Affiliations: SSDS, Inc., Eight Nonesuch Drive, Natick, MA
01760-1041, USA | US Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine,
Natick, MA 01760-5007, USA
Note: [] Address for correspondence: US Army Research Institute of
Environmental Medicine, 42 Kansas Street, Natick, MA 01760-5007, USA. Tel.: +1
508 233 4847; Fax: +1 508 233 4887; E-mail: [email protected]
Abstract: High-risk drinking is among the top three prevention priorities of
the Department of Defense. Research suggests that enlisted male soldiers are
particularly at risk for unhealthy drinking behaviors. 292,023 enlisted male
soldiers who responded to a Health Risk Appraisal (HRA) survey between 1990 and
1998 were dichotomized into high and low-risk drinking groups. Logistic
regression analysis showed that high-risk drinkers wore seatbelts less
frequently, were more likely to drive > 15 mph over the speed
limit, and to smoke more than 20 cigarettes/day. This high-risk group was
predominately young < 25), Caucasian, high school educated or
less, and most likely employed as infantrymen or craftsworkers. The two highest
risk occupational groups (infantrymen and craftsworkers) differ from each
other, and from other Army occupations. Intervention programs should include
safe driving habits and smoking cessation, as well as high-risk drinking, and
should be tailored to the specific needs of the group at highest risk.
