Evidence suggests UK veterinary professionals engage in at-risk drinking at higher levels than the general population. There is increasing awareness of the importance of interventions for mental health within the veterinary profession, however, interventions and support specific to alcohol use is lacking. Understanding the factors that may influence harmful drinking and understanding the barriers to help-seeking is an essential first step in intervention development.

What did we do?

An online survey was completed by 652 UK veterinary workers who currently consumed alcohol. Validated measures of alcohol-related risk of harm, drinking motives, mental health status and behavioural influences on alcohol reduction and help-seeking were used. Statistical analyses comprised correlations, multiple regression, and mediation.

What did we find?

Overall, 40.4% reported at-risk drinking. At-risk drinking was related to poor mental health, being male and older in age. Drinking to cope and for enhancement predicted alcohol risk and amplified the relationship between poor mental health and alcohol risk. Lower alcohol risk was predicted by increased self-efficacy and knowledge of low-risk drinking, viewing drinking as essential to socialise or a habit, and positive attitudes towards help-seeking. Perceived alcohol-related stigma remained a barrier to help-seeking.

Why is this important?

This was the first study to explore factors related to harmful drinking amongst the UK veterinary workforce. Together, these findings emphasise the need for tailored alcohol interventions that target the promotion of adaptive coping, knowledge of low-risk drinking, and stigma reduction.