At risk in uniform: investigating the risks of alcohol use disorders among army personnel

Abstract: Background: Military populations have higher prevalence rates of alcohol consumption and engage in heavier drinking compared to the general population. Alcohol Use Disorders (AUD) is a serious negative consequence of alcohol consumption often affecting military personnel. The objective of this study was to determine the risk factors of AUDs among male military personnel in the Sri Lanka Army. Methods: This was a case control study. The data were derived from a larger cross-sectional study conducted among male army personnel in active service (n = 1337) deployed in battalions in Sri Lanka. Cases scored 16 or higher from the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and were clinically confirmed to have Alcohol Use Disorders by the Consultant Psychiatrist (n = 90). Controls scored 0 for AUDIT (n = 180). Exposure data were collected from a self-administered questionnaire. Bivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted which controlled for confounding. Results: When controlled for confounding ever smoker (AOR 3.14, 95% CI 1.35-7.27), current cannabis user (AOR 12.29, 95% CI 4.86-31.08), mental distress (AOR 8.20, 95% CI 3.37-19.93), sleep disturbances (AOR 3.17, 95% CI 1.03-9.72) and sex with a commercial sex worker (AOR 4.06, 95% CI 1.31-12.52) had a higher risk of AUD. Conclusions: The Sri Lanka Army medical staff should focus on the risk factors for AUDs during clinical assessments. Health promotion efforts on AUD prevention need to be integrated with initiatives addressing smoking, cannabis use, high-risk sexual behaviours, mental well-being, and quality sleep.

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