Use of Peer-Based Motivational Interviewing to Reduce Alcohol Use and Sexual Violence Among U.S. Sailors: A...

Risky drinking and sexual violence (SV; i.e., sexual harassment, sexual assault) affect U.S. military personnel, potentially compromising operational readiness. Drinking and SV often co-occur in social settings, making a behavioral risk intervention focused on peers ideal for implementation with military personnel. Here, we present findings from phase 1 of a 3-phase project to develop a peer-based motivational intervention (PMI) aimed at reducing risky drinking and SV among U.S. service members. In this phase we sought to understand sailors' perspectives on alcohol use and SV in the military and to obtain feedback on the relevance, acceptability, and feasibility of the PMI.

Active duty sailors aged 18-24 years were recruited via the Defense Manpower Data Center (N = 23, 52.2% male) to view a video prototype of the PMI and provide feedback via an online interview. Interview transcripts were analyzed qualitatively. Analyses were aimed at answering 2 research questions: (a) How do sailors view risky drinking and SV in the military context? and (b) How do sailors perceive the relevance, acceptability, and feasibility of the PMI to prevent risky drinking and SV among service members?

Sailors described unique features of military culture that perpetuate risky alcohol use and SV, including the normalization of these behaviors, working within a hierarchy, and deployment. Overall, sailors appreciated the PMI's emphasis on commitment to peers, planning, and the engaging nature of the intervention. They also identified challenges to getting busy service members to participate and made suggestions for enhancing participation.

A PMI may be a promising way to address drinking and SV in military contexts.