New investigation results, 'Substance use and mental health trends among U.S. military active duty personnel: key findings from the 2008 DoD Health Behavior Survey,' are detailed in a study published in Military Medicine. According to recent research published in the journal Military Medicine, 'Examine substance use and mental health issues among U.S. military personnel. Data were from the 2008 (and before) population-based Department of Defense Health Related Behavior Surveys.'
'The sample size for the 2008 survey was 28,546 (70.6% response rate). Analyses examined substance use, stress, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), suicidal ideation and attempts, deployment, and job satisfaction. Trends show reductions in tobacco use and illicit drug use, but increases in prescription drug misuse, heavy alcohol use, stress, PTSD, and suicidal attempts. Deployment exacerbated some of these behavior changes. Despite the demanding lifestyle, job satisfaction was high. The military has shown progress in decreasing cigarette smoking and illicit drug use. Additional emphasis should be placed on understanding increases in prescription drug misuse, heavy alcohol use, PTSD, and suicide attempts, and on planning additional effective interventions and prevention programs,' wrote R.M. Bray and colleagues, RTI International.
The researchers concluded: 'Challenges remain in understanding and addressing military mental health needs.'
Bray and colleagues published their study in Military Medicine (Substance use and mental health trends among U.S. military active duty personnel: key findings from the 2008 DoD Health Behavior Survey. Military Medicine, 2010;175(6):390-9).
For additional information, contact R.M. Bray, RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-2194 USA.
Keywords: State:NC, Country:United States, Defense, Mental Health, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, U.S. Military.
This article was prepared by Defense & Aerospace Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2010, Defense & Aerospace Week via VerticalNews.com.
