title: Predictors of Positive Illicit Drug Tests After OEF/OIF Deployment Among Army Enlisted Service Members.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To identify characteristics associated with testing positive for illicit drugs postdeployment among Army enlisted members.
  
  
  METHODS
  Army active duty and National Guard/Reserve enlisted members returning from Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom deployments in fiscal years 2008 to 2011, who submitted urine specimens for random and other illicit drug tests up to 3 years postdeployment, were included. Multiple logistic regression models, stratified by component, identified demographic and deployment characteristics associated with any positive drug test (cocaine, heroin, tetrahydrocannabinol [marijuana], or amphetamine) during the 3 years postdeployment.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Among Army active duty and National Guard/Reserve enlisted members, respectively, 3.46% (95% confidence interval 3.40-3.52) and 3.84% (confidence interval 3.74-3.94) tested positive for 1+ illicit drugs during the 3 years postdeployment; the vast majority for marijuana. Relative to other groups, increased odds of a positive drug test were found for members with a combat specialist occupation, or first deployers.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Almost 4% of Army members tested positive for illicit drug use within 3 years of return from deployment. Early identification and intervention with enlisted members who are more likely to test positive for illicit drug use should be explored to see if it will enhance health and reduce illegal drug use after deployment to a war zone.
authors.affiliation: The Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University, 415 South Street, Waltham, MA 02453.
authors.forename: Mary Jo
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Larson
authors.affiliation: The Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University, 415 South Street, Waltham, MA 02453.
authors.forename: Beth A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Mohr
authors.affiliation: Clinical Support Division, Healthcare Operations Directorate, Defense Health Agency, Department of Defense, 7700 Arlington Boulevard, Falls Church, VA 22042.
authors.forename: Diana D
authors.initials: DD
authors.lastname: Jeffery
authors.affiliation: The Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University, 415 South Street, Waltham, MA 02453.
authors.forename: Rachel Sayko
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Adams
authors.affiliation: Decision Support, Defense Health Agency, Department of Defense, 7700 Arlington Boulevard, Falls Church, VA 22042.
authors.forename: Thomas V
authors.initials: TV
authors.lastname: Williams
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D055826:Afghan Campaign 2001-; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D013287:Illicit Drugs; D007493:Iraq / Q000453:epidemiology; D054542:Iraq War, 2003-2011; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008889:Military Personnel / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012307:Risk Factors; D015813:Substance Abuse Detection; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000652:urine; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D013287:Illicit Drugs