of AOD policies in Australian workplaces using a nationally representative dataset.

Methods: A secondary analysis of the 2010 National Drug Strategy Household Survey was conducted (n=13,590).

Alcohol- and drug-related absenteeism: a costly problem.

Objective: Absenteeism related to alcohol and other drug (AOD) use can place a substantial burden on businesses and society. This study estimated the cost of AOD-related absenteeism in Australia using a nationally representative dataset.

Methods: A secondary analysis of the 2013 National Drug Strategy Household Survey (n=12,196) was undertaken.

Workplace risk factors for anxiety and depression in male-dominated industries: a systematic review.

: Working conditions are an important health determinant. Employment factors can negatively affect mental health (MH), but there is little research on MH risk factors in male-dominated industries (MDI). : A systematic review of risk factors for anxiety and depression disorders in MDI was undertaken.