Alcohol-Related Mortality in the U.S. Air Force, 1990
Abstract
Alcohol-related morbidity and mortality represent a major public health problem in the United States, particularly among young males. Standardized comparisons of alcohol use have demonstrated that military members consume more alcohol than matched civilians. To quantify the impact of alcohol use by active duty Air Force members for calendar year 1990, we reviewed 283 death certificates and analyzed the cause of death using the Alcohol-Related Disease Impact (ARDI) computer program. Injuries accounted for 73% of all deaths among active duty Air Force personnel with motor vehicle accidents (MVAs) comprising 31% of total mortality. Sixty-six deaths (23%) were attributable to alcohol-related causes and accounted for 2,300 years of potential life lost before age 65. Analysis of blood alcohol levels taken from a subset of active duty deaths from MVAs and suicides yielded alcohol-attributable fractions which were similar to those obtained by the ARDI method. The implications of these findings and the use of the ARDI analysis in emphasizing and targeting public health programs in military populations are discussed. Alcohol, Accidents, Injuries, Mortality, Military.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1993
- Accession Number
- ADA270574
Entities
People
- Michael D. Parkinson
- Ronald W. Stout
- William H. Wolfe
Organizations
- Armstrong Laboratory