Predictors of job stress and alcohol consumption amongst university professors

The present study aimed to identify the predictors of job stress and alcohol consumption amongst 253 professors at a public university. Previous history of psychotropic drug use, as well as the Scale of Work Stress, the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, and the Self-Report Questionnaire were used. Being female, younger than 40 years of age; of homosexual orientation; a workload of weekly classes of >10 h in total; and being positive for common mental disorders were identified as predictors of moderate or high work stress. The predictors of risky drinking or probable alcohol dependence were: male; younger than 40 years of age; tobacco use; health problems; teaching applied social sciences; and use of hypnotic medications. The findings could be used to develop strategies for the prevention or reduction of work stress and alcohol consumption amongst university professors.