DRINKING BEHAVIORS AND DRINKING INTENTION AMONG ENLISTED SOLDIERS IN THAILAND

Abstract

Alcohol consumption reduces body performance and impairs decision making thus soldiers need to stay active and alert when on duty. This study explored drinking behaviors and intention to drink of 256 enlisted male soldiers served at Saraburi province in Thailand. In May 2017, data was collected using four questionnaires: demographic, drinking behaviors, alcohol use disorder identification test (AUDIT), and intention to drink. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze data. Results of demographic data were age 20 22 (93%), Buddhists (98%), high school education or lower (93%), purchased alcohol with own expense (46.5%). Their hometown were northeast (46.1%), central (50.8%), and northern (3.1%). All of them reported of ever drank alcohol among these were 28.5% of current drinkers, 64.5% of temporary stopped drinking, and 6.6% permanent stopped drinking. Types of favorite alcohol drinks were beer (52.3%), brandy (25.0%), hard liquor (19.5), and mixed cool drinks (3.2%). The mean score of alcohol use disorder identification test was 20.28 (SD = 7.67) indicated heavy drinkers lead to alcohol dependence. There are 4.7 % of low risk drinkers, 25.8% of hazardous drinkers, 14.1% of harmful drinkers, and 55.5% of alcohol dependence. For intention to stop drinking, 58.2% wanted to decrease frequency and quantity of drinking whereas 36.7% uncertain whether will stop drinking, and 3.5% will continue to drink alcohol. This study is the first to provide information about alcohol use in enlisted male soldiers. There is the needs to provide simple advice, brief counseling, and refers to receive treatment in order to prevent alcohol related problems.