4327.0: Tuesday, October 23, 2001 - 9:42 PM

Abstract #24678

Workplace substance abuse programs: Factors in adoption

Paul Steele, PhD1, William Schlenger, PhD2, and Tyler Hartwell, PhD2. (1) Department of Sociology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, (505) 277-2501, psteele@unm.edu, (2) Research Triangle Institute, Raleigh, NC 30878

This paper will broaden the base of relevant research knowledge in the field of workplace ATOD prevention by using data from the National Survey of Worksite Employee Assistance Programs (NSWEAP) to examine (1) organizational, community and labor force distinctions that exist between work sites that adopt and those that do not adopt prevention and early intervention strategies; (2) factors that influence the characteristics and scope of implementation of workplace strategies among adopting work sites; and (3) the relationship between workplace and labor force characteristics and insurance coverage, cost and implementation of various program strategies. NSWEAP is the largest and most detailed survey of workplace environments, labor force characteristics and workplace program strategies to combat substance abuse. The database contains rich information concerning characteristics of the work site (industry type, size, degree of unionization, affiliation with larger corporations), labor force characteristics (age, gender, ethnicity, education), community (location, treatment resources, problems, employment rates), program strategies (characteristics and components of employee assistance, wellness, prevention, education, drug testing, discipline), parameters of program implementation (attitudes and perceptions, workplace regulation, program cost, insurance program cost and coverage). Findings of this research will provide a knowledge framework to facilitate strategic partnerships between private/public sector employers and managed care organizations related to ATOD prevention, and to address issues of managed care services and costs associated with substance abuse prevention and early intervention.

Learning Objectives: Following the session participants will recognize the organizational factors associated with adoption of diverse workplace substance abuse programs.

Keywords: Worksite, Substance Abuse

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

The 129th Annual Meeting of APHA