Abstract:
Alcoholism and alcohol abuse is a common vice in the workplace which has
debilitating effects on individuals, families, organizations and societies at large. This study sought to assess the effectiveness of the interventions implemented through employee assistance programs (EAPs) at the National Health Insurance Fund. Specifically, the study assessed the prevalence of alcoholism among NHIF employees, the risk factors, the level of employee awareness of the alcoholism interventions at NHIF, and the effectiveness of the interventions. The study was guided by Cognitive Behavioural Theory and Reality Theory. Descriptive research design was used. The target population was 562 employees from NHIF headquarters and branches from which a sample size of 234 employees were selected using stratified random sampling technique. Additionally, the study interviewed 27 managers and supervisors. Before administration, the questionnaire was pilot tested on 24 respondents at NHIF Eldoret Branch and found to be valid and reliable. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square, and linear regression technique in SPSS while qualitative data was analyzed thematically. The findings revealed that the prevalence of alcohol abuse was 24.5%. The interventions implemented to mitigate alcoholism and alcohol abuse among NHIF employees were moderately effective. Thematic analysis indicated peer pressure, stress and poor financial management were significantly associated with alcoholism among NHIF employees. Based on the findings, the study recommended that the government collaborates with private organizations and religious institutions to develop more effective intervention
measures aimed at mitigating the problem and improving employee performance and dependability. Further research was proposed to determine whether differences exist in the vulnerability of employees to alcoholism in other public institutions.
