title: A systematic review of work-place interventions for alcohol-related problems.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aims of this study were to (1) gauge any improvement in methodological quality of work-place interventions addressing alcohol problems; and (2) to determine which interventions most effectively reduce work-place-related alcohol problems.
  
  
  METHODS
  A literature search was undertaken of the data bases, Ovid Medline, PsychINFO, Web of Science, Scopus, HSELINE, OSHLINE and NIOSHTIC-2 for papers published between January 1995 and September 2007 (inclusive). Search terms varied, depending on the database. Papers were included for analysis if they reported on interventions conducted at work-places with the aim of reducing alcohol problems. Methodological adequacy of the studies was assessed using a method derived from the Cochrane Collaboration guidelines.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Ten papers reporting on work-place alcohol interventions were located. Only four studies employed randomized controlled trials (RCT), but all these had methodological problems. Weaknesses in all studies related to representativeness of samples, consent and participation rates, blinding, post-test time-frames, contamination and reliability, and validity of measures used. All except one study reported statistically significant differences in measures such as reduced alcohol consumption, binge drinking and alcohol problems.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The literature review revealed few methodologically adequate studies of work-place alcohol interventions. Study designs, types of interventions, measures employed and types of work-places varied considerably, making comparison of results difficult. However, it appears from the evidence that brief interventions, interventions contained within health and life-style checks, psychosocial skills training and peer referral have potential to produce beneficial results.
authors.affiliation: School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia.
authors.forename: Gloria
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Webb
authors.forename: Anthony
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Shakeshaft
authors.forename: Rob
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Sanson-Fisher
authors.forename: Alys
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Havard
mesh_terms: D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000517:prevention & control*; D019973:Alcohol-Related Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009786:Occupational Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D017132:Workplace / Q000706:statistics & numerical data