An Evaluation of Alcohol Dependence Prevention Measures at a Japanese Newspaper Company

Abstract

Alcohol dependence prevention measures were implemented at a Japanese newspaper company, a company undergoing restructuring. An occupational health nurse interviewed each employee twice a year, providing guidance about reducing daily alcohol consumption and binge drinking. These nursing interventions were evaluated through individual employee health examinations conducted in 2000 and 2007. The examinations revealed that fewer employees drank alcohol in 2007 than in 2000 (8.4% and 11.6%, respectively). Employees who drank at least 1,500 milliliters of alcohol daily decreased from 13.7% to 7.0% ( p = .004). By gathering case studies, the effectiveness of the occupational health nursing interventions was made clear.