Objective: There is evidence of an association between occupational stress and alcohol consumption. This study investigates the association between workplace racial discrimination and alcohol consumption in a sample of urban transit operators. Methods: During 1993-1995, after undergoing a medical exam, 1, 542 transit operators completed an interview. Depending on the outcome, we used logistic or linear regression models to examine the cross-sectional relationship between discrimination experience and alcohol consumption.

Results: Operators who reported discrimination in at least one situation, out of a pos-sible four, were more likely to have had negative life consequences as a result of drinking (adjusted OR= 1. 97; 95% CI, 1. 20-3.83) and were more likely to be classified as having an alcohol disorder (OR= 1.56 [0.96-2.54]), compared to those who reported no instances of workplace discrimination. Results adjusted simultaneously for age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, income, marital status, and seniority. There was no association be-tween workplace discrimination and heavy drinking or drinks per month. Conclusions: Cross-sectional data from a sample of urban transit operators indicates an association between workplace racial discrimination and some measures of alcohol consumption.(Ethn Dis. 1999; 9: 70-80)