The Association of Risk-Related Behaviors and Mental Health Symptomatology on Problematic Alcohol Use Among U.S. Army Reserve and National Guard Soldiers.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to examine the association of risk behaviors (i.e., risk perception, risk-taking/impulsivity, and sensation-seeking) and mental health symptomatology (depression, posttraumatic stress disorder [PTSD], anxiety and anger) on problematic alcohol use (alcohol problems and frequent heavy drinking [FHD]) among United States Army Reserve and National Guard (USAR/NG) soldiers.

METHODS

Cross-sectional data (N = 343) from Operation: SAFETY (Soldiers And Families Excelling Through the Years), an ongoing study of USAR/NG soldiers were utilized. Negative binomial regression models investigated risk behaviors and alcohol use controlling for age and sex, with interaction models among risk behaviors and mental health symptoms.

RESULTS

Greater risk perception was associated with a lower likelihood of alcohol problems (p < .05), and FHD (p < .01). Greater risk-taking/impulsivity was associated with a greater likelihood of alcohol problems (p < .01). Interaction models showed moderate risk-taking/impulsivity and high sensation-seeking with depression predicted greater alcohol problems (p < .01, respectively). Greater sensation-seeking and PTSD symptomatology, and sensation-seeking and anxiety were associated with increased alcohol problems (p < .05, respectively). Moderate risk-taking/impulsivity and depression (p < .05), greater risk perception and greater sensation-seeking and anxiety had the highest probability of FHD (p < .05 and p < .01, respectively). No associations between risk behaviors and anger were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

This study assesses the combined associations of risk behaviors and mental health on alcohol use among USAR/NG soldiers. USAR/NG soldiers may benefit from alcohol use interventions that target risk-taking/impulsivity, sensation-seeking behaviors, and mental health symptomatology such as depression, PTSD, and anxiety.