Paternal alcohol misuse in UK military families: A cross-sectional study of child emotional and behavioural problems

Abstract

LAY SUMMARY When parents drink unhealthy amounts of alcohol, it can have negative consequences for their children’s mental health. Although some evidence has shown that members of the military may consume alcohol at unhealthy levels, no study has yet looked at the possible impact on children connected to military families. The authors completed a study among children of UK fathers who served in the military and determined that alcohol misuse by fathers who serve in the military may negatively affect their children’s behaviour. More research is needed to confirm this relationship and identify targets for prevention and harm reduction.