ABSTRACT

The aim of this cross-sectional study that has been performed among systematically selected 1129 soldiers was to determine the prevalence and the affecting factors of alcohol consumption. The data have been gathered by face to face questionnaire. At the end of the research, it has been determined that 50.2% of soldiers have drunk alcohol at least once at the time of survey. It has been found that the prevalence of alcohol consumption was significantly higher among soldiers who were born in Western region, still living in Western region, born in city center, still living in city center, with high education level, single and smoking more than other groups. Besides, the parallelism between cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption, it has also been determined that when compared to other groups, there was a statistically significant difference among soldiers whose fathers' education level and whose mothers' education levels were high. At the end of the study which has pointed out the mean monthly income affecting alcohol use direct proportionally, it has been evaluated that the efforts against alcohol consumption should be directed to early school ages.

Keywords: Alcohol Consumption, Military Service, Affecting Factors