Citation

Jeffery DD, Mattiko M. Mil. Med. 2016; 181(1 Suppl): 99-108.

Affiliation

Health, Safety & Work-Life Directorate, Behavioral Health Division, U.S. Coast Guard, 2703 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE Stop 7907, Washington, DC 20593-7907.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, Association of Military Surgeons of the United States)

DOI

10.7205/MILMED-D-15-00222

PMID

26741908

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Numerous studies document higher substance use among military men after deployment; similar studies focused on military women are limited.

OBJECTIVES: This study examines alcohol use of active duty women and deployment factors, social/environmental/attitudinal factors, and psychological/intrapersonal factors.

METHODS: Secondary data analysis of the 2011 Survey of Health-Related Behavior of active duty military personnel was conducted using bivariate statistics and multiple regression analyses with Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test scores as the dependent variable.

RESULTS: Nearly 94% had low risk for alcohol use disorders. Length of combat experience and extent of combat exposure were unrelated to Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test scores; noncombat deployment was unrelated after controlling for marital status, age of first drink, pay grade, and branch of service. Significant motivators (p < 0.001) for drinking were "like/enjoy drinking," "drink to cheer up," "drink to forget problems," and significant deterrents were "cost of alcohol" and "fear of upsetting family/friends if used alcohol." Anger propensity, risk propensity, lifetime prevalence of suicidal ideation, and depressed mood were significant predictors in the regression model after controlling for covariates.

CONCLUSION: Findings suggest that some active duty women use alcohol to cope with adverse emotional states, whereas others use alcohol consistent with propensity for high-risk behaviors.

Language: en