A comparison of alcohol use and related problems among women and men in the military.

Using data from the 2002 Department of Defense Survey of Health Related Behaviors, we examined levels of drinking and alcohol-related problems (dependence symptoms, driving after drinking, productivity loss, serious consequences) for enlisted men and women and male and female officers. Findings showed that men were more likely than women to be heavy or binge drinkers and to experience alcohol-related problems. Similarly, enlisted men and women were more likely than male and female officers to be heavy or binge drinkers.

Evidence-based practice for acute low back pain in primary care: patient outcomes and cost of care.

Provider adherence with clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for acute low back pain (LBP) and its impact on clinical outcomes and cost are controversial. A panel and cross-sectional design was used to determine the rate of provider adherence to the Department of Defense/Veteran's Administration CPG for Acute LBP which included ergonomic and psychosocial intervention. The relationship among adherent care, patient satisfaction, general health, functional outcome, and cost was examined.

Status of U.S. military retirees and their spouses toward achieving Healthy People 2010 objectives.

Purpose: To assess the status of U.S. military retirees and their spouses 38 to 64 years of age relative to select Healthy People 2010 objectives and to identify sociodemographic characteristics associated with select health behaviors.

Association between obesity and depressive symptoms among U.S. Military active duty service personnel, 2002.

Purpose: The association between obesity and depression remains equivocal. The purpose of this study was to describe the prevalence and association of obesity and depressive symptoms among military personnel.

Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was performed using data (N=10,040) from the U.

Progress toward healthy people 2000 objectives among U.S. military personnel.

Objective: Examine progress toward Healthy People 2000 objectives among active-duty military personnel and identify subgroups at risk for not meeting objectives.

Methods: Comprehensive Department of Defense surveys were completed in 1995, 1998, and 2002. Target behaviors were analyzed for achievement of objectives and demographic factors for their relationship to unmet objectives.

Effect of September 11th terrorist attacks on the self-reported health status of Department of Defense health care beneficiaries.

This study examined the changes in the self-reported health status of Department of Defense health care beneficiaries associated with the September 11th terrorist attacks. Responses to a single-item, general health measure from pre- and post-September 11 quarterly survey events for the calendar year 2001 were analyzed to compare the unfavorable health response rates before and after the attacks. Increases in rates of unfavorable health status following the terrorist attacks were reported by the total population and 39 of 44 subgroups examined.