Citation

Thandi G, Sundin J, Dandeker C, Jones N, Greenberg N, Wessely S, Fear NT. Occup. Med. 2015; 65(5): 413-416.

Affiliation

King's Centre for Military Health Research, King's College London, London SE5 9RJ, UK.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, Oxford University Press)

DOI

10.1093/occmed/kqv057

PMID

26187806

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Deploying in a combat role negatively impacts risk-taking behaviours, such as drinking, smoking and risky driving in regular UK military personnel. Little is known about the impact of deployment on the risk-taking behaviours of reservists. AIMS: To explore the impact of deployment on risk-taking behaviours among reservists.

METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study. Hazardous drinking, risky driving, physical violence, smoking and attendance at accident and emergency (A&E) departments as a result of risk-taking behaviours were assessed by self-reported questionnaire.

RESULTS: There were 1710 participants in the study; response rate 51%. The overall prevalence of risk-taking behaviours was: hazardous drinking 46%, smoking 18%, risky driving 11%, attending A&E due to risky behaviours 13% and reporting physical violence 3%. Deployment was significantly associated with risky driving [odds ratio (OR) 1.88, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.25-2.81], smoking (OR 2.02, 95% CI 1.46-2.78) and physical violence (OR 3.63, 95% CI 1.88-7.02).

CONCLUSIONS: It is important to consider the impact of deployment and military factors on the prevalence of risk-taking behaviours in reservists as greater numbers than ever before will face the prospect of deployment to overseas conflicts.

Language: en