Effect of a New Gender-Specific Definition for Heavy Drinking on Prevalence and Risk Estimates for Male and Female Marine Corps Personnel

Abstract

This study assessed the impact of a definition change on the prevalence estimates and the odds of heavy drinking among a large sample of male and female Marine Corps personnel using data from the 2008 and 2011 Department of Defense Health Related Behaviors surveys. It appears that, based on the new gender-specific definition, female Marines' risk for heavy drinking is comparable to that of males. This finding highlights the need to address gender-specific risks in alcohol prevention efforts in the U.S. Marine Corps. These results provide valuable baseline estimates by which to compare future heavy-drinking rates in military personnel.