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Gibson CJ, Bahorik A, Xia F, Peltz C, Yaffe K. Intimate Partner Violence, Mental Health, and Aging-Related Health Among Men and Women Veterans Across the Lifespan. J Gen Intern Med 2024; 39:931-939. [PMID: 37962725 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-023-08466-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A growing body of evidence suggests adverse health outcomes related to intimate partner violence (IPV), including traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, most research in this area has focused on reproductive-aged women. OBJECTIVE To examine relationships between IPV (with and without TBI), mental health, and aging-related health outcomes among men and women Veterans across the lifespan. DESIGN Cross-sectional analysis of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) administrative data from fiscal years 2000-2019. Descriptive statistics and chi-square analyses were used to compare key comorbidities in matched samples of Veterans with and without IPV (gender-stratified and matched 1:3 based on demographics and index date). Comparisons between those with IPV and TBI relative to IPV alone were also examined. SUBJECTS Veterans aged 18 + with and without documented IPV in Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) electronic health records (n = 4108 men, 2824 women). MAIN MEASURES ICD codes were used to identify IPV, TBI, and aging-related medical (sleep disorder, hypertension, diabetes, dementia) and common psychiatric (depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, alcohol use disorder, and substance use disorder) diagnoses. KEY RESULTS Demographic characteristics were reflective of VA-enrolled Veterans (men: mean age 66, SD 16; 72% non-Hispanic White; women: mean age 47, SD 13; 64% non-Hispanic White). Relative to Veterans without IPV, both men and women with IPV had higher rates of all examined medical (e.g., sleep disorders, men: 33% vs. 52%; women: 45% vs. 63%) and psychiatric diagnoses (e.g., depression, men 32% vs. 74%; women 59% vs. 91%; all ps < .001), with evidence of an additive effect of TBI on some psychiatric outcomes. CONCLUSIONS IPV is broadly associated with aging-related and mental health, and TBI is a common correlate that may further contribute to psychiatric outcomes. Findings highlight the importance of trauma-informed care and recognizing the potential role of these exposures on men and women Veterans' health across the lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn J Gibson
- San Francisco VA Health Care System, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Amber Bahorik
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Feng Xia
- NCIRE-The Veterans' Health Research Institute, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Carrie Peltz
- NCIRE-The Veterans' Health Research Institute, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kristine Yaffe
- San Francisco VA Health Care System, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- San Francisco Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Clair KS, Yano EM, Fickel JJ, Brunner J, Canelo I, Hamilton A. Enhancing Primary Care and Mental Health Integration for Women Veterans with Complex Healthcare Needs Using Evidence-Based Quality Improvement. J Gen Intern Med 2024:10.1007/s11606-024-08737-3. [PMID: 38689118 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-024-08737-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Women Veterans with co-morbid medical and mental health conditions face persistent barriers accessing high-quality health care. Evidence-based quality improvement (EBQI) offers a systematic approach to implementing new care models that can address care gaps for women Veterans. OBJECTIVE This study examines factors associated with the successful deployment of EBQI within integrated health systems to improve primary care for women Veterans with complex mental health needs. DESIGN Following a 12-site (8 EBQI, 4 control) cluster randomized study to evaluate EBQI effectiveness, we conducted an in-depth case study analysis of one women's health clinic that used EBQI to improve integrated primary care-mental health services for women Veterans. PARTICIPANTS Our study sample included providers, program managers, and clinic staff at a women Veteran's health clinic that, at the time of the study, had one Primary Care and Mental Health Integration team and one women's health primary care provider serving 800 women. We analyzed interviews conducted 12 months, 24 months, and 4 years post-implementation and call summaries between the clinic and support team. MAIN MEASURES We conducted qualitative thematic analysis of interview and call summary data to identify EBQI elements, clinic characteristics, and reported challenges and successes within project development and execution. KEY RESULTS The clinic harnessed core EBQI elements (multi-level stakeholder engagement, data-driven progress-monitoring, PDSA cycles, sharing results) to accomplish pre-defined project goals, strengthen inter-disciplinary partnerships, and bolster team confidence. Clinic characteristics that facilitated implementation success included prior QI experience and an organizational culture responsive to innovation, while lack of pre-existing guidelines and limited access to centralized databases posed implementation challenges. CONCLUSIONS Successful practice transformation emerges through the interaction of evidence-based methods and site-specific characteristics. Examining how clinic characteristics support or impede EBQI adaptation can facilitate efforts to improve care within integrated health systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly S Clair
- HSR&D Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation, and Policy, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Elizabeth M Yano
- HSR&D Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation, and Policy, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Fielding School of Public Health at University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jacqueline J Fickel
- HSR&D Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation, and Policy, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Julian Brunner
- HSR&D Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation, and Policy, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ismelda Canelo
- HSR&D Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation, and Policy, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Alison Hamilton
- HSR&D Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation, and Policy, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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Schein J, Houle C, Urganus A, Cloutier M, Patterson-Lomba O, Wang Y, King S, Levinson W, Guérin A, Lefebvre P, Davis LL. Prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder in the United States: a systematic literature review. Curr Med Res Opin 2021; 37:2151-2161. [PMID: 34498953 DOI: 10.1080/03007995.2021.1978417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study synthesized evidence regarding the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the United States (US). METHODS A systematic literature review (SLR) identified recently published (2015-2019) observational studies of PTSD prevalence in the US via the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PsycINFO databases. Eligible studies' most recent data were collected no earlier than 2013. Data elements extracted included study design, sample size, location, data source/year(s), study population(s), traumatic event type, prevalance estimates with corresponding look-back periods, and clinical metrics. RESULTS Data from 38 identified articles were categorized by population, diagnostic criteria, and lookback period. Among civilians, point prevalence ranged from 8.0% to 56.7%, 1-year prevalence from 2.3% to 9.1%, and lifetime prevalence from 3.4% to 26.9%. In military populations, point prevalence ranged from 1.2% to 87.5%, 1-year prevalence from 6.7% to 50.2%, and lifetime prevalence from 7.7% to 17.0%. Within these ranges, several estimates were derived from relatively high quality data; these articles are highlighted in the review. Prevalence was elevated in subpopulations including emergency responders, refugees, American Indian/Alaska Natives, individuals with heavy substance use, individuals with a past suicide attempt, trans-masculine individuals, and women with prior military sexual trauma. Female sex, lower income, younger age, and behavioral health conditions were identified as risk factors for PTSD. CONCLUSIONS PTSD prevalence estimates varied widely, partly due to different study designs, populations, and methodologies, and recent nationally representative estimates were lacking. Efforts to increase PTSD screening and improve disease awareness may allow for a better detection and management of PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey Schein
- Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization, Inc, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Yao Wang
- Analysis Group, Inc, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Lori L Davis
- Tuscaloosa Veteran Affairs Medical Center, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of Alabama School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, USA
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Evans R, Burns J, Damschroder L, Annis A, Freitag MB, Raffa S, Wiitala W. Deriving Weight from Big Data: A Comparison of Body Weight Measurement Cleaning Algorithms (Preprint). JMIR Med Inform 2021; 10:e30328. [PMID: 35262492 PMCID: PMC8943548 DOI: 10.2196/30328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Patient body weight is a frequently used measure in biomedical studies, yet there are no standard methods for processing and cleaning weight data. Conflicting documentation on constructing body weight measurements presents challenges for research and program evaluation. Objective In this study, we aim to describe and compare methods for extracting and cleaning weight data from electronic health record databases to develop guidelines for standardized approaches that promote reproducibility. Methods We conducted a systematic review of studies published from 2008 to 2018 that used Veterans Health Administration electronic health record weight data and documented the algorithms for constructing patient weight. We applied these algorithms to a cohort of veterans with at least one primary care visit in 2016. The resulting weight measures were compared at the patient and site levels. Results We identified 496 studies and included 62 (12.5%) that used weight as an outcome. Approximately 48% (27/62) included a replicable algorithm. Algorithms varied from cutoffs of implausible weights to complex models using measures within patients over time. We found differences in the number of weight values after applying the algorithms (71,961/1,175,995, 6.12% to 1,175,177/1,175,995, 99.93% of raw data) but little difference in average weights across methods (93.3, SD 21.0 kg to 94.8, SD 21.8 kg). The percentage of patients with at least 5% weight loss over 1 year ranged from 9.37% (4933/52,642) to 13.99% (3355/23,987). Conclusions Contrasting algorithms provide similar results and, in some cases, the results are not different from using raw, unprocessed data despite algorithm complexity. Studies using point estimates of weight may benefit from a simple cleaning rule based on cutoffs of implausible values; however, research questions involving weight trajectories and other, more complex scenarios may benefit from a more nuanced algorithm that considers all available weight data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Evans
- Center for Clinical Management Research, Veterans Health Administration, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Jennifer Burns
- Center for Clinical Management Research, Veterans Health Administration, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Laura Damschroder
- Center for Clinical Management Research, Veterans Health Administration, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Ann Annis
- Center for Clinical Management Research, Veterans Health Administration, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- College of Nursing, Michigan State University, Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Michelle B Freitag
- Center for Clinical Management Research, Veterans Health Administration, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Susan Raffa
- National Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, Veterans Health Administration, Durham, NC, United States
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Wyndy Wiitala
- Center for Clinical Management Research, Veterans Health Administration, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
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Braun TD, Uebelacker LA, Ward M, Holzhauer CG, McCallister K, Abrantes A. "We really need this": Trauma-informed yoga for Veteran women with a history of military sexual trauma. Complement Ther Med 2021; 59:102729. [PMID: 33965560 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2021.102729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2020] [Revised: 03/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Up to 70% of women service members in the United States report military sexual trauma (MST); many develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and co-occurring disorders. Trauma-informed yoga (TIY) is suggested to improve psychiatric symptoms and shown feasible and acceptable in emerging research, yet no work has evaluated TIY in MST survivors. The current quality improvement project aimed to examine TIY's feasibility, acceptability, and perceived effects in the context of MST. DESIGN Collective case series (N = 7). SETTING New England Vet Center. INTERVENTIONS Extant TIY program (Mindful Yoga Therapy) adapted for Veteran women with MST in concurrent psychotherapy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Attrition and attendance; qualitative exit interview; validated self-report measure of negative affect pre/post each yoga class, and symptom severity assessments and surveys before (T1; Time 1) and after the yoga program (T2; Time 2). RESULTS Feasibility was demonstrated and women reported TIY was acceptable. In qualitative interviews, women reported improved symptom severity, diet, exercise, alcohol use, sleep, and pain; reduced medication use; and themes related to stress reduction, mindfulness, and self-compassion. Regarding quantitative change, results suggest acute reductions in negative affect following yoga sessions across participants, as well as improved affect dysregulation, shame, and mindfulness T1 to T2. CONCLUSIONS TIY is both feasible and acceptable to Veteran women MST survivors in one specific Vet Center, with perceived behavioral health benefits. Results suggest TIY may target psychosocial mechanisms implicated in health behavior change (stress reduction, mindfulness, affect regulation, shame). Formal research should be conducted to confirm these QI project results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tosca D Braun
- VA Central Western Massachusetts, 421 N. Main St., Leeds, MA, 01053, United States; West Springfield, MA Vet Center, 95 Ashley Ave., West Springfield, MA, 01089-1352, United States; Centers for Behavioral and Preventive Medicine, The Miriam Hospital, 196 Richmond St., Providence, RI, 02903, United States(1); Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Box G-BH, 700 Butler Drive, Providence, RI, 02906, United States.
| | - Lisa A Uebelacker
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Box G-BH, 700 Butler Drive, Providence, RI, 02906, United States; Psychosocial Research, Butler Hospital, 345 Blackstone Blvd., Providence, RI, 02906, United States.
| | - Mariana Ward
- Memorial Sloan Kettering, Sloan Kettering Institute, 1275 York Ave., New York, NY, 10065, United States.
| | - Cathryn Glanton Holzhauer
- VA Central Western Massachusetts, 421 N. Main St., Leeds, MA, 01053, United States; Department of Psychiatry, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 55 Lake Ave., North Worcester, MA, 01655, United States.
| | - Kelly McCallister
- West Springfield, MA Vet Center, 95 Ashley Ave., West Springfield, MA, 01089-1352, United States.
| | - Ana Abrantes
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Box G-BH, 700 Butler Drive, Providence, RI, 02906, United States; Behavioral Medicine and Addictions Research, Butler Hospital, 345 Blackstone Blvd., Providence, RI, 02906, United States.
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A Systematic Review of the Associations of Adult Sexual Abuse in Women with Cardiovascular Diseases and Selected Risk Factors. Glob Heart 2020; 15:65. [PMID: 33150130 PMCID: PMC7518072 DOI: 10.5334/gh.760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim To systematically assess the association between adult sexual abuse (ASA) and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) of heart attack and stroke, and their risk factors of hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidaemia and obesity. Methods Two authors conducted a PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science review of the literature published prior to 1 October 2019. Relevant English language studies irrespective of study design and data collection techniques were included. Included articles needed to have examined ASA per se independent of physical or psychological/emotional abuse, and childhood sexual abuse. Results Of the 3260 articles identified, nine were selected from 97 full-text articles assessed for eligibility (n = 855 206 women). Six studies were cross-sectional in design while three articles were from longitudinal studies; all emanated from the United States. One study only (n = 867) performed clinical assessments (heights and weights) to determine the relevant outcome (obesity), four presented self-reported outcomes (heart attack, stroke, hypertension, diabetes, obesity), two reviewed clinical records and two did not provide details on outcome assessments (obesity). Sexual abuse by an intimate partner was examined in five articles, three assessed military sexual trauma and a single study evaluated any perpetrator. A meta-analysis could not be conducted because of the heterogeneity across studies. The available evidence was insufficient to quantify the relationship, if any, between ASA and CVDs and their risk factors. Conclusions Currently, no longitudinal studies of ASA in general populations have objectively investigated the development of CVDs and their risk factors using clinical and biochemical measurements. In view of the high CVD burden, and the frequency of ASA, it is important to fully understand the relationship between the two.
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Annis A, Freitag MB, Evans RR, Wiitala WL, Burns J, Raffa SD, Spohr SA, Damschroder LJ. Construction and Use of Body Weight Measures from Administrative Data in a Large National Health System: A Systematic Review. Obesity (Silver Spring) 2020; 28:1205-1214. [PMID: 32478469 PMCID: PMC7384104 DOI: 10.1002/oby.22790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2019] [Revised: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Administrative data are increasingly used in research and evaluation yet lack standardized guidelines for constructing measures using these data. Body weight measures from administrative data serve critical functions of monitoring patient health, evaluating interventions, and informing research. This study aimed to describe the algorithms used by researchers to construct and use weight measures. METHODS A structured, systematic literature review of studies that constructed body weight measures from the Veterans Health Administration was conducted. Key information regarding time frames and time windows of data collection, measure calculations, data cleaning, treatment of missing and outlier weight values, and validation processes was collected. RESULTS We identified 39 studies out of 492 nonduplicated records for inclusion. Studies parameterized weight outcomes as change in weight from baseline to follow-up (62%), weight trajectory over time (21%), proportion of participants meeting weight threshold (46%), or multiple methods (28%). Most (90%) reported total time in follow-up and number of time points. Fewer reported time windows (54%), outlier values (51%), missing values (34%), or validation strategies (15%). CONCLUSIONS A high variability in the operationalization of weight measures was found. Improving methods to construct clinical measures will support transparency and replicability in approaches, guide interpretation of findings, and facilitate comparisons across studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann Annis
- Center for Clinical Management ResearchVA Ann Arbor Healthcare SystemAnn ArborMichiganUSA
- College of NursingMichigan State UniversityEast LansingMichiganUSA
| | - Michelle B. Freitag
- Center for Clinical Management ResearchVA Ann Arbor Healthcare SystemAnn ArborMichiganUSA
| | - Richard R. Evans
- Center for Clinical Management ResearchVA Ann Arbor Healthcare SystemAnn ArborMichiganUSA
| | - Wyndy L. Wiitala
- Center for Clinical Management ResearchVA Ann Arbor Healthcare SystemAnn ArborMichiganUSA
| | - Jennifer Burns
- Center for Clinical Management ResearchVA Ann Arbor Healthcare SystemAnn ArborMichiganUSA
| | - Susan D. Raffa
- National Center for Health Promotion and Disease PreventionVeterans Health AdministrationDurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral SciencesDuke University School of MedicineDurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Stephanie A. Spohr
- National Center for Health Promotion and Disease PreventionVeterans Health AdministrationDurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Laura J. Damschroder
- Center for Clinical Management ResearchVA Ann Arbor Healthcare SystemAnn ArborMichiganUSA
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Cuthbert K, Hardin S, Zelkowitz R, Mitchell K. Eating Disorders and Overweight/Obesity in Veterans: Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Treatment Considerations. Curr Obes Rep 2020; 9:98-108. [PMID: 32361915 DOI: 10.1007/s13679-020-00374-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Eating disorders (EDs) and overweight/obesity (OW/OB) have a significant impact on veterans. This review highlights current research on EDs and OW/OB in this population. RECENT FINDINGS Prevalence estimates for both EDs and OW/OB among veterans remain consistent with and possibly higher than those in the general population. Both diagnoses share multiple risk factors, including trauma history, and mental health comorbidities. Although weight loss treatments have been fairly well studied among veteran samples, there are no published investigations on psychotherapies for EDs in this population. The Veterans Healthcare Administration is working to train providers in ED treatments. VHA treatments for OW/OB show some benefits and areas for improvement. Areas for future research include structured assessments for EDs and disordered eating behaviors in veterans to clarify prevalence estimates. There is a need for interventions that consider common mechanisms for ED and OW/OB, and there is a need for more research on the associations between different types of trauma and ED/OW/OB in veterans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristy Cuthbert
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
- National Center for PTSD at the VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, 02130, USA
| | - Sabrina Hardin
- National Center for PTSD at the VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, 02130, USA
| | - Rachel Zelkowitz
- National Center for PTSD at the VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, 02130, USA
| | - Karen Mitchell
- National Center for PTSD at the VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, 02130, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
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Military Sexual Trauma in Older Women Veterans: Prevalence and Comorbidities. J Gen Intern Med 2020; 35:207-213. [PMID: 31713042 PMCID: PMC6957619 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-019-05342-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Revised: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent attention has highlighted the common occurrence and health consequences of military sexual trauma (MST) in younger women veterans. However, almost nothing is known about MST in older veterans. OBJECTIVE To describe MST among older women veterans, including prevalence and common comorbidities. DESIGN Cross-sectional observational study, using data from national Department of Veterans Affairs medical records. PARTICIPANTS Population-based sample of women Veterans aged 55+ with at least one documented MST screen response and at least one clinical encounter in fiscal years 2005-2015. MAIN MEASURES MST screen: medical diagnoses (diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular disease, congestive heart failure, obesity, chronic pain conditions, back pain, dementia, insomnia, sleep apnea, menopause symptoms) and mental health diagnoses (anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, tobacco use, alcohol use disorder, substance use disorder, opioid use disorder, suicidal ideation) from International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision Clinical Modification codes in the medical record. KEY RESULTS In this cohort of older women veterans (n = 70,864, mean age 65.8 ± 10.4 years), 13% had a positive MST screen. In multivariable regression analyses adjusted for age, race/ethnicity, and marital status, MST was strongly associated with most mental health diagnoses, particularly posttraumatic stress disorder (OR 7.25, 95% CI 6.84-7.68), depression (OR 2.39, 95% CI 2.28-2.50), and suicidal ideation (OR 2.42, 95% CI 2.08-2.82). MST was also associated with multiple medical conditions, particularly sleep disorders (insomnia OR 1.61, 95% CI 1.43-1.82; sleep apnea OR 1.48, 95% CI 1.37-1.61) and pain (chronic pain OR 1.58, 95% CI 1.50-1.67; back pain OR 1.40, 95% CI 1.34-1.47). CONCLUSIONS A history of MST is common among older women veterans and associated with a range of medical and mental health diagnoses. These findings call attention to the need for additional research in this understudied population, and the importance of trauma-informed care approaches for women across the lifespan.
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Wischik DL, Magny-Normilus C, Whittemore R. Risk Factors of Obesity in Veterans of Recent Conflicts: Need for Diabetes Prevention. Curr Diab Rep 2019; 19:70. [PMID: 31368008 PMCID: PMC7530827 DOI: 10.1007/s11892-019-1191-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To identify factors associated with obesity in veterans of the recent, Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), and Operation New Dawn (OND) war conflicts. RECENT FINDINGS Over 44% OEF/OIF/OND veterans are obese (BMI > 30 kg/m2), which exceeds the national obesity prevalence rate of 39% in people younger than 45. Obesity increases morbidity, risk for type 2 diabetes (T2D), and mortality as well as decreases quality of life. A scoping review method was used to identify factors associated with obesity in young veterans. Military exposures, such as multiple deployments and exposure to combat, contribute to challenges in re-integration to civilian life in all veterans. Factors that contribute to increased risk for obesity include changes in eating patterns/eating disorders, changes in physical activity, physical disability, and psychological comorbidity. These conditions can contribute to a rapid weight gain trajectory, changes in metabolism, and obesity. Young veterans face considerable challenges related to obesity risk. Further research is needed to better understand young veterans' experiences and health needs in order to adapt or expand existing programs and improve access, engagement, and metabolic outcomes in this vulnerable population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Robin Whittemore
- Yale School of Nursing, 400 West Campus Drive, Orange, CT, 06477, USA
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12
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Gender and the Association between Long-Term Prescription Opioid Use and New-Onset Depression. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2017; 19:88-98. [PMID: 29030323 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2017.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2017] [Revised: 08/28/2017] [Accepted: 09/19/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Women have a higher prevalence of chronic noncancer pain conditions and report more severe pain, yet, it is not known if the association between long-term opioid analgesic use (OAU) and risk of a new depression episode (NDE) differs according to gender. We analyzed patient data from the Veterans Health Administration (VHA; 2000-2012; n = 70,997) and a large private-sector health care organization (2003-2012; n = 22,981) to determine whether long-term OAU and risk of NDE differed according to gender. Patients were free of depression and OAU for 2 years before baseline. OAU duration was defined as 1 to 30, 31 to 90 and more than 90 days, and NDE was defined according to International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes. Gender-stratified Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs). Propensity scores and subsequent inverse probability of treatment weighting controlled for confounding. In the VHA, more than 90 compared with 1- to 30-day OAU was more strongly associated with NDE among female than male patients (female: HR = 1.79 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.45-2.22] vs male HR = 1.25 [95% CI, 1.16-1.34], P = .002). In private sector patients, there was no gender difference in the association between more than 90-day OAU and NDE (female HR = 1.97 [95% CI, 1.64-2.37] vs male HR = 1.99 [95% CI, 1.44-2.74]). Risk of NDE after long-term OAU is similar in men and women in private sector patients but may differ for VHA patients. Future prospective studies are needed to identify mechanisms for the association between longer OAU and NDE. PERSPECTIVE Existing research is mixed regarding gender differences in outcomes after long-term prescription opioid use. This study found both genders have increased risk of an NDE after more than 90 days of opioid use. Women and men may benefit from closer monitoring of mood associated with chronic opioid use.
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