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Suzanne L. Hurtado, MPH, Cynthia M. Simon-Arndt, MBA, MA, Laura Patriarca-Troyk, MA, and Robyn Highfill-McRoy, BS. Behavioral Science and Epidemiology Program, Naval Health Research Center, P.O. Box 85122, San Diego, CA 92186-5122, (619) 553-7806, hurtado@nhrc.navy.mil
This study assessed recent alcohol use from a military sample and examined work-related attitudes held by military members regarding drinking. As part of a larger program evaluation, survey data on alcohol quantity and frequency, work-related attitudes regarding alcohol use, and perceptions of command support were collected from a sample of 2,594 U.S. Marine Corps aviation personnel in Southern California. Eighty-one percent of the sample reported that they were current drinkers. Drinkers reported that they drank 5.7 drinks (SD=4.7) on average on the days that they drank; and they reported drinking an average of 10.1 days per month (SD=8.1). While the majority of respondents indicated that social functions at their command did not encourage drinking, 36% felt drinking was part of being in the Marine Corps and 45% felt that drinking was part of being in the military. The majority of respondents (75%) reported that within their squadron there were clear consequences for alcohol-related incidents, and that the command takes such incidents seriously (88%). Heavy drinkers were more likely to agree that it is hard to fit into the command if you do not drink, drinking is the only recreation available at their command, and drinking is part of being in the Marine Corps (p<.001). Findings indicate the prevalence of a variety of work-related alcohol attitudes, several of which were associated with heavy drinking. These perceptions regarding drinking are likely important factors that can serve to form and reinforce military cultural alcohol use norms and should be addressed in military alcohol misuse prevention programs.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Alcohol Use, Prevention
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.