The association between drinking and smoking habits among conscripts in the Danish Navy and Army

In 1982 an alcohol and tobacco questionnaire was given to Danish conscripts on random weekdays in the first two weeks of call-up. The conscripts were asked about the previous day's consumption of alcohol and tobacco. In the navy 94.4% (N = 162) and in the army 92.0% (N = 514) answered the questions. Both smoking and drinking in the navy were found to be more prevalent than in the army, whereas the habits among conscripts in the army and in the civilian population were identical. In the army length of education was found to be inversely related to drinking and smoking, whereas in the navy education did not seem to influence smoking or drinking habits. In the army increasing amounts of drinking were associated with higher prevalences of light to heavy smoking and vice versa. In the navy only heavy drinking was strongly associated with a pronounced rate of heavy smoking. The difference seen between the navy and the army in tobacco and alcohol habits could not be explained by differences in age or level of education. Some other sociological, psychological and life style factors may be involved. We find it relevant to pinpoint high risk populations regarding excessive alcohol and tobacco consumption, so that rational prophylaxis or intervention might be effectuated. Health education programmes ought to contain information about the illnesses of both excessive alcohol and tobacco consumption, as these habits are closely related.