U.S. Navy culture linked to drinking

BERKELEY, Calif., June 12 (UPI) -- The nature of the U.S. Navy workplace leads to higher heavy drinking for sailors than for civilians, U.S. researchers said.

Genevieve M. Ames, Michael R. Duke, Roland S. Moore and Carol B. Cunradi of the Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation in Berkeley, Calif., said several issues specific to the Navy contribute to problem drinking -- including the youth of recruits, alternating periods of exertion and boredom and a culture that emphasizes drinking as a mechanism for bonding, recreation and stress relief.

The researchers used statistical analysis of survey data as well as analyses of interviews and observations on bases, ships and submarines.

"A second purpose of the article is methodological in scope," the authors said in a statement. "We sought to use the study findings as a springboard for discussing the challenges and opportunities in carrying out collaborative mixed method research among this population."

The findings were published in the Journal of Mixed Methods Research.