Preventing Health Damaging Behaviors and Negative Health Outcomes in Army and Marine Corps Personnel During the First Tour of Duty
Abstract
Health damaging behaviors of young military personnel are reflections of health problems facing all young people in the US. Military life presents opportunities and challenges that may both protect and place young troops at risk for health damaging behaviors. Challenges for maintaining a healthy armed force include high rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), unintended pregnancies (UIPs), misuse of alcohol/substances, and sexual violence. The common thread through these negative health outcomes is volitional behavior. Such behaviors not only result in illness or injury, but also negatively impact performance of military duties and threaten military readiness. Despite military leadership in setting standards and policies regarding professional behavior and universal health care for preventing and eliminating such negative health outcomes, any health problems remain. Building on our previous military research, we plan to develop and evaluate a cognitive-behavioral, skills-building intervention to prevent and reduce young troops' risk for STIs, UIPs, alcohol/substance misuse, and sexual violence. Given current trends toward integrated military training of males and females, this research also seeks to establish the best training practices for educating young troops about health issues that impact military performance and readiness. This research will have direct application for health promotion and disease prevention education strategies designed to reach military men and women early in their careers.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA430575
Entities
People
- Cherrie Boyer
- Mary-ann Shafer
Organizations
- University of California, San Francisco