ASSESSING THE EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION ON THE WORK PERFORMANCE OF TEACHERS IN THE BUILSA NORTH DISTRICT OF THE UPPER EAST REGION OF GHANA

Abstract

Background: Alcohol consumption by teachers may impede or reduce productivity and cause lost for employers. The aim of the study was to ascertain the alcohol consumption patterns of teachers in the Builsa north district and the effects on work performance. Material and methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study. Data were analysed using SPSS software (version 21.0). Associations determined using Fisher’s exact test. Results: Ninety-nine teachers who consume alcohol were interviewed, with mean age of 33.5±6.1 years. Majority were males (3:1 ratio, p<0.0005). The great majority (83.8%, P<0.0001) were trained; with (66.7%) being University graduates. Approximately 99.0% (P<0.0001) had friends who drink alcohol, and 86 (86.9%) drink alcohol with their friends. Alcohol intake was found to affect a person’s social life (91.9%), family obligations, (97.0%) and finances (93.9%). Approximately 86.9% (P<0.0001) agreed alcohol intake is a problem among teachers. Many (63.6%) of the teachers take in alcohol every day, and approximately 80.8% have been drinking over one year. About 23.2% drink anytime during the day, while 33.0% spending one or hours in a spot. The reasons for alcohol intake among teachers were: socialisation (46.5%), relaxation (31.3%) and to forget problems (21.2%). The negative effects of alcohol intake on productivity were; hangover whiles at work (73.7%), absenteeism (88.9%), missing lessons in school due to time spent at spots (84.9%) and inability to complete syllabus (74.7%). Conclusion: The study concluded that teachers’ alcohol consumption affects their work performance greatly in the Builsa North District.