Date of Conferral

2016

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Health

Advisor

James Rohrer

Abstract

Excessive alcohol consumption (EAC) is an important public health problem. Several researchers have examined work-related influences on EAC, but few have investigated the predictors of EAC related to business travel. This study measured the association between EAC and frequency of business travel, duration of business travel, and job industry among U.S. business travelers. Research was conducted within the social-ecological theoretical framework. Snowball sampling was used to gather data from 187 business travelers. Data were evaluated using bivariate analysis to assess the association between measures of EAC and each independent variable. Multiple logistic regression was used to adjust for covariates. Respondents aged 45-54 and 55 and older had significantly lower odds of binge drinking than those aged 18-34, OR = 0.33, 95% CI [.11, .98], p < .05; and OR = .13, 95% CI [.03, .55], p < .01, respectively. Females aged 55 and older and all females who traveled frequently in the previous month had lower odds of binge drinking compared to females 18-34 and infrequent female travelers (OR = .03, 95% CI [.00, .37], p < .01; OR = .34, 95% CI [.12, .99], p < .05, respectively). Both males (compared to females) and Protestants (compared to Catholics) had lower odds of heavy drinking (OR = .34, CI [.14,.84], P < .05; OR = .301, CI [.09,.99], P < .05, respectively). Results highlight the prevalence of EAC among business travelers, particularly among females. Multilevel interventions are proposed, which may reduce health-related disparities associated with EAC among this population of business travelers.

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