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The Identification of alcohol problems within industry : a study in Northwestern British Columbia

University of British Columbia

This was the second phase of a study which examined the alcohol problem within the Kitimat-Stikine Regional District in Northwestern British Columbia. In the formative phase, demand (professional) and supply (consumption) profiles of the problem were developed. From these profiles the value of measurement of the problem from a broad behavioral base, rather than records of mortality and morbidity, for the purposes of developing preventive and treatment programs, was demonstrated. First, however, an understanding of norms for labelling behavior, and attitudes and beliefs toward alcohol abuse which was the subject of the thesis was considered necessary. Data were collected with the use of a five-part interview schedule which allowed individuals with and without experience to respond, to demonstrate their labelling of problems and the actions taken following such labelling. One hundred and eighty-two male workers from each of three levels in seven industries and five communities were interviewed. From the literature and in pretests of the instrument, it was found that sets of organizational, personal and interactional variables required further explanation. The data finally collected proved difficult to analyze and a systems model was used as a basis for interpretation. The information obtained confirmed the utility of conceptualizing the "Identification Process" in three stages: Recognition, Identification/Classification, and Action-Decision/Reclassification. The inputs of stage two seemed loosely related to outputs or actions taken at stage three. In stage two, although many unexplained extraneous events were occurring, community size and a number of related personal variables (I.e./ ethnic mix, age, education) were important to the type and location of identification. In stage three it was found that when positive action was taken the organizational level was rather more important. Inaction was clearly related to the length of time an individual had lived in the north. The differential between positive action and inaction was augmented by community size and related variables. It was concluded that there are cultural differences between small and large communities and cultural traditions in the north, which affect preventive and treatment programs. An apparent dilemma resulting from a divergence in community mores and program goals, stems ultimately from industrialization. The "culture of drinking" which was described as "a northern way of life" poses problems for northerners who wish to be part of industrualized society. Drinking problems can be treated in both "humanitarian" and "utilitarian" ways. The industrial society calls for "utilitarian" methods which may seem alien to members of small communities and "elite groups" of individuals who have expected to be treated differently. The egalitarian planning model, incorporating participation and self-responsibility with clearcut expectations, would appear to be ,the appropriate choice, protecting humanitarian interests and linking marginal groups into effective identification and treatment processes.

Text

2010-02-24

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http://hdl.handle.net/2429/20864

Health Care and Epidemiology

University of British Columbia

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