Engaging Construction Workers in Identifying Determinants and Deciding on Measures to Address Tobacco and Alcohol Consumption: An experience from Sri Lanka

Abstract

High consumption of tobacco and alcohol is a public health issue that impairs health and well-being significantly. Consumption is seen to be high in industries such as building construction. This study aimed at identifying determinants of tobacco and alcohol consumption among building construction workers and to decide measures to address them. The sample comprised mostly of tobacco and alcohol consumers (n = 48). A community-based health promotion approach was used. The process of identifying determinants took an average of 2½ months. A series of collective group discussions with the principal investigator (PI), self-administered questionnaires, and a determinant checklist were used to identify the determinants. Discussions with the PI and participants were recorded, transcribed and translated to English, and analyzed using content and thematic analysis. Demographic data obtained through the questionnaires were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The identified determinants were, peer pressure, hosting parties at night, availability of tobacco and alcohol products, forcing others in the group to consume, and availability of money. Construction workers were able to identify and prioritize determinants through collective open discussions – through relatively small inputs given by the PI. The workers suggested actions for the deciding on measures and implemented them to reduce or stop tobacco and alcohol consumption.