Examining the protective effect of motherhood status on alcohol use: comparing outcomes of US Army Reserve and National Guard Soldiers and Civilian Women

Women are the fastest-growing demographic in the United States military and face increased risks for alcohol-related problems. Motherhood often protects against alcohol misuse in civilian populations; however, it is not known if the demands of multiple, competing intersecting roles of reserve soldiers can complicate this. We hypothesize that civilian mothers will endorse fewer alcohol problems than non-mothers, but that this protective effect will not extend to women in military roles. Data are drawn from women (N = 411) in Operation: SAFETY (Soldiers and Families Excelling Through the Years). The Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) was used to assess alcohol use (AUDIT Total, AUDIT ≥ 8, Consumption, Dependence, Alcohol-Related Harm), the Patient Health Questionnaire assessed depression, and the PTSD-Checklist for DSM-5 assessed PTSD. T-test and chi-square tests compared potential covariates. Logistic and negative binomial regressions examined alcohol use outcomes based on maternal status for civilian and military women separately. Adjusted models controlled for mothers' age, education, depression, and PTSD symptoms. Motherhood status significantly influenced alcohol use outcomes. Compared to non-mothers, civilian mothers reported significantly fewer alcohol-related problems in all unadjusted and adjusted models (ps < 0.05). However, among women in USAR/NG roles, there was no significant difference in any alcohol use outcome by maternal status. Motherhood status was associated with lower risk alcohol use among civilian women. However, this protective relationship was not observed among women in USAR/NG roles. Subsequent research is needed to help better understand the alcohol use of military mothers.