Is the employment status of Australians related to drinking at levels that increase risk of alcohol-related disease or injury?
Employed Australians are significantly more likely to drink at levels that increase their risk of alcohol-related disease or injury (35%), compared to those who are unemployed (22%) or not in the labour force (24%).
16% of employed Australians abstain from alcohol, 48% drink alcohol at low-risk levels, and 35% drink alcohol at levels that increase their risk of alcohol-related disease of injury.
40% of unemployed Australians abstain from alcohol, 38% drink alcohol at low-risk levels, and 22% drink alcohol at levels that increase their risk of alcohol-related disease of injury.
30% of Australians not in the labour force abstain from alcohol, 46% drink alcohol at low-risk levels, and 24% drink alcohol at levels that increase their risk of alcohol-related disease of injury.
Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). 2022-23 National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NCETA secondary analysis, 2024).
Note: Significance is established as p<0.05.
Employed: Self-employed or working for salary or wages.
Employment Status: Whether an individual is currently: a) employed; b) unemployed; or c) not in the labour force.
Increased risk of alcohol-related disease or injury: Consumed more than 10 standard drinks per week, or drank more than 4 standard drinks on a single day at least once a month, on average (as per the Australian guidelines to reduce health risks from drinking alcohol).
Not in the Labour Force: Engaged in home duties, volunteer/charity work, student, retiree/pensioner, other.
Standard Drink: A drink that contains 10 grams (or 12.5 millilitres) of alcohol.
Unemployed: Not currently working and actively seeking employment.