Citation

Jeffery DD, Babeu LA, Nelson LE, Kloc M, Klette K. Mil. Med. 2013; 178(2): 180-195.

Affiliation

Department of Defense, Center for Healthcare Management Studies, Defense Health Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation, Office of the Chief Financial Officer, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense Health Affairs, TRICARE Management Activity, 5111 Leesburg Pike, Suite 820, Falls Church, VA 22041, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, Association of Military Surgeons of the United States)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

23495464

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: This study identifies predictors of prescription drug misuse among U.S. active duty service members (ADSM). The 2008 Department of Defense Survey of Health-Related Behaviors (HRB) Among Active Duty Military Personnel indicated that ADSM misuse pain relievers, tranquilizers, sedatives, and stimulants at levels ranging from 2% to 17%. METHODS: Secondary, multivariate analyses of HRB survey data examined predictors of self-reported prescription drug misuse for 4 distinct drug categories. RESULTS: Receipt of a pain reliever prescription in the past month, year, or previous year were strong predictors (adjusted odds ratio above 2.0) of misuse for all drug categories; receipt of a prescription for anxiety or depression medication in the past year was the strongest predictor of sedative misuse (adjusted odds ratio = 4.46, 95% confidence intervals 3.18-6.24). Absence of a drug testing program was significantly related to the likelihood of drug misuse for all drug categories. CONCLUSIONS: ADSM with a history of treatment for pain and mood disorders, and who self-report headaches, sleep disorders, and fatigue are at higher risk for misusing prescription drugs, perhaps in an effort to self-manage symptoms. The results should be interpreted as a starting place for future exploration, not as the sole basis for policy or program development.

Language: en