Behavioral, demographic, and prior morbidity risk factors for accidental death among men: a case-control study of soldiers.
BACKGROUND
In the United States, the leading cause of death for young men is unintentional injury. The experience of the U.S. Army, because it comprises mostly young men, provides insights into factors associated with risk of accidental death. Between 1990 and 1998, accidents accounted for more than half of all deaths of men on active duty in the U.S. Army.


METHODS
All men on active duty in the U.S. Army who died in an accident between 1990 and 1998 were included in the study. For each accidental death case, four randomly selected controls were also included, matched on gender and contemporaneous military service.


RESULTS
In multivariate analyses, accidental death victims were more likely to be unmarried, limited to a high school education, in combat-specific occupations, veterans of a recent deployment, and previously hospitalized for an "injury/poisoning," "mental disorder," or "sign/symptom/ill-defined condition." Of behaviors reported on routine health risk assessments, the strongest predictor of a subsequent fatal accident was motorcycle use while the most excess deaths were attributable to consuming more than five alcoholic drinks per week.


CONCLUSIONS
There are characteristics, experiences, and behaviors that predict accidental death risk. The findings may inform safety and health promotion programs aimed at young adults.
Garvey Wilson
Abigail L
AL
Army Medical Surveillance Activity, U.S. Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine, Washington, DC 20307, USA. Abigail.Wilson@amedd.army.mil
Lange
Jeffrey L
JL
Brundage
John F
JF
Frommelt
Robert A
RA
D000059:Accidents / Q000401:mortality*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008889:Military Personnel / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D012307:Risk Factors; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000401:mortality