Cynthia M. Simon-Arndt, MBA, MA, Suzanne L. Hurtado, MPH, Laura Patriarca-Troyk, MA, and Robyn Highfill-McRoy, BS. Behavioral Science and Epidemiology Program, Naval Health Research Center, P.O. Box 85122, San Diego, CA 92186-5122, (619) 553-0131, simonarndt@nhrc.navy.mil

Objective: The objective of this study was to examine drinking patterns and alcohol-related beliefs among Marine Corps women working in the aviation community, and to compare responses with those of male Marines. Method: Data were collected from 260 female and 2,165 male Marine Corps aviation personnel on alcohol-related attitudes, beliefs about alcohol within their command, and alcohol-related behaviors. Results: Female subjects reported that they drank 8.5 days per month (SD=8.0), while male subjects reported drinking 10.0 days (SD=8.0). The mean onset age of drinking for women was 17.8 years (SD=3.4), whereas for men it was 16.7 years (SD=2.8). During the 6 months prior to completing the survey, 30.9% of female respondents report having 5 or more drinks on a typical day when they drink, and 24.3% report having 6 or more drinks at least once per month. Compared with their male counterparts, female Marines were more likely to be aware of the health consequences of drinking, and to feel that heavy drinking they had witnessed affected readiness (pp<.001). Women were less likely to report that most of their friends were drinkers (p<.001), but more likely to feel that nondrinkers were not respected within their squadron (p<.001). Conclusions: Female Marines in the aviation community were more likely to find that the climate of their commands encouraged drinking and to see social events as linked with alcohol. Greater understanding of these differences may improve the effectiveness of prevention programs for Marines of both genders.

Learning Objectives: After reviewing this poster, participants will be informed about respondents’ attitudes about alcohol use. Specifically, the participant will be able to

• Identify consumption patterns among female Marines.
• Describe specific alcohol attitudes more likely to be held by female Marines than male Marines.
• Discuss potential implications of gender differences in alcohol attitudes and misuse patterns

Keywords: Alcohol Use, Women

Related Web page: www.nhrc.navy.mil/rsch/code24/projects/effectivenessalcohol.htm

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.