Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 18, 2026

Collecting Sleep, Circadian, Fatigue, and Performance Data in Complex Operational Environments
Published on: August 8, 2019
Middle East aircrew use of alcohol, tobacco, coffee, and medicaments
Moanis M Omar1, Khalid F Al-Mulla, Talal A Al-Seleem
1Faculty of Medicine, Health Science Center, Kuwait University, Hawally, Kuwait. monisbasheer@hotmail.com
Objective:
The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of the use of alcohol, tobacco, coffee, and various medications among flying crew and clerks working in a ministry in Kuwait.
Methods:
In a cross-sectional study, a self-administered questionnaire was filled in by 277 flying crew and 302 clerks of a comparable age and gender ratio.
Results:
Frequencies of using alcohol, tobacco, coffee, and various medications were much higher among flying crew as compared to clerks. Flying crew were a very homogenous group in terms of exposure to the substances studied with only two exceptions: younger people were more likely to drink alcohol abroad (but not in Kuwait), and cabin crew relied on herbal medicine more than pilots.
Conclusions:
Flying crew differ very much from a socially comparable segment of the local population, but it is not possible to discern the impact of occupational risks (jet leg and night shifts) from exposure to foreign influences and, as for alcohol and sedatives, from easier availability.
Related Concept Videos
CNS Depressants: Alcohol and Nicotine
Depressants
Alcohol is a common depressant that can induce a sense of relaxation and reduced inhibition at low doses. Contrary to its occasional...
Sedatives and Hypnotics Drugs: Miscellaneous Agents
Melatonin congeners like ramelteon (Rozerem) and tasimelteon (Hetlioz) selectively bind to melatonin receptors (MT1 and MT2) and thus mimic the actions of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Tasimelteon is primarily used for non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder, common in blind patients. They are also used to treat conditions like insomnia...
Stimulants
Cocaine can be administered via snorting, injection, or smoking. It primarily functions by blocking the reuptake of dopamine, resulting in a euphoric high characterized by an intense sensation of happiness and...
Direct-Acting Cholinergic Agonists: Therapeutic Uses
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation V: Advanced Airway Management Techniques

