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Success in basic combat training: the role of cigarette smoking
1Department of Family Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson 39216.
Journal of Occupational Medicine. : Official Publication of the Industrial Medical Association
|June 11, 1991
Summary
Heavy cigarette smoking significantly increases a soldier's risk of failing basic combat training. This prospective study found that smoking one or more packs daily doubled the risk of not completing training.
Area of Science:
- Military Medicine
- Public Health
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Military readiness depends on soldiers completing rigorous training.
- Tobacco use is a prevalent behavior among young adults, including military personnel.
- Understanding factors affecting training completion is crucial for military effectiveness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between cigarette smoking and the ability of soldiers to complete basic combat training.
- To determine if the quantity of daily cigarette consumption impacts training outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A prospective cohort study design was employed.
- Demographic and tobacco use data were collected from soldiers before training.
- Training completion data were analyzed against initial questionnaire responses.
Main Results:
- Soldiers smoking one or more packs of cigarettes daily had a 2.05 times greater risk of failing basic combat training (P=0.092).
- No significant relationship was found between a soldier's educational level and training completion.
- The study included 339 smokers and 535 non-smokers.
Conclusions:
- Smoking one or more packs of cigarettes per day may negatively impact a soldier's success in basic combat training.
- Reducing smoking rates among soldiers could potentially improve training completion rates.
- Further research may explore interventions to support smoking cessation in military recruits.