COVID-19 Pandemic Responses among National Guard Service Members: Stressors, Coping Strategies, Sleep Difficulties and Substance Use

Holly B. Herberman Mash, Joshua C. Morganstein, Carol S. Fullerton and Robert J. Ursano
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Holly B. Herberman Mash: Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
Joshua C. Morganstein: Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
Carol S. Fullerton: Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
Robert J. Ursano: Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA

IJERPH, 2023, vol. 20, issue 9, 1-11

Abstract: The National Guard (NG) served as a critical component of the US COVID-19 response while concurrently managing personal COVID-19 responses. Understanding pandemic-related concerns, sleep difficulties, increased substance use, and stress management strategies can promote readiness for subsequent disasters. We surveyed 3221 NG service members (75% Army; 79% enlisted; 52% 30–49 years; 81% male) during COVID-19 (August-November 2020). Almost half were activated in response to COVID-19 (mean = 18.6 weeks) and completed the survey 2–3 months post-activation. Service members indicated great concern about family health (39%), the indefinite nature of the pandemic (35%), and their financial situation (23%). Over one-third reported changes in usual sleep amount, 33% described poor sleep quality, and 21% had trouble falling/staying asleep. Increased substance use was reported by 30%, including increased alcohol (13.5%), tobacco (9%), and caffeine/energy drinks (20.1%) consumption. Chi-square analyses and analyses of variance found those who activated reported more increased tobacco and caffeine/energy drink use versus non-activated, with no sleep difficulties nor alcohol use differences. Helpful stress management strategies included spending time outdoors (53%), exercising (48%), talking to family/friends (38%), and having a daily routine (38%). Specific health-, financial-, and job-related stressors were associated with COVID-19. Incorporating stress management in planning/preventive efforts promotes resilience during disasters.

Keywords: military; COVID-19; concerns; coping strategies; stress; substance use; sleep difficulties (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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