The Association Between Mental Health and Cigarette Smoking in Active Duty Military Members
Abstract
The aim of this research project is to determine if a relationship exists between mental health disorders and cigarette smoking in active duty military members. If a relationship exists, this information could guide the formulation of policy and the development of programs to assist service members in smoking cessation and ultimately improved health and readiness. A cross-sectional prevalence study was conducted that includes descriptive statistics, univariate analysis, and multivariate logistic regression analysis of the association between any cigarette smoking during the past 30 days and four main predictors: need for further depression evaluation, reception of mental health treatment in the past 12 months, perceived need for mental health counseling in the past 12 months, and prescription of medications for depression or anxiety. The study population consisted of 16,146 active duty military members who responded to the 2005 Department of Defense Survey of Health Related Behaviors Among Active Duty Military Personnel. The results of the analysis showed that there is an association between mental health predictors and any smoking after controlling for a wide range of covariates. Active duty military members who may have a need for further depression evaluation, who have received mental health counseling, who felt they needed mental health counseling, and/or who have been prescribed mental health medication are more likely to have smoked at least one cigarette in the past 30 days. These findings, as well as subsequent research, could be applied in the development of smoking prevention and cessation programs.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA536536
Entities
People
- Erich W. Schroeder
Organizations
- Air Force Research Laboratory