Alcohol Use Among Mental Health Professionals in China: A Nationwide Cross-sectional Survey

Abstract

Aim To survey the use of alcohol, and its correlates by mental health professions in China, a nation where there is rapid increase in alcohol consumption and problems. Methods As a part of a large-scale, nation-wide online survey of healthcare professionals, we collected demographic variables and other health-related variables anonymously. The Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test-Concise (AUDIT-C) was used to collect data on alcohol use. Results 13,980 mental health professionals completed the survey (4382 doctors, 9339 nurses and 259 clinical psychologists), representing 64% of the total targeted. Respondents were predominantly female (75.1%). Alcohol consumption was reported by 41.8% of participants (by 53.9% of doctors, 36.2% of nurses and 40.5% of clinical psychologists). Based on the cut-off scores of the AUDIT-C (≥3 for women and ≥4 for men), 7.5% were classified as probable alcohol misusers in the past year, and the rates were 10.2% in doctors, 6.3% in nurses and 5.8% in clinical psychologists. Multiple logistic regression showed that male sex (OR = 3.772; CI = 3.206–4.439), being a doctor (OR = 1.259; CI = 1.052–1.506), being divorced or widowed (OR = 1.979; CI = 1.467–2.666), having an associate degree or less (OR = 1.809; CI = 1.040–3.147), working in Northeast China (OR = 1.538; CI = 1.281–1.848) and the habit of smoking (OR = 3.345; CI = 2.280–3.967) were significantly associated with alcohol misuse. Conclusions Alcohol use and misuse were relatively common among mental health professionals in China, and male sex, being a doctor, with lower education, working in Northeast China and cigarette smoking were significant associations. Awareness and interventions are recommended to promote healthier use of alcohol in this professional group, especially among risk subgroups.

Alcohol Use and Misuse Among Chinese Psychiatrists During the Early COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Compared with the 2019 study, we also observed a decline in cigarette smoking among psychiatrists (9). Similar to the findings of the 2019 study, we again confirmed that cigarette smoking was significantly associated with alcohol misuse (OR = 2.3).…”

“…The total AUDIT-C score ranges from 0 to 12, with a higher score indicating more severe alcohol use. The Chinese version of the AUDIT has been validated ( 32 ) and used in different settings ( 9 , 33 , 34 ), the details in AUDIT-C scoring can be found elsewhere ( 9 , 33 , 34 ). Using the AUDIT-C scores, participants were categorized as no alcohol users (the total score = 0) and alcohol users (the total score ≥1).…”

“…One self-report survey conducted in 1,418 physicians (1,447 contacted) in east China's Jiangsu province in 2008 showed an alcohol misuse incidence of 14.0% (40.4% for men and 2.6% for women) ( 8 ). A 2019 survey of Chinese mental health workers showed an overall alcohol consumption rate of 41.8% (53.9% of psychiatrists, 36.2% of nurses, and 40.5% of clinical psychologists) ( 9 ). Alcohol use and misuse were relatively common among mental health professionals in China, which may negatively impact their physical and psychological wellbeing as well as impair patient care.…”

“…Alcohol use and misuse were relatively common among mental health professionals in China, which may negatively impact their physical and psychological wellbeing as well as impair patient care. Our previous study recommended interventions to promote healthier use of alcohol in this professional group, especially among at-risk subgroups ( 9 ).…”

Development of Chinese mental health first aid guidelines for problem drinking: a Delphi expert consensus study

“…Although urban residents or people with higher level of education were more likely to recognize alcohol use disorders as health issues, only a few believed that treatment was needed or had sought professional help [ 2 , 7 , 17 , 18 ]. A recent nation-wide survey found that alcohol use was also common among mental health professionals in China, with 41.8% of 13,980 participants reporting alcohol consumption and 7.5% having alcohol use problems in the past 12 months [ 19 ]. Therefore, to improve both the public’s and healthcare professionals’ knowledge of problem drinking and their ability to help someone with alcohol use problems, a suitable and effective educational program is needed, for example, Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training.…”