Determinants of alcohol risk of harm profiles among South African construction workers

Excessive alcohol consumption is a global public health concern. Aside of its adverse health effects, it is also associated with risky sexual behaviours and lower levels of HIV testing. Using data obtained from 450 workers drawn from 18 construction sites in the Western Cape, the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) was used to predict alcohol risk of harm profiles as a function of demographic characteristics and sex-related behaviours among site-based workers. Logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with increased risk of alcohol harm. Determinants of alcohol risk of harm were (ordered from most to least proximal) frequency of alcohol or drug use before and/or during sex, attitude toward condom use, education, and HIV testing behaviour. The complexities associated with workplace interventions are highlighted.