Abstract
M.A. (Public Health)
Background: Alcohol and drug misuse is a significant public health concern in South Africa. This contributes to accidents, injuries as well as fatalities which have enormous effects on both employers and employees. Even though the mining industry employs a zero tolerance on substance abuse, a high prevalence of substance use is still reported in the mining industry. Objective: The study aimed to determine the factors associated with alcohol and drug use among underground mine employees in the Free State. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study with sample size, of 397 randomly selected participants from the Free State’s underground mines was employed. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were done to summarise categorical variables of frequencies and percentages and findings presented in bar charts. Cross tabulations of the outcome variable and possible risk factors were done for each objective. Univariate and multiple logistic regression were also done to determine factors associated with alcohol consumption and drug use. Data analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). Results: Alcohol consumption Male participants (AOR 2.57, 95% CI:1.44-4.58) and those aged 22-30 years (OR 1.95, CI 1.01-3.74) were significantly more likely to use alcohol. Being a Tsonga (OR of 0.22, 95%CI: 0.06-0.75), having primary education (AOR 0.38, 95%CI: 0.16-0.92) and participants from Lesotho (OR 0.38, 95%CI: 0.22-0.64) and Swaziland (AOR 0.79, 95%CI: 0.16-0.86) were less likely to use alcohol. Living and working conditions had a protective effect on alcohol consumption This included not living with family (AOR 0.52, 95% CI 0.30-0.93), staying in mine hostels (OR of 0.41, 95% CI 0.27-0.62), non-skilled occupations (OR of 0.41, 95% CI 0.25-0.66), working night shifts (OR 0.46, 95% CI 0.22-0.99) and working rotational shifts (AOR 0.40, 95% CI 0.18-0.93). Education, knowledge, attitudes, and practices’ risk factors only included those who perceived that “A little” alcohol was allowed in the system when reporting to work (OR 10.39, 95% CI 1.36-79.17). The fear of being caught under the influence of alcohol (AOR 0.34, 95% CI 0.12-0.89) and those that reported suspension as the only consequence of being caught under the influence of alcohol showed a protective effect of alcohol use. Risk factors for alcohol consumption under sexual practices included multiple sexual partners (OR of 3.12, 95% CI 1.80-5.42) and easy access of sexual partners (OR of 1.7, 95% CI 1.00-3.02). Not having any interest in multiple sexual partners (OR of 0.50, 95% CI...