Occupational medical program alcohol screening. Utility of the CAGE and BMAST.
Alcohol consumption is a primary or secondary factor in many work-related accidents, suicides, homicides, violent crimes, and motor vehicle accidents. The absentee rate in alcoholics is 3.8 to 8. 3 times greater than that for nonalcoholic workers. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the effectiveness of two interview questionnaires-the Brief Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test (BMAST) and the CAGE (cut down, annoyed by criticism, guilty about drinking, and eye-opener drinks). The validity of the BMAST and the CAGE as screening tools for alcohol problems has been verified in a number of nonworkplace settings. If they prove to be as effective for screening workers in an occupational medical setting, follow-up definitive diagnoses could result in earlier detection of alcohol problems and allow prompt intervention. Positive outcomes could include a safer workplace, less absenteeism, improved worker productivity, and a reduction in personal and family problems caused by drinking.
Watkins
J P
JP
Center for Human Reliability Studies, Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Oak Ridge, TN 37831-0117, USA.
Eisele
G R
GR
Matthews
K O
KO
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D015986:Confounding Factors, Epidemiologic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D016272:Occupational Health; D015995:Prevalence; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales / Q000592:standards*; D011594:Psychometrics; D012737:Sex Factors; D013714:Tennessee