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PREVALENCE OF TOBACCO ABUSE IN A UNITED STATES MARINE CORP INFANTRY BATTALION FORWARD DEPLOYED IN THE HADITHA TRIAD AREA OF OPERATIONS, AL ANBAR, IRAQ

United States Navy, 3rd Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, New Orleans, LA

PURPOSE:The prevalence of tobacco abuse has been reported to be higher amongst US Military personal in prior studies. This study looks specifically at prevalence of tobacco usage of a combat unit during deployment to Iraq in support of Operation Iraq Freedom from 2007 through 2008.

METHODS:During the 3rd Infantry Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Divisions deployment in support of combat operations in Iraq, a survey was conducted to assess the prevalence of tobacco abuse and usage patterns related to service. A cross section of 408 Marines and Sailors in the battalion (37%) were surveyed. Constraints related to operations and mobility prevented surveying the entire battalion in country.

RESULTS:Overall, 260 of the 408 Marines and Sailors surveyed (64%) used some form of tobacco. Of those, 213 (52%) smoked cigarettes, 145 (36%) used smokeless tobacco (dip, chew), and 98 (24%) used both. Amongst smokers, the average daily amount consumed was 12 cigarettes. The average daily use of smokeless tobacco was 1/2 a can. Amongst smokers 80% stated that being in the military had increased their use of cigarettes while 72% stated the Iraq deployment had increased their use. Amongst smokeless abusers, 60% stated being in the military increased their use of tobacco while 57% stated the Iraq deployment had increased their use of tobacco. For all tobacco abusers 74% expressed a desire to quit using tobacco.

CONCLUSION:The prevalence of tobacco abuse during deployment to Iraq was significantly higher than the national average of 29.6% reported in a 2006 National Survey. The rate of usage was also higher than the 38.9% reported for troops returning from Iraq based on a 2004 survey.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS:This study indicates the prevalence of tobacco abuse in combat units deployed to Iraq is substantially higher than the national average. Such abuse will likely cause a greater negative impact on the long term health of US Veterans then combat related injuries and will have great finical consequences for both VA and US healthcare systems.

DISCLOSURE:Michael Wilson, None.