Publication year
2013
Citation Title
Traumatic brain injury among US active duty military personnel and negative drinking-related consequences.
Journal Name
Substance Use & Misuse
Journal Volume
48
Issue Number
10
Page Numbers
821-836
DOI
10.3109/10826084.2013.797995.
Summary
Many Service members struggle with both alcohol abuse and traumatic injuries. This study investigated whether traumatic brain injuries and alcohol abuse were associated by surveying various Service members from branches of the military. Findings suggest there may be an association between experiencing a traumatic brain injury and negative drinking-related consequences.
Key Findings
Negative drinking-related consequences were higher for those who screened positive for posttraumatic stress disorder.
Of the study population, 9.7% reported a traumatic brain injury after being exposed to an injury during their most recent deployment.
Negative drinking-related consequences were higher among males, younger age groups, singles, those with less education, those who were Latino, and those in the Army.
Implications for Program Leaders
Provide education for Service members about how to avoid excessive amounts of alcohol after a potential traumatic brain injury
Host support groups and disseminate resources for the Service members who exhibit unhealthy drinking habits
Provide referrals to a mental health professional for families and Service members who suffer from a traumatic brain injury and negative drinking habits
Implications for Policy Makers
Continue to support programs that encourage Service members to learn about self-care and how to engage in healthy habits and coping skills after a traumatic accident
Encourage the development and continuation of programs that help Service members cope with reintegration with their families post-deployment
Recommend education for military family members on how to support their loved one after a traumatic brain injury
Methods
The 2008 Department of Defense Survey of Health Related Behaviors among Active Duty Military Personnel was completed anonymously by 28,546 Active Duty military personnel.
Service members were selected by separating the population into 12 groups based on pay grade and gender.
The final study sample included 42.8% of participants who were home for 6-7 months, 34.9% who were home for 8-9 months, 11.8% who were home for 10 months and 10.5% who were home for 11 months of the past year.
In the survey, participants were asked to answer 22 questions about negative drinking-related consequences they experienced in the past 12 months.
Participants
Participants consisted of 3,350 Active Duty military personnel. Of the participants, 27% were in the Army, 66.7% were White/Non-Latino, 15% were Black/Non-Latino, 9.8% were Latino, and 8.4% other.
Of the Service members who participated in the study, 42.8% were home for 6-7 months, 34.9% were home for 8-9 months, 11.8% were home for 10 months, and 10.5% were home for 11 months of the past year.
The majority of the sample was enlisted personnel who had at least two deployments since 9/11/01.
Limitations
This study relied on self-report from Service members instead of medical records; therefore, it is unclear if Service members had a formal diagnosis of a traumatic brain injury.
This study cannot make strong inferences about the association between traumatic brain injury and negative drinking related consequences because data was taken at only one time point.
Data may have been inaccurate due to the participants self-report of negative consequences related to drinking, because factors such as distrust and social desirability may have led some participants to under-report.
Avenues for Future Research
Design and implement preventative interventions for those with a traumatic brain injury with a loss of consciousness
Explore different methods of studying negative drinking-related consequences to better understand the limitations of self-reporting due to distrust or social desirability
Examine drinking behaviors prior to deployment as well as post deployment to see how these patterns may have changed
Focus
Multiple Branches
Target Population
Population Focus
Military Component
Abstract
This study used the 2008 Department of Defense Survey of Health Related Behaviors among Active Duty Military Personnel to determine whether traumatic brain injury (TBI) is associated with past year drinking-related consequences. The study sample included currently-drinking personnel who had a combat deployment in the past year and were home for ≥6 months ( N = 3,350). Negative binomial regression models were used to assess the incidence rate ratios of consequences, by TBI-level. Experiencing a TBI with a loss of consciousness >20 minutes was significantly associated with consequences independent of demographics, combat exposure, posttraumatic stress disorder, and binge drinking. The study’s limitations are noted.
Abstract Document
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