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Herriott C, Campbell G, Godier-McBard L, Wood A, Murphy D. Defining military sexual trauma: establishing parameters and perspectives. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2024; 15:2390759. [PMID: 39149943 PMCID: PMC11332300 DOI: 10.1080/20008066.2024.2390759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2024] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: The term military sexual trauma [MST] is increasingly used to describe instances of sexual harassment/assault that occur between serving personnel during military service. However, in the absence of a clear universal definition, MST is an increasingly contested term, with confusion about its scope, application to differing jurisdictions and implications for responses and treatment.Objective: This editorial provides a universal definition of MST, decoupled from any national system or framework.Method: Drawing on existing international evidence about the nature and impact of MST.Results and Conclusion: We argue that MST terminology provides a unique framing which recognises the institutional nature of MST victimisation and situates the context, behaviours, and impact on a continuum of violence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Herriott
- Department of Criminology and Policing, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, UK
- Centre for Military Women’s Research, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford, UK
| | - Gavin Campbell
- Centre for Applied Military Health Research, Combat Stress, Leatherhead, UK
| | - Lauren Godier-McBard
- Centre for Military Women’s Research, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford, UK
- Veterans and Families Institute for Military Social Research, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford, UK
| | - Abigail Wood
- Centre for Military Women’s Research, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford, UK
- Veterans and Families Institute for Military Social Research, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford, UK
| | - Dominic Murphy
- Centre for Applied Military Health Research, Combat Stress, Leatherhead, UK
- King’s Centre for Military Health Research, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
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Gianoli MO, Meisler AW, Gordon R. Examining bias in the award of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability benefits for posttraumatic stress disorder in women veterans: Analysis of evaluation reports and VA decisions. J Trauma Stress 2024; 37:586-593. [PMID: 38462544 DOI: 10.1002/jts.23034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Studies have raised concerns about possible inequities in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)'s awards of disability for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to women. However, the diagnoses and opinions made by disability examiners have not been studied. A sample of 270 initial PTSD examination reports and corresponding VA decisions were studied. Compared to men, women veterans were as likely to be diagnosed with a service-related mental disorder, χ2(1, N = 270) = 2.31, p = .129, odds ratio (OR) = 1.79, 95% CI [0.84, 3.80], and be granted service-connection, χ2(1, N = 270) = 0.49, p = .483, OR = 1.28, 95% CI [0.65, 2.51]. Women veterans were considered to have more psychiatric symptoms, Z = -2.05, p = .041, r = .16, and more psychiatric impairment, Z = -2.48, p = .013, r = .20, but the percentage of disability awarded by the VA did not differ, χ2(1, N = 270) = 0.49, p = .483; OR = 1.28, 95% CI [0.65, 2.51]. Secondary analyses implicate the role of military sexual trauma and premilitary trauma in explaining sex differences in symptoms and impairment. The findings indicate that neither opinions by examiners nor corresponding decisions by the VA regarding service connection reflect a negative bias toward women veterans. Results indicate that unbiased examinations lead to equitable VA claims decisions for women veterans. Future studies of the VA PTSD disability program nationally, including examination procedures and VA policies and implementation, will promote equity for women veterans in the PTSD claims process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayumi O Gianoli
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, Connecticut, USA
| | - Andrew W Meisler
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, Connecticut, USA
| | - Rebecca Gordon
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
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Sexton MB, Cochran HM, Schubert JR, Gorin HM, Paulson JL, Boyd MR, Porter KE, Smith ER. Trauma-focused therapy retention among military sexual trauma survivors: relationship with veterans' sexual or gender minority identification. Cogn Behav Ther 2024; 53:351-363. [PMID: 38317621 DOI: 10.1080/16506073.2024.2313740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Military servicemembers identifying as sexual and gender minorities (SGM) are at increased risk for military sexual trauma (MST) exposure and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Although evidence-based treatments can reduce symptoms of PTSD, treatment attrition is concerning. Unfortunately, evaluations of such approaches with veterans identifying as SGM are currently restricted to case studies offering limited information regarding treatment completion. Both historic and current contextual factors related to military and mental health practices may uniquely influence minority veterans' treatment engagement in veteran healthcare settings. We explored associations between SGM identification and treatment of MST-focused therapy completion patterns (finishing the full protocol [FP] or receiving minimally adequate care [MAC; defined as attending eight or more sessions]). Veterans (N = 271, 12.5% SGM) enrolled in individual Prolonged Exposure or Cognitive Processing Therapies at a Midwestern veterans hospital system. Those identifying as SGM were more likely than non-identifying peers to complete FP treatment and, even when attrition occurred, they were retained longer. For MAC, the SGM group was as likely as non-SGM peers to be retained. This research suggests SGM veterans represent a notable minority of those seeking treatment in association with MST and do not appear at greater risk for discontinuation from trauma-focused treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minden B Sexton
- Mental Health Service, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Heather M Cochran
- Mental Health Service, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jessica R Schubert
- Mental Health Service, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Hillary M Gorin
- Mental Health Service, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Julia L Paulson
- Mental Health Service, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Notre Dame, South Bend, IN, USA
| | - Meredith R Boyd
- Mental Health Service, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Katherine E Porter
- Mental Health Service, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Erin R Smith
- Mental Health Service, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Gaffey AE, Burg MM, Skanderson M, Deviva JC, Brandt CA, Bastian LA, Haskell SG. Electronic Health Record Concordance with Survey-Reported Military Sexual Trauma Among Younger Veterans: Associations with Health Care Utilization and Mental Health Diagnoses. J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2024. [PMID: 38946553 DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2023.0993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Military sexual trauma (MST) is more common among post-9/11 Veterans and women versus older Veterans and men. Despite mandatory screening, the concordance of electronic health record (EHR) documentation and survey-reported MST, and associations with health care utilization and mental health diagnoses, are unknown for this younger group. Materials and Methods: Veterans' Health Administration (VHA) EHR (2001-2021) were merged with data from the observational, nationwide WomenVeterans Cohort Study (collected 2016-2020, n = 1058; 51% women). Experiencing MST was defined as positive endorsement of sexual harassment and/or assault. From the EHR, we derived Veterans' number of primary care and mental health visits in the initial two years of VHA care and diagnoses of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety. First, the concordance of EHR MST screening and survey-reported MST was compared. Next, multivariate analyses tested the cross-sectional associations of EHR screening and survey-reported MST with Veterans' health care utilization, and compared the likelihood of PTSD, depression, and anxiety diagnoses by MST group, while covarying demographics and service-related characteristics. With few MST cases among men, multivariate analyses were only pursued for women. Results: Overall, 29% of women and 2% of men screened positive for MST in the EHR, but 64% of women and 9% of men had survey-reported MST. Primary care utilization was similar between women with concordant, positive MST reports in the EHR and survey versus those with survey-reported MST only. Women with survey-reported MST only were less likely to have a PTSD or depression diagnosis than those with concordant, positive MST reports. There was no group difference in women's likelihood of anxiety. Conclusions: EHR MST documentation is discordant for many post-9/11 Veterans-both for men and women. Improving MST screening and better supporting MST disclosure are each critical to provide appropriate and timely care for younger Veterans, particularly women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison E Gaffey
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine (Cardiovascular Medicine), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Matthew M Burg
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine (Cardiovascular Medicine), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | | | - Jason C Deviva
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Cynthia A Brandt
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Yale Center for Medical Informatics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Lori A Bastian
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine (General Medicine), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Sally G Haskell
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine (General Medicine), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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Yildirim-Ozturk EN, Uyar M, Ozturk M. Determining the prevalence of people's knowledge that third-hand smoke is harmful to health: A meta-analysis study. Public Health Nurs 2024; 41:836-844. [PMID: 38591176 DOI: 10.1111/phn.13313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Although the health effects of first-hand smoke and second-hand smoke are well known, third-hand smoke (THS) is a relatively new concept. We estimated the prevalence of people's knowledge that THS is harmful to health, including for some subgroups, in a meta-analysis. METHODS We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, EBSCO Host, ProQuest, and YOKTEZ databases for the prevalence of people's knowledge that THS is harmful to health using specified search words. A total of 12 publications (n = 8549 people) were included in the meta-analysis. The random effect model was used for meta-analysis, and Cochran's Q test and I2 values were used to determine heterogeneity. Subgroup analyzes and meta-regression were also performed. RESULTS The prevalence of people's knowledge that THS is harmful was 80.1%. The prevalence of people's knowledge that THS is harmful for children was 82%, and the prevalence of people's knowledge that THS is harmful for adults was 70.4%. For health professionals, the prevalence of people's knowledge that THS is harmful for children was 89.8%, the highest prevalence value calculated in this meta-analysis. Cochran's Q test and I2 values indicated that the included studies were heterogeneous. CONCLUSIONS In this meta-analysis, the overall prevalence of people's knowledge that THS is harmful was 80.1%, but large variations were found between samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elif Nur Yildirim-Ozturk
- Public Health Department-Epidemiology Section, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara University, Mamak, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Uyar
- Public Health Department, Faculty of Medicine, Necmettin Erbakan University, Meram, Konya, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Ozturk
- Emergency Service, Ankara Pursaklar State Hospital, Pursaklar, Ankara, Turkey
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Campbell GM, Perry MP, Milford J, Murphy D. Personalising veteran healthcare: recognising barriers to access for minority and under-represented groups of veterans. BMJ Mil Health 2024:e002768. [PMID: 38897640 DOI: 10.1136/military-2024-002768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Veterans are not a demographically homogenous group, yet minority groups continue to be under-represented in research and report feeling less able to access clinical services to seek support. While veteran-specific healthcare has responded to the needs of the majority, the success of veteran mental health services is contingent on serving the whole veteran population. Key to the personalisation of healthcare is the question of access and a need to address specific inequalities and barriers to help-seeking behaviour. In this paper, we explore the issues of access to veteran healthcare at three levels: those barriers common to all veterans; those common to all minority groups of veterans; and those relevant to specific minority groups of veterans. Stigma, military attitudes and culture (eg, stoicism), and access to services and professionals with veteran-specific knowledge are universal barriers across veteran groups. Minority groups report a heightening of these barriers, alongside being 'othered' in veteran care settings, a lack of representation of them or their experiences in service descriptions and advertising, a lack of professional cultural competencies on specific issue, and the veteran environment potentially being retraumatising. Finally, barriers specific to individual groups are discussed. Attending to these is essential in developing holistic approaches to personalised healthcare that meets the needs of all veterans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gavin M Campbell
- Centre for Applied Military Health Research, Combat Stress, Leatherhead, UK
| | - M P Perry
- Op COURAGE North of England, Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, Sunderland, UK
| | - J Milford
- Op COURAGE North of England, Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, Sunderland, UK
| | - D Murphy
- Centre for Applied Military Health Research, Combat Stress, Leatherhead, UK
- King's Centre for Military Health Research, King's College London, London, UK
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Zerach G. Constellations of posttraumatic stress symptoms and posttraumatic growth among Israeli female combat veterans: A latent profile analysis approach. J Clin Psychol 2024; 80:1377-1390. [PMID: 38401144 DOI: 10.1002/jclp.23671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms (PTSS) and posttraumatic growth (PTG) are possible reactions to exposure to potentially traumatic events (PTEs) during military service. However, knowledge about patterns of both PTSS and PTG among female combat veterans is sparse. This study examines constellations of PTSS and PTG among Israeli female combat veterans, as well as military-related exposure and positive psychological correlates of these constellations. METHODS A volunteer sample of Israeli women combat veterans (n = 885) responded to self-report questionnaires in a cross-sectional design study. RESULTS Latent profile analysis (LPA) was used to identify four profiles characterized by unique constellations of PTSS and PTG: moderate PTSS and high PTG (33%), moderate PTSS and moderate PTG (30%), low PTSS and high PTG (30%), and low PTSS and PTG (5.5%). Higher levels of combat experiences were associated with higher odds of inclusion in the moderate PTSS and high PTG and moderate PTSS and moderate PTG profiles. Moreover, compared to the other classes, both low PTSS and high PTG and moderate PTSS and high PTG classes were associated with higher levels of satisfaction with life and happiness psychological outcomes. CONCLUSION The study's findings offer an overview of the complex pattern of associations between PTSS, PTG, and associated predictors and outcomes. Clinicians treating female veterans should be aware of the varying reactions to military service challenges, including the presence of moderate to high levels of PTG reactions in addition to PTSS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gadi Zerach
- Department of Psychology, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
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8
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Tannahill HS, Blais RK. Using Military Screening Questions to Anonymously Recruit Post-9/11 Era Service Members and Veterans Using Online Survey Methods. Mil Med 2024; 189:e1282-e1288. [PMID: 38140962 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usad469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The ability to collect data on posttraumatic reactions following military sexual trauma is impacted by data collection methods, such that under-reporting can occur when data are believed to be identifiable. This may be especially true for topics that are sensitive, including sexual trauma. Ensuring participation from service members using non-identifiable methods is challenging when service history cannot be confirmed. The COVID-19 pandemic complicated data collection due to contact and social distancing requirements and limitations. To attempt to overcome these challenges, this study utilized an anonymous survey delivered by Qualtrics, Inc. with military validation checks that served as a screening mechanism. The purpose of the current report is to describe the development and use of military validation questions to recruit a sample of military sexual assault survivors using an anonymous survey. MATERIALS AND METHODS Qualtrics, Inc., a data collection software company, was contracted to collect data on military service members and veterans who reported military sexual assault. We developed and piloted four validation checks regarding military knowledge, which had to be answered correctly before participants could engage in the survey. This information was common to those who have served but uncommon to civilians, ensuring, to the best of our ability, that those responding were or had been service members. An incorrect response to any of the validation checks resulted in termination from the study. The probability of guessing correctly all four items was 0.16%. RESULTS The current study collected data on 200 women and 200 men, all of whom reported military sexual assault. Data collection took approximately 6 weeks to complete. The validation checks resulted in screening out 1,450 potential participants who provided fraudulent responses. The average cost per participant, which included recruitment costs and participant payment, was $20. Given the histories of military sexual assault, the cohort reported high rates of probable positive screens for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), suicide risk, and moderately severe depression, as well as other interpersonal challenges that are typically reported by those exposed to sexual assault, suggesting our validation checks were effective in recruiting the desired sample. Though not an original goal of our recruitment efforts, 9.75% (n = 39) of our sample identified as a sexual orientation other than heterosexual, including gay, bisexual, questioning, or "other." CONCLUSIONS Use of Qualtrics, Inc. to incorporate validation checks helped us to be more reasonably confident that we were collecting data from military service members who reported military sexual assault. While the probability of a person without current or past military service passing the validation checks was low, it was not impossible. An unanticipated benefit of this platform was the short duration of time it took to complete data collection; the sample was collected within about 6 weeks. This platform may be a good option for investigators who cannot collect face-to-face data.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rebecca K Blais
- Psychology Department, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322, USA
- Psychology Department, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85297, USA
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9
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Schafer KM, Wallace KF, Kroll-Desrosiers A, Mattocks K. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Military Sexual Trauma, and Birth Experiences at the Veterans Health Administration. Womens Health Issues 2024; 34:303-308. [PMID: 38123426 DOI: 10.1016/j.whi.2023.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Women are a growing portion of the U.S. veteran population, and every year the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) serves an increasing number of women seeking obstetrics services. Women veterans experience elevated rates of anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and traumatic events, including military sexual trauma, as compared with women in the general population. It is possible that mental health disorders may be associated with birth experiences. OBJECTIVES We investigated the link between anxiety, depression, PTSD, and military sexual trauma (MST; i.e., rape and sexual harassment) with perceived birth experience (i.e., Negative or Neutral vs. Positive). METHODS Participants included 1,005 veterans who had recently given birth and were enrolled in the multisite, mixed methods study known as the Center for Maternal and Infant Outcomes Research in Translation study (COMFORT). Using χ2 tests, we investigated the relationship between mental health conditions including anxiety, depression, and PTSD and MST with birth experience (coded as Negative/Neutral vs. Positive). RESULTS Findings indicated that participants who endorsed PTSD (39.5%), MST-rape (32.1%), or MST-harassment (51.4%; all p < .05) were significantly more likely to report a Negative/Neutral birth experience (14.7%) versus a Positive birth experience (85.3%). Anxiety and depression were not associated with birth experience. CONCLUSIONS Veterans with PTSD and/or who experienced MST were more likely to report a negative or neutral birth experience. Thus, screening for PTSD and MST during obstetrics services as well as providing trauma-informed obstetrics care during pregnancy, labor, birth, and recovery may be important among veterans seeking obstetric services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Musacchio Schafer
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee; Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, Tennessee.
| | - Kate F Wallace
- VA Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare System, Leeds, Massachusetts
| | - Aimee Kroll-Desrosiers
- VA Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare System, Leeds, Massachusetts; UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Kristin Mattocks
- VA Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare System, Leeds, Massachusetts; UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
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Monteith LL, Holder N, Iglesias CD, Holliday R. Institutional Betrayal and Closeness Among Women Veteran Survivors of Military Sexual Trauma: Associations with Self-Directed Violence and Mental Health Symptoms. J Trauma Dissociation 2024; 25:315-333. [PMID: 36069509 DOI: 10.1080/15299732.2022.2120152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Institutional betrayal is defined as harm caused by an institution to an individual in the context of trust and dependence. High institutional betrayal is associated with poorer health outcomes, and high levels of trust, dependence, or identification with the institution (institutional closeness) may exacerbate the negative effects of institutional betrayal. While military sexual trauma is prevalent among women Veterans and associated with high rates of institutional betrayal, studies of the impact of military sexual trauma-related institutional betrayal have been limited in size and scope and have not examined the potential role of institutional closeness. We conducted a secondary analysis of national survey data collected from women Veterans who screened positive for military sexual trauma (n = 229). Hierarchical logistic and linear regression were used to examine associations between predictor variables (institutional betrayal, institutional closeness, and their interaction) and outcomes of interest and adjusted for age, education, and military sexual assault history. Institutional betrayal was associated with increased odds of suicidal ideation and suicide attempt during or following military service, as well as more severe symptoms of depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Institutional betrayal was not associated with non-suicidal self-injury or lifetime substance misuse. Counter to hypotheses, institutional closeness did not moderate relationships between institutional betrayal and mental health symptoms or self-directed violence. Results underscore the necessity of preventing and addressing institutional betrayal among women Veterans who experience military sexual trauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey L Monteith
- VA Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center for Suicide Prevention, Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Nicholas Holder
- Mental Health, San Francisco Veterans Affairs Health Care System, San Francisco, California, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California San Francisco, School of Medicine, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Christe'An D Iglesias
- VA Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center for Suicide Prevention, Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Ryan Holliday
- VA Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center for Suicide Prevention, Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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Blais RK, Tannahill HS, Cue Davis K. Sexual Risk Taking among Survivors of U.S. Military Sexual Assault: Associations with PTSD Symptom Severity and Alcohol Use. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2024; 61:683-690. [PMID: 37579247 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2023.2232803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
Sexual risk taking may be heightened among U.S. service members and veterans reporting military sexual assault (MSA) exposure. MSA increases the risk for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which is a common correlate of sexual risk taking among civilians. PTSD may relate to sexual risk taking through its association with alcohol use, which increases impulsivity and risky behavioral engagement. Male survivors may be at notably higher risk given greater overall alcohol use and engagement in sexual risk taking relative to female survivors. This study assessed whether higher alcohol use mediated the association between PTSD and sexual risk taking among MSA survivors, and whether this effect differed by sex. Participants included 200 male and 200 female service members and veterans (age: M = 35.89, SD = 5.56) who completed measures of PTSD symptoms, alcohol use, sexual risk taking, and a demographic inventory. In a moderated mediation analysis using linear regression, higher PTSD severity was associated with higher alcohol use, and higher alcohol use was associated with higher sexual risk taking. A significant indirect effect of alcohol use was observed, which was stronger among men. To reduce sexual risk taking among MSA survivors, it may be beneficial to target PTSD symptoms and alcohol use with sex-specific interventions. This line of inquiry would be strengthened by longitudinal studies that explore the fluidity of these experiences to identify periods of elevated risk. Studies that examine alcohol use expectancies and sexual delay discounting could expand our understanding of these associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- R K Blais
- Psychology Department, Arizona State University
| | | | - K Cue Davis
- Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation, Arizona State University
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12
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Rønning L, Shor R, Anyan F, Hjemdal O, Jakob Bøe H, Dempsey CL, Espetvedt Nordstrand A. The Prevalence of Sexual Harassment and Bullying Among Norwegian Afghanistan Veterans: Does Workplace Harassment Disproportionately Impact the Mental Health and Life Satisfaction of Female Soldiers? JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2024:8862605241248432. [PMID: 38686604 DOI: 10.1177/08862605241248432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Experiencing sexual harassment and bullying during military service can lead to negative consequences for a soldier's mental health and life satisfaction, including increased risk of depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress. No studies have to date investigated the prevalence and correlates of sexual harassment and bullying among Norwegian Afghanistan veterans, despite the increased global focus on these topics. In 2020, 6,205 Norwegian Afghanistan veterans (8.3% women) completed an online post-deployment survey, including questions about experiences of sexual harassment, bullying, mental health, and life satisfaction. Compared to their male counterparts, female veterans experienced significantly more sexual harassment and bullying during Afghanistan deployment (3.2% vs. 0.04% for experiencing sexual harassment, and 4.0% vs. 1.0% for bullying) and during other military services (14.3% vs. 0.4% for sexual harassment, and 15.9% vs. 3.7% for bullying). Sexual harassment was associated with younger age and experiencing childhood sexual harassment for both women and men, with men also having longer deployments. Bullying was associated with longer deployments and childhood sexual harassment for women, while men who reported bullying more often had longer deployments, held an officer rank, were less inclined to have a spouse/intimate partner, and reported childhood sexual harassment and bullying. Both sexual harassment and bullying were associated with increased risk of mental health problems and reduced life satisfaction for women, but this was only true for bullying among men. Despite lower reported rates of workplace harassment compared to studies from other cultures, this study demonstrates that sexual harassment and bullying in the military can negatively impact soldiers' mental health and life satisfaction. Notably, female veterans' mental health and life satisfaction appear to be particularly affected by sexual harassment during military service, an association not seen in males. This underscores the need for gender-specific, cultural, and context-sensitive prevention and support for workplace harassment experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Line Rønning
- Department of Psychology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Rachel Shor
- Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc., Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Frederick Anyan
- Department of Psychology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Odin Hjemdal
- Department of Psychology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Hans Jakob Bøe
- Institute of Military Psychiatry, Norwegian Armed Forces Joint Medical Services, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Catherine L Dempsey
- Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc., Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Andreas Espetvedt Nordstrand
- Department of Psychology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
- Institute of Military Psychiatry, Norwegian Armed Forces Joint Medical Services, Oslo, Norway
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Liang T. Sexual Harassment at Work: Scoping Review of Reviews. Psychol Res Behav Manag 2024; 17:1635-1660. [PMID: 38645480 PMCID: PMC11032108 DOI: 10.2147/prbm.s455753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Background This article presents a scoping review of reviews on the topic of Sexual Harassment (SH) in the workplace, a subject that has garnered significant global attention. The phenomenon of SH poses a critical challenge to equal opportunity and gender equity in the workplace. Aim The review aims to synthesize existing research, focusing on the antecedents, consequences, and interventions related to SH. Methods The inclusion and exclusion criteria were established based on the research question, which was adapted from the PICO strategy. A protocol was devised following the "DS-CPC" format, which encompasses considerations related to Documents, Studies, Construct, Participants, and Contexts. The search was carried utilizing several automated databases, specifically focusing on the fields of Psychology, Behavioral Sciences, and Health. Preliminary search yielded a total of 468 articles, and the review ultimately encompassed a total of 22 articles. Results This review critically examines the complexity of SH, including the role of bystanders, the perpetuation of myths and misconceptions, and the exploitation of power imbalances by harassers. It also explores the manifestation of SH in male-dominated workplaces and the varying levels of organizational awareness and response to such incidents. The review highlights the importance of fostering an organizational culture that not only acknowledges and protects victims but also implements effective measures to penalize perpetrators. Implications It aims to elucidate the intricacies of SH and advocate for a workplace environment characterized by respect and accountability. Through this comprehensive analysis, the article seeks to inform and guide future research, policy development, and organizational practices concerning SH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Liang
- East China University of Political Science and Law, Shanghai, 201620, People’s Republic of China
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14
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Marra PS, Seki T, Nishizawa Y, Chang G, Yamanishi K, Nishiguchi T, Shibata K, Braun P, Shinozaki G. Genome-wide DNA methylation analysis in female veterans with military sexual trauma and comorbid PTSD/MDD. J Affect Disord 2024; 351:624-630. [PMID: 38309478 PMCID: PMC11107447 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.01.241] [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: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Military sexual trauma (MST) is a prevalent issue within the U.S. military. Victims are more likely to develop comorbid diseases such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depressive disorder (MDD). Nonetheless, not everyone who suffers from MST develops PTSD and/or MDD. DNA methylation, which can regulate gene expression, might give us insight into the molecular mechanisms behind this discrepancy. Therefore, we sought to identify genomic loci and enriched biological pathways that differ between patients with and without MST, PTSD, and MDD. METHODS Saliva samples were collected from 113 female veterans. Following DNA extraction and processing, DNA methylation levels were measured through the Infinium HumanMethylationEPIC BeadChip array. We used limma and bump hunting methods to generate the differentially methylated positions and differentially methylated regions (DMRs), respectively. Concurrently, we used Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genome to find enriched pathways. RESULTS A DMR close to the transcription start site of ZFP57 was differentially methylated between subjects with and without PTSD, replicating previous findings and emphasizing the potential role of ZFP57 in PTSD susceptibility. In the pathway analyses, none survived multiple correction, although top GO terms included some potentially relevant to MST, PTSD, and MDD etiology. CONCLUSION We conducted one of the first DNA methylation analyses investigating MST along with PTSD and MDD. In addition, we found one DMR near ZFP57 to be associated with PTSD. The replication of this finding indicates further investigation of ZFP57 in PTSD may be warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro S Marra
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, USA; University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Tomoteru Seki
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Tokyo Medical University, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshitaka Nishizawa
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA; Department of Neuropsychiatry, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Takatsuki, Osaka, Japan
| | - Gloria Chang
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, USA; Developmental Psychology Graduate Program, Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Kyosuke Yamanishi
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA; Department of Neuropsychiatry, Hyogo Medical University, Nishinomiya, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Nishiguchi
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA; Department of Neuropsychiatry, Tottori University Faculty of Medicine, Yonago, Tottori, Japan
| | - Kazuki Shibata
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA; Sumitomo Pharma Co. Ltd, Osaka, Osaka, Japan
| | - Patricia Braun
- Department of Biology, Clarke University, Dubuque, IA, USA
| | - Gen Shinozaki
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, USA.
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Fleming CE, Giff ST, Forkus SR, Flanagan JC. Psychosocial Sequalae of Sexual Assault in a Sample of Partnered Adults Experiencing Alcohol Use Disorder and Intimate Partner Violence. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2024:8862605241243335. [PMID: 38591145 DOI: 10.1177/08862605241243335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Research has shown that experiencing a sexual assault results in significant and lasting effects in many psychosocial domains. However, most studies on the impact of sexual assault examine university samples or the immediate aftermath of the assault, not taking into account the longer-term complexities and contexts of life for many victims. The current study seeks to evaluate the role of lifetime sexual assault history on several psychosocial outcomes in adults who are in intimate relationships that have included both intimate partner violence (IPV) and alcohol use disorder. The study included 100 adult romantic couples who were part of a larger project addressing violence and alcohol use. A majority of participants were Caucasian (74.3%) and female (53%). Participants reported on lifetime sexual assault history, depression, perceived stress, maladaptive cognitive emotion regulation, and perceived intimate relationship functioning. Multilevel analyses controlled for couple interdependence as well as current levels of alcohol use and IPV. Results indicated that the presence/absence of sexual assault was only related to perceived life stress (p = .016), while the total number of lifetime assault experiences was related to depression symptoms (p < .001), perceived life stress (p = .052), maladaptive cognitive emotion regulation (p = .048), and dyadic adjustment (p = .003). These findings underscore the importance of investigating sexual assault outcomes in complex populations, as well as the need for more thorough and regular assessment of sexual assault history. Focusing on empowerment and recovery for sexual assault victims of any age is an important tool to prevent the detrimental outcomes that particularly accompany multiple victimizations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sarah T Giff
- Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
- Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Shannon R Forkus
- Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
- Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Julianne C Flanagan
- Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
- Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, Charleston, SC, USA
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Blais RK, Xu B, Tannahill H, Dulin P. Male sex and hazardous alcohol use following military sexual assault increase suicide risk among US service members and veterans. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2024; 15:2312756. [PMID: 38568596 PMCID: PMC10993746 DOI: 10.1080/20008066.2024.2312756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Higher alcohol use and military sexual assault (MSA) are associated with increased risk of death by suicide. Risk for death by suicide is rapidly increasing among females, who report higher rates of MSA, yet actual death by suicide and alcohol use are higher among males. It is not well understood whether higher alcohol use confers greater suicide risk in male or female service members and veterans who have experienced MSA.Objective: To determine whether the association between alcohol misuse and suicide risk was moderated by biological sex in a sample of male and female service members (N = 400, 50% female) who reported MSA.Method: Participants completed surveys of alcohol use and suicide risk as well as a demographic inventory. Linear regression with an interaction term was used to determine if suicide risk differed by sex and alcohol use severity after accounting for discharge status, sexual orientation, and age.Results: Average scores on the suicide risk measure were consistent with an inpatient psychiatric sample and scores on the AUDIT-C were indicative of a probable positive screen for alcohol misuse. Suicide risk was most pronounced among males who reported higher levels of hazardous alcohol use. A sensitivity analysis examining suicide risk by sex and screening results for alcohol misuse (positive/negative) showed that men with a probable positive screen had higher suicide risk.Discussion: The current study provides novel findings on suicide risk among survivors of military sexual violence by including both male and female survivors. Interventions to decrease suicide risk following MSA may consider alcohol reduction strategies, and optimizing these interventions in males. Engaging military culture at both the US Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs to encourage more healthy alcohol consumption may mitigate this public health concern. Future research may consider how country of origin relates to these associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca K. Blais
- Psychology Department, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
- Psychology Department, Utah State University, Logan, UT, USA
| | - Bingyu Xu
- Psychology Department, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Hallie Tannahill
- Psychology Department, Utah State University, Logan, UT, USA
- Wright-Patterson Medical Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base
| | - Patrick Dulin
- Psychology Department, University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, AK, USA
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17
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Rønning L, Nordstrand AE, Hjemdal O, Bøe HJ. Gender differences in mental health outcomes among Afghanistan veterans exposed to war zone trauma. J Trauma Stress 2024; 37:307-317. [PMID: 38270838 DOI: 10.1002/jts.23015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Research has sought to identify whether women have an increased risk of developing mental health problems following military trauma compared to men, but the results are mixed. This study examined gender differences in a range of mental health outcomes within three levels of war zone trauma exposure and investigated gender differences in risk and protective factors associated with clinical mental health problems. Using data from a cross-sectional, postdeployment survey, a sample of Norwegian veterans of recent military operations in Afghanistan (N = 6,205, 8.3% women) were sorted according to reported war zone trauma exposure level (low, medium, high), then assessed for symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), posttraumatic distress, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and alcohol problems. The findings revealed that men who reported low war zone exposure had lower levels of posttraumatic distress symptoms than women, d = -0.20, p = .040, but were more likely to report symptoms of alcohol problems within the low, d = 0.33, p < .001; medium, d = 0.39, p < .001; and high, d = 0.37, p = .049, exposure groups; however, these differences disappeared when all symptom variables were combined into one clinical mental health problem variable. Women with a clinical mental health problem were less likely to report war zone exposure than men, OR = 0.93, 95% CI [0.90, 0.97], p = .001. Findings suggest that although gender differences in mental health symptoms exist, male and female veterans with mental health problems may share more similarities than previously recognized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Line Rønning
- Department of Psychology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Andreas Espetvedt Nordstrand
- Department of Psychology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
- Institute of Military Psychiatry, Norwegian Armed Forces Joint Medical Services, Oslo, Norway
| | - Odin Hjemdal
- Department of Psychology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Hans Jakob Bøe
- Institute of Military Psychiatry, Norwegian Armed Forces Joint Medical Services, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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18
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Slavin AZ, Fischer IC, Pietrzak RH. Differential associations of adverse childhood experiences and mental health outcomes in U.S. military veterans. J Psychiatr Res 2024; 172:261-265. [PMID: 38412789 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2024.02.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are robustly associated with adverse mental health outcomes across the lifespan. Military veterans may be particularly vulnerable to adverse mental health effects of ACEs given their potentially higher prevalence of childhood traumas and compounding effects of military service-related traumas. To date, however, scarce research has examined the differential impact of individual ACEs on mental health outcomes in population-based samples of veterans. To address this gap, we analyzed data from the National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study (NHRVS), which surveyed a nationally representative sample of 4069 U.S. veterans, to examine the association between specific ACEs and major depressive, generalized anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorders, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Results of multivariable logistic regression analyses revealed that emotional neglect and sexual abuse were most consistently associated with these outcomes, even after adjustment for the number of ACEs endorsed. Collectively, results of this study underscore the importance of assessing for specific ACEs-most notably childhood emotional neglect and sexual abuse-and treating these potentially unresolved childhood traumas in veterans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alana Z Slavin
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
| | - Ian C Fischer
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Robert H Pietrzak
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA; Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
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19
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Zaccari B, Sherman ADF, Higgins M, Ann Kelly U. Trauma Center Trauma-Sensitive Yoga Versus Cognitive Processing Therapy for Women Veterans With PTSD Who Experienced Military Sexual Trauma: A Feasibility Study. J Am Psychiatr Nurses Assoc 2024; 30:343-354. [PMID: 35833676 PMCID: PMC9839891 DOI: 10.1177/10783903221108765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common sequela to military sexual trauma (MST) among women veterans. Yoga has shown promise in research examining its benefit for symptoms and sequela of PTSD. AIMS The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of Trauma Center Trauma-Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY) for women veterans with PTSD related to MST. METHOD In this feasibility study, the final sample included women veterans (n = 41) with PTSD related to MST accessing health care in a Veterans Affairs Health Care System in the southeast United States; the majority were African American (n = 33; 80.5%). Interventions used established protocols of 10 weekly sessions of group TCTSY versus 12 weekly sessions of group Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). PTSD was assessed via clinical interview and participant report. Additional data collection included multiple participant-reported outcomes commonly associated with PTSD and psychophysiological measures. We also collected data regarding participant satisfaction and feasibility-related feedback from participants and providers. RESULTS Feasibility and acceptability were evaluated via demand, practicality, fidelity, and acceptability. This was measured by expressed interest, attendance, program completion, barriers to care and satisfaction with treatment, and satisfaction with interventions and data collection. CONCLUSIONS Results indicate the RCT design and TCTSY implementation were feasible; a full-scale RCT was subsequently conducted to determine efficacy of the experimental intervention. Recommendations for successful research strategies are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belle Zaccari
- Belle Zaccari, PsyD, Veterans Affairs Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR, USA
- Belle Zaccari, PsyD, Department of Psychiatry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Athena D F Sherman
- Athena D. F. Sherman, PhD, PHN, RN, CNE, Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Melinda Higgins
- Melinda Higgins, PhD, Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Ursula Ann Kelly
- Ursula Ann Kelly, PhD, APRN, ANP-BC, PMHNP-BC, FAANP, FAAN, Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Ursula Ann Kelly, PhD, APRN, ANP-BC, PMHNP-BC, FAANP, FAAN, Atlanta VA Health Care System, Atlanta, GA, USA
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20
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Nichter B, Hill ML, Maguen S, Norman SB, Fischer IC, Pietrzak RH. Health and psychiatric impairment associated with moral injury, military sexual trauma, and their co-occurrence in U.S. combat veterans. J Psychosom Res 2024; 179:111617. [PMID: 38394711 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2024.111617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Military sexual trauma (MST) and moral injury (MI) are associated with adverse psychiatric and health outcomes among military veterans. However, no known population-based studies have examined the incremental burden associated with the co-occurrence of these experiences relative to either alone. METHOD Cross-sectional data were analyzed from the National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study, a nationally representative sample of 1330 U.S. combat veterans. Veterans reported on history of exposure to MST and potentially morally injurious events (PMIEs). Analyses estimated the lifetime prevalence of MST only, PMIEs only, and co-occurring MST and PMIEs; and examined associations between MST/PMIEs status and psychiatric and physical health comorbidities, functioning, and suicidality. RESULTS The lifetime weighted prevalence of exposure to MST only, PMIEs only, and co-occurring MST and PMIEs were 2.7%, 32.3%, and 4.5%, respectively. Compared with all other groups, the co-occurring MST + PMIEs group reported greater severity of posttraumatic stress, depression, generalized anxiety, and insomnia symptoms. They also scored lower on measures of physical, mental, and psychosocial functioning, and reported a greater number of chronic medical conditions and somatic complaints. Veterans with co-occurring MST + PMIEs were more than twice as likely as those with MST only to report past-year suicidal ideation. CONCLUSIONS The co-occurrence of MST and MI is associated with a greater psychiatric and health burden among combat veterans than either experience alone. Results underscore the importance of assessing and treating MST and MI in this population. Findings underscore the importance for future work to parse overlap between morally salient aspects of MST and the concept of moral injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon Nichter
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States of America.
| | - Melanie L Hill
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
| | - Shira Maguen
- San Francisco VA Health Care System, San Francisco, CA, United States of America; University of California - San Francisco, San Francisco, United States of America
| | - Sonya B Norman
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States of America; VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA; National Center for PTSD, White River Junction, VT, United States of America
| | - Ian C Fischer
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States of America; National Center for PTSD, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Robert H Pietrzak
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States of America; National Center for PTSD, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA; Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States of America
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21
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Presseau C, Carney JR, Kline NK, Grimshaw AA, DeMoss L, Gunderson C, Portnoy GA. Child Maltreatment, Adult Trauma, and Mental Health Symptoms Among Women Veterans: A Scoping Review of Published Quantitative Research. TRAUMA, VIOLENCE & ABUSE 2024:15248380241234345. [PMID: 38468375 DOI: 10.1177/15248380241234345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
The objective of this scoping review was to describe and synthesize the measures, methods, and key findings of published quantitative research examining the influence of child maltreatment (i.e., abuse and/or neglect) and adult trauma exposure on mental health symptoms among women Veterans. A systematic search from database inception to June 2023 generated 18,861 unique articles retrieved and independently screened for eligibility. A total of 21 articles met pre-established inclusion criteria: (a) quantitative data and results within a sample or subsample of U.S. women veterans, (b) published in a peer-reviewed journal, and (c) examining variables of interest simultaneously (i.e., child maltreatment, adult trauma exposure, mental health symptom) in quantitative analyses. Reviewed literature showed a lack of uniformity in measurement and methodologies to evaluate women veterans' lifetime trauma exposure in relation to mental health. Studies most frequently used self-report survey data to evaluate exposure to child maltreatment and/or adult trauma with convenience samples of women veterans (52.4%, n = 11) and examined depressive and/or posttraumatic stress symptomatology. Findings demonstrate the need for additional research attending to the interplay between child maltreatment and adult trauma exposures in relation to women veterans' mental health using comprehensive assessment, longitudinal methods, and understudied as well as more representative samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Candice Presseau
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, USA
- Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Craig Gunderson
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, USA
- Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Galina A Portnoy
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, USA
- Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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22
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Bulanchuk N, Edwards E, Pietrzak RH, Tsai J. The mediating role of social support in associations between childhood adversity, military sexual trauma, and homelessness in a nationally representative sample of US veterans. JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY 2024; 52:399-414. [PMID: 38289875 DOI: 10.1002/jcop.23105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Among veterans, availability of social support and histories of military sexual trauma (MST) and/or adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are particularly salient correlates of homelessness. Using path analyses, we investigated whether social support (i.e., interpersonal social support and community integration) would at least partially account for the relationships of MST and ACEs with any lifetime homelessness in a large, nationally representative sample of veterans (N = 4069, 9.8% female). Interpersonal social support and community integration partially explained the relationship between ACEs and any lifetime homelessness. However, they did not mediate the relationship between MST and any lifetime homelessness. Female veterans also reported higher trauma rates and lower perceived social support than male counterparts during correlational analyses. These results reinforce existing literature on the importance of research and interventions tailored to veterans with low social support and integration. Results have potential to inform interventions and policy for veterans experiencing and/or at risk for homelessness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Bulanchuk
- Department of Counseling and Clinical Psychology, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Veterans Affairs, VISN 2 MIRECC, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Emily Edwards
- Department of Veterans Affairs, VISN 2 MIRECC, Bronx, New York, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Robert H Pietrzak
- Department of Veterans Affairs, National Center for PTSD, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Jack Tsai
- Department of Veterans Affairs, National Center for Homelessness Among Veterans, San Antonio, Texas, USA
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Orchowski LM, Oesterle DW, Borsari B, Berry-Cabán CS, Kazemi DM, Kahler CW, Berkowitz AD. Qualitative Analysis of Bystander Intervention Among Young Adult Male Soldiers Who Engage in At-Risk Drinking. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2024; 39:1104-1131. [PMID: 37850670 DOI: 10.1177/08862605231203597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
Bystander intervention-when someone intervenes to help in situations that pose a risk for harm-is a promising strategy for sexual violence prevention. In the current study, a sample of U.S. Army male soldiers (N = 10; ages 18-24) who engaged in at-risk drinking completed a 90-min individual semi-structured interview to understand the ways in which soldiers intervene to address risk for sexual violence. Two independent raters coded soldier responses using thematic analysis and identified eight main themes: (a) recognizing risk for sexual violence; (b) labeling situations as problematic and taking responsibility; (c) facilitators of intervention; (d) barriers to intervention; (e) intervention strategies; (f) reactions and consequences to intervention; (g) alcohol's influence on intervention; and (h) using bystander intervention to shift cultural norms. As soldiers reported noticing more extreme risks for violence, prevention interventions may help service members identify situations earlier in the continuum of harm. Soldiers anticipated intervening in a way that was physical and aggressive, which could facilitate physical altercation and result in collateral misconduct. Results from the present study reveal ways that bystander intervention programs for civilians can be tailored to address the unique individual, situational, and contextual factors relevant to the military. These findings also highlight the importance of teaching soldiers indirect and nonaggressive strategies for intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Brian Borsari
- San Francisco VA Health Care System, CA, USA
- University of California, San Francisco, USA
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Reinhardt KM, McCaughey VK, Vento SA, Street AE. In Their Own Words: Women Veterans Identify the Personal Consequences of Military Sexual Trauma Victimization. Violence Against Women 2024; 30:722-742. [PMID: 36617939 DOI: 10.1177/10778012221147909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
This qualitative study provides a platform for women veterans to inform our perspective of their experienced impacts following military sexual trauma (MST). We engaged 23 women veterans in semistructured interviews and used a grounded theory-informed thematic analytic approach, to interpret women's experiences. Women described negative impacts of their MST experiences across psychological, behavioral, and occupational domains. Less frequently, women discussed experiences of posttraumatic growth. These results aid our understanding of the complexities of women's posttrauma experiences and suggest that holistic intervention frameworks focused on a range of potential intervention targets are warranted in helping women veterans recover from MST.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Virginia K McCaughey
- Suffolk University and National Center for PTSD at VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Amy E Street
- National Center for PTSD at VA Boston Healthcare System and Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
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Johnson NL, Gutekunst MHC, Robinett S, Lipp NS. 'We need a culture change': military sexual trauma through the lens of rape culture. CULTURE, HEALTH & SEXUALITY 2024; 26:285-302. [PMID: 37083143 DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2023.2202715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Military sexual trauma remains a critical concern within the US military. One possible explanation for the persistence of this trauma is the presence of rape culture. This study examined perceptions of military sexual trauma within the framework of rape culture (i.e. traditional gender roles, sexism, adversarial sexual beliefs, hostility toward women, and acceptance of violence), in addition to associated factors, to address the US Department of Defense's call to focus on the role of culture on military sexual trauma. Focusing on culture is important as subtle norms in culture shape our behaviour and impact the excusal/perpetration of military sexual trauma. Identifying these norms may provide insight into factors to target in prevention efforts to reduce/eliminate military sexual trauma. Forty-two US service members responded to a series of open-ended questions. Standard content analysis procedures were utilised to determine themes. Results paint a complex picture of military sexual trauma, with participants demonstrating concern regarding military sexual trauma, but minimal acknowledgement of behaviour change to reduce military sexual trauma. These results are consistent with the observed increase in prevalence of military sexual trauma and decrease in reporting of it since 2018. Adding to the existing literature, participants noted the continued existence of rape culture within the military and the need for cultural change to address military sexual trauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole L Johnson
- Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System, Biloxi, MS, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Akron, Akron, OH, USA
| | | | | | - Natania S Lipp
- Department of Education and Human Services, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA, USA
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Travis KJ, Huang AJ, Maguen S, Inslicht S, Byers AL, Seal KH, Gibson CJ. Military Sexual Trauma and Menopause Symptoms Among Midlife Women Veterans. J Gen Intern Med 2024; 39:411-417. [PMID: 37957529 PMCID: PMC10897107 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-023-08493-w] [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: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexual assault and/or sexual harassment during military service (military sexual trauma (MST)) can have medical and mental health consequences. Most MST research has focused on reproductive-aged women, and little is known about the long-term impact of MST on menopause and aging-related health. OBJECTIVE Examine associations of MST with menopause and mental health outcomes in midlife women Veterans. DESIGN Cross-sectional. PARTICIPANTS Women Veterans aged 45-64 enrolled in Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare in Northern California between March 2019 and May 2020. MAIN MEASURES Standardized VA screening questions assessed MST exposure. Structured-item questionnaires assessed vasomotor symptoms (VMS), vaginal symptoms, sleep difficulty, depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Multivariable logistic regression analyses examined associations between MST and outcomes based on clinically relevant menopause and mental health symptom thresholds. KEY RESULTS Of 232 participants (age = 55.95 ± 5.13), 73% reported MST, 66% reported VMS, 75% reported vaginal symptoms, 36% met criteria for moderate-to-severe insomnia, and almost half had clinically significant mental health symptoms (33% depressive symptoms, 49% anxiety, 27% probable PTSD). In multivariable analyses adjusted for age, race, ethnicity, education, body mass index, and menopause status, MST was associated with the presence of VMS (OR 2.44, 95% CI 1.26-4.72), vaginal symptoms (OR 2.23, 95% CI 1.08-4.62), clinically significant depressive symptoms (OR 3.21, 95% CI 1.45-7.10), anxiety (OR 4.78, 95% CI 2.25-10.17), and probable PTSD (OR 6.74, 95% CI 2.27-19.99). Results did not differ when military sexual assault and harassment were disaggregated, except that military sexual assault was additionally associated with moderate-to-severe insomnia (OR 3.18, 95% CI 1.72-5.88). CONCLUSIONS Exposure to MST is common among midlife women Veterans and shows strong and independent associations with clinically significant menopause and mental health symptoms. Findings highlight the importance of trauma-informed approaches to care that acknowledge the role of MST on Veteran women's health across the lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate J Travis
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California San Francisco Weill Institute for Neurosciences, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Alison J Huang
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Shira Maguen
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California San Francisco Weill Institute for Neurosciences, San Francisco, CA, USA
- San Francisco Veteran Affairs Health Care System, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Sabra Inslicht
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California San Francisco Weill Institute for Neurosciences, San Francisco, CA, USA
- San Francisco Veteran Affairs Health Care System, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Amy L Byers
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California San Francisco Weill Institute for Neurosciences, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- San Francisco Veteran Affairs Health Care System, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Karen H Seal
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California San Francisco Weill Institute for Neurosciences, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- San Francisco Veteran Affairs Health Care System, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Carolyn J Gibson
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California San Francisco Weill Institute for Neurosciences, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- San Francisco Veteran Affairs Health Care System, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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Holder N, Ranney RM, Bernhard PA, Holliday R, Vogt D, Hoffmire CA, Blosnich JR, Schneiderman AI, Maguen S. Which veterans with PTSD are most likely to report being told of their diagnosis? J Psychiatr Res 2024; 170:158-166. [PMID: 38147692 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.12.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
Veterans who do not know about their posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosis experience a fundamental barrier to accessing effective treatment. Little is known about the characteristics that influence veterans' PTSD diagnosis knowledge (i.e., report of being told they have a PTSD diagnosis by a healthcare provider). Veterans who met probable and provisional criteria for PTSD on the self-report PTSD checklist for DSM-5 were identified from the Comparative Health Assessment Interview Research Study (n = 2335). Weighted logistic regression was performed to identify demographic variables, clinical characteristics, and social determinants of health (e.g., economic instability, homelessness, healthcare coverage) associated with PTSD diagnosis knowledge among post-9/11 veterans. Approximately 62% of veterans with probable and provisional PTSD had PTSD diagnosis knowledge. Predictors with the strongest associations included another mental health diagnosis (OR = 6.10, CI95:4.58,8.12) and having Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare coverage (OR = 2.63, CI95:1.97,3.51). Veterans with combat or sexual trauma were more likely to have PTSD diagnosis knowledge than those with different trauma types. Results suggest veterans with VA healthcare coverage and military-related trauma are more likely to be informed by a healthcare professional about a PTSD diagnosis. Further research is needed to improve PTSD diagnosis knowledge for those with non-military-related trauma and those without VA healthcare coverage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Holder
- San Francisco Veterans Affairs Health Care System, United States; University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine, United States.
| | - Rachel M Ranney
- San Francisco Veterans Affairs Health Care System, United States; University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine, United States; Sierra Pacific Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, United States
| | - Paul A Bernhard
- Health Outcomes Military Exposures Epidemiology Program, Patient Care Services, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, United States
| | - Ryan Holliday
- Department of Veterans Affairs Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center for Suicide Prevention, United States; University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Department of Psychiatry, United States
| | - Dawne Vogt
- Women's Health Sciences Division, National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, VA Boston Healthcare System, United States; Boston University School of Medicine, United States
| | - Claire A Hoffmire
- Department of Veterans Affairs Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center for Suicide Prevention, United States; University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, United States
| | - John R Blosnich
- Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California, United States; Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System, United States
| | - Aaron I Schneiderman
- Health Outcomes Military Exposures Epidemiology Program, Patient Care Services, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, United States
| | - Shira Maguen
- San Francisco Veterans Affairs Health Care System, United States; University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine, United States; Sierra Pacific Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, United States
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Somohano VC, Cameron D, Lewis M, Denneson LM, Lovejoy TI, O'Neil ME. Characterizing and Comparing Evidence-Based Psychotherapy Utilization Among Veterans with Co-occurring PTSD and Substance Use Disorder. Subst Use Misuse 2024; 59:425-431. [PMID: 38111167 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2023.2275566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
Objective: The current study sought to describe a nationally representative sample of Veterans diagnosed with co-occurring PTSD and substance use disorder (SUD) who initiated and completed evidence-based psychotherapy (EBP) for PTSD, and explored whether completion rates differed by SUD subtype. Methods: Using electronic health record data from the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Corporate Data Warehouse, Veterans with a dual diagnosis of PTSD and SUD who initiated either Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) or Prolonged Exposure (PE) between January 01, 2019 and July 16, 2019 were identified (N = 2,996). Logistic analyses were employed to determine whether there were differences in EBP completion rates among Veterans with an alcohol use disorder (AUD; n = 1,383) versus all other SUDs (n = 1,613). Results: On average, Veterans were 45 years old, and identified as male, White, and non-Hispanic. Logistic regression analyses revealed there was not a significant difference between Veterans with AUD only and other SUDs in the probability of completing EBP treatment, OR = 1.02, 95% CI =0.87, 1.17, p = 0.79. Conclusions: No differences in EBP completion rates were observed between SUD subtypes, indicating that EBPs for PTSD are tolerated well for individuals with various types of SUDs and may be offered as treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa C Somohano
- Center to Improve Veteran Involvement in Care, VA Portland Healthcare System, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - David Cameron
- Center to Improve Veteran Involvement in Care, VA Portland Healthcare System, Portland, Oregon, USA
- School of Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Meaghan Lewis
- Center to Improve Veteran Involvement in Care, VA Portland Healthcare System, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Lauren M Denneson
- Center to Improve Veteran Involvement in Care, VA Portland Healthcare System, Portland, Oregon, USA
- School of Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Travis I Lovejoy
- Center to Improve Veteran Involvement in Care, VA Portland Healthcare System, Portland, Oregon, USA
- School of Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Maya E O'Neil
- Center to Improve Veteran Involvement in Care, VA Portland Healthcare System, Portland, Oregon, USA
- School of Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
- Department of Medical Informatics and Clinical Epidemiology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR
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Webermann AR, Gianoli MO, Rosen MI, Portnoy GA, Runels T, Black AC. Military sexual trauma-related posttraumatic stress disorder service-connection: Characteristics of claimants and award denial across gender, race, and compared to combat trauma. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0280708. [PMID: 38206995 PMCID: PMC10783784 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0280708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The current study characterizes a cohort of veteran claims filed with the Veterans Benefits Administration for posttraumatic stress disorder secondary to experiencing military sexual trauma, compares posttraumatic stress disorder service-connection award denial for military sexual trauma-related claims versus combat-related claims, and examines military sexual trauma -related award denial across gender and race. We conducted analyses on a retrospective national cohort of veteran claims submitted and rated between October 2017-May 2022, including 102,409 combat-related claims and 31,803 military sexual trauma-related claims. Descriptive statistics were calculated, logistic regressions assessed denial of service-connection across stressor type and demographics, and odds ratios were calculated as effect sizes. Military sexual trauma-related claims were submitted primarily by White women Army veterans, and had higher odds of being denied than combat claims (27.6% vs 18.2%). When controlling for age, race, and gender, men veterans had a 1.78 times higher odds of having military sexual trauma-related claims denied compared to women veterans (36.6% vs. 25.4%), and Black veterans had a 1.39 times higher odds of having military sexual trauma-related claims denied compared to White veterans (32.4% vs. 25.3%). Three-fourths of military sexual trauma-related claims were awarded in this cohort. However, there were disparities in awarding of claims for men and Black veterans, which suggest the possibility of systemic barriers for veterans from underserved backgrounds and/or veterans who may underreport military sexual trauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aliya R. Webermann
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, United States of America
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States of America
| | - Mayumi O. Gianoli
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, United States of America
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States of America
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, United States of America
| | - Marc I. Rosen
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, United States of America
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States of America
| | - Galina A. Portnoy
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, United States of America
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States of America
| | - Tessa Runels
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, United States of America
| | - Anne C. Black
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, United States of America
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States of America
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Zaccari B, Higgins M, Haywood TN, Patel M, Emerson D, Hubbard K, Loftis JM, Kelly UA. Yoga vs Cognitive Processing Therapy for Military Sexual Trauma-Related Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e2344862. [PMID: 38064219 PMCID: PMC10709771 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.44862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance First-line treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), ie, trauma-focused therapy, while effective, is limited by low treatment initiation, high dropout, and high treatment refraction. Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of Trauma Center Trauma-Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY) vs first-line cognitive processing therapy (CPT) in women veterans with PTSD related to military sexual trauma (MST) and the hypothesis that PTSD outcomes would differ between the interventions. Design, Setting, and Participants This multisite randomized clinical trial was conducted from December 1, 2015, to April 30, 2022, within 2 VA health care systems located in the southeast and northwest. Women veterans aged 22 to 71 years with MST-related PTSD were enrolled and randomized to TCTSY or CPT. Interventions The TCTSY intervention (Hatha-style yoga focusing on interoception and empowerment) consisted of 10 weekly, 60-minute group sessions, and the CPT intervention (cognitive-based therapy targeting modification of negative posttraumatic thoughts) consisted of 12 weekly, 90-minute group sessions. Main Outcome and Measures Sociodemographic data were collected via self-report survey. The primary outcome, PTSD symptom severity, was assessed using the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5) and PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5). Assessments were conducted at baseline, midintervention, 2 weeks post intervention, and 3 months post intervention. Results Of 200 women veterans who consented to participate, the intent-to-treat sample comprised 131 participants (mean [SD] age, 48.2 [11.2] years), with 72 randomized to TCTSY and 59 randomized to CPT. Treatment was completed by 47 participants (65.3%) in the TCTSY group and 27 (45.8%) in the CPT group, a 42.6% higher treatment completion rate in the TCTSY group (P = .03). Both treatment groups improved over time on the CAPS-5 (mean [SD] scores at baseline: 36.73 [8.79] for TCTSY and 35.52 [7.49] for CPT; mean [SD] scores at 3 months: 24.03 [11.55] for TCTSY and 22.15 [13.56]) and the PCL-5 (mean [SD] scores at baseline: 49.62 [12.19] for TCTSY and 48.69 [13.62] for CPT; mean [SD] scores at 3 months: 36.97 [17.74] for TCTSY and 31.76 [12.47]) (P < .001 for time effects). None of the group effects or group-by-time effects were significant. Equivalence analyses of change scores were not significantly different between the TCTSY and CPT groups, and the two one-sided test intervals fell within the equivalence bounds of plus or minus 10 for CAPS-5 for all follow-up time points. Conclusions and Relevance In this comparative effectiveness randomized clinical trial, TCTSY was equivalent to CPT in reducing PTSD symptom severity, with both groups improving significantly. The higher treatment completion rate for TCTSY indicates its higher acceptability as an effective and acceptable PTSD treatment for women veterans with PTSD related to MST that could address current VA PTSD treatment limitations. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02640690.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belle Zaccari
- Research and Development Service, Veterans Affairs Portland Health Care System, Portland, Oregon
- Department of Mental Health and Clinical Neurosciences, Veterans Affairs Portland Health Care System, Portland, Oregon
- Department of Psychiatry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland
| | - Melinda Higgins
- Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | | | - Meghna Patel
- Mental Health Service Line, Joseph Maxwell Cleland Atlanta VA Medical Center, Atlanta, Georgia
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - David Emerson
- The Center for Trauma and Embodiment at Justice Resource Institute, Needham, Massachusetts
| | - Kimberly Hubbard
- Research and Development Service, Veterans Affairs Portland Health Care System, Portland, Oregon
| | - Jennifer M. Loftis
- Research and Development Service, Veterans Affairs Portland Health Care System, Portland, Oregon
- Department of Psychiatry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland
| | - Ursula A. Kelly
- Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
- Nursing and Patient Care Services, Joseph Maxwell Cleland Atlanta VA Medical Center, Atlanta, Georgia
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Fischer IC, Schnurr PP, Pietrzak RH. Employment status among US military veterans with a history of posttraumatic stress disorder: Results from the National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study. J Trauma Stress 2023; 36:1167-1175. [PMID: 37821772 DOI: 10.1002/jts.22977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
The current study examined the prevalence and correlates of employment status in a nationally representative sample of U.S. military veterans with a probable lifetime history of posttraumatic stress disorder. Participants were 4,609 veterans from National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study (NHRVS) Bivariate analyses compared the employment status of veterans with regard to sociodemographic, military, health, and psychiatric characteristics. A multinomial regression analysis was conducted to determine the effect of lifetime PTSD status on employment and identify variables that differentiated employment status among veterans with a history of PTSD. In the total sample, 450 (weighted 12.5%) screened positive for lifetime PTSD. Veterans with PTSD were more than twice as likely to be unemployed, OR = 2.41, and retired, OR = 2.26, and nearly 4 times as likely to be disabled, OR = 3.84, relative to those without PTSD. Among veterans with PTSD, 203 (54.0%) were employed, 178 were retired (28.2%), 31 (7.3%) were unemployed, and 38 (10.5%) were disabled. Relative to employed veterans, retired veterans were older and reported more medical conditions; unemployed veterans were almost 5 times as likely to be female; disabled veterans reported lower income, more medical conditions, and more severe symptoms of current major depressive disorder but less severe symptoms of alcohol use disorder, ORs = 0.88-4.88. This study provides an up-to-date characterization of employment status in a nationally representative sample of U.S. military veterans with a history of PTSD. Results may inform efforts to provide sustainable employment in this segment of the population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian C Fischer
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Paula P Schnurr
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, White River Junction, Vermont, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Robert H Pietrzak
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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Miggantz EL, Orchowski LM, Beltran JL, Walter KH, Hollingsworth JC, Cue Davis K, Zong ZY, Meza-Lopez R, Hutchins A, Gilmore AK. Alcohol-involved sexual assault in the US military: a scoping review. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2023; 14:2282020. [PMID: 38010375 PMCID: PMC10993808 DOI: 10.1080/20008066.2023.2282020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Sexual assault and alcohol use are significant public health concerns, including for the United States (US) military. Although alcohol is a risk factor for military sexual assault (MSA), research on the extent of alcohol-involvement in MSAs has not been synthesised.Objective: Accordingly, this scoping review is a preliminary step in evaluating the existing literature on alcohol-involved MSAs among US service members and veterans, with the goals of quantifying the prevalence of alcohol-involved MSA, examining differences in victim versus perpetrator alcohol consumption, and identifying additional knowledge gaps.Method: In accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines for Scoping Reviews, articles in this review were written in English, published in 1996 or later, reported statistics regarding alcohol-involved MSA, and included samples of US service members or veterans who experienced MSA during military service.Results: A total of 34 of 2436 articles identified met inclusion criteria. Studies often measured alcohol and drug use together. Rates of reported MSAs that involved the use of alcohol or alcohol/drugs ranged from 14% to 66.1% (M = 36.94%; Mdn = 37%) among servicemen and from 0% to 83% (M = 40.27%; Mdn = 41%) among servicewomen. Alcohol use was frequently reported in MSAs, and there is a dearth of information on critical event-level characteristics of alcohol-involved MSA. Additionally, studies used different definitions and measures of MSA and alcohol use, complicating comparisons across studies.Conclusion: The lack of event-level data, and inconsistencies in definitions, measures, and sexual assault timeframes across articles demonstrates that future research and data collection efforts require more event-level detail and consistent methodology to better understand the intersection of alcohol and MSA, which will ultimately inform MSA prevention and intervention efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin L. Miggantz
- Leidos, Inc., San Diego, CA, USA
- Health and Behavioral Sciences Department, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Lindsay M. Orchowski
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Jessica L. Beltran
- Leidos, Inc., San Diego, CA, USA
- Health and Behavioral Sciences Department, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Kristen H. Walter
- Health and Behavioral Sciences Department, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Julia C. Hollingsworth
- Leidos, Inc., San Diego, CA, USA
- Health and Behavioral Sciences Department, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Kelly Cue Davis
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Zoe Y. Zong
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Richard Meza-Lopez
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Anna Hutchins
- Department of Health Policy & Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Amanda K. Gilmore
- Department of Health Policy & Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Hargrave AS, Danan ER, Than CT, Gibson CJ, Yano EM. Factors Associated with Military Sexual Trauma (MST) Disclosure During VA Screening Among Women Veterans. J Gen Intern Med 2023; 38:3188-3197. [PMID: 37291361 PMCID: PMC10651589 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-023-08257-6] [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: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Capturing military sexual trauma (MST) exposure is critical for Veterans' health equity. For many, it improves access to VA services and allows for appropriate care. OBJECTIVE Identify factors associated with nondisclosure of MST in VA screening among women. DESIGN Cross-sectional telephone survey linked with VA electronic health record (EHR) data. PARTICIPANTS Women Veterans using primary care or women's health services at 12 VA facilities in nine states. MAIN MEASURES Survey self-reported MST (sexual assault and/or harassment during military service), socio-demographics and experiences with VA care, as well as EHR MST results. Responses were categorized as "no MST" (no survey or EHR MST), "MST captured by EHR and survey," and "MST not captured by EHR" (survey MST but no EHR MST). We used stepped multivariable logistic regression to examine "MST not captured by EHR" as a function of socio-demographics, patient experiences, and screening method (survey vs. EHR). KEY RESULTS Among 1287 women (mean age 50, SD 15), 35% were positive for MST by EHR and 61% were positive by survey. Approximately 38% had "no MST," 34% "MST captured by EHR and survey," and 26% "MST not captured by EHR". In fully adjusted models, odds of "MST not captured by EHR" were higher among Black and Latina women compared to white women (Black: OR = 1.6, 1.2-2.2; Latina: OR = 1.9, 1.0-3.6). Women who endorsed only sexual harassment in the survey (vs. sexual harassment and sexual assault) had fivefold higher odds of "MST not captured by EHR" (OR = 4.9, 3.2-7.3). Women who were screened for MST in the EHR more than once had lower odds of not being captured (OR = 0.3, 0.2-0.4). CONCLUSIONS VA screening for MST may disproportionately under capture patients from historically minoritized ethnic/racial groups, creating inequitable access to resources. Efforts to mitigate screening disparities could include re-screening and reinforcing that MST includes sexual harassment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita S Hargrave
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of California San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, CA, USA.
- San Francisco VA Health Care System, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Elisheva R Danan
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Minneapolis VA Medical Center: Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Claire T Than
- Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation & Policy, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Carolyn J Gibson
- San Francisco VA Health Care System, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Elizabeth M Yano
- Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation & Policy, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Health Policy & Management, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, UCLA Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Livingston WS, Tannahill HS, Meter DJ, Fargo JD, Blais RK. The Association of Military Sexual Harassment/Assault With Suicide Ideation, Plans, Attempts, and Mortality Among US Service Members/Veterans: A Meta-Analysis. TRAUMA, VIOLENCE & ABUSE 2023; 24:2616-2629. [PMID: 35763372 DOI: 10.1177/15248380221109790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Suicide rates continue to increase among service members/veterans. Military sexual harassment/assault (MSH/A) may increase risk of suicide, but little is known about the collective magnitude of associations between MSH/A and suicide outcomes, including ideation, plan, attempt, and mortality. The current meta-analysis addressed this literature gap while testing potential moderators of gender, marital status, discharge status, and military branch. PsycINFO, PubMed, Dissertations/Theses, relevant citation lists, and conference brochures were reviewed for papers that included quantitative analyses in English, U.S. military samples, and measures of MSH/A and suicide ideation/plan/attempt/mortality. The search resulted in 22 studies (N = 10,898,875) measuring the association of MSH/A with suicide ideation (k = 15), plans (k = 1), attempts (k = 14), and mortality (k = 2), with papers published from 2007-2021. MSH/A was associated with suicide ideation (r ¯ = .14) and attempts (r ¯ = .11, ps < .05). The association of MSH/A and suicide ideation and attempts was higher among women relative to men, those identifying as married versus not married, those actively serving compared to discharged, and those reporting service in the Air Force relative to all other branches. The association of MSH/A with suicide plans and mortality was not calculated due to the small number of studies reporting those effect sizes (ks = 1-2). The effect sizes observed suggest MSH/A is part of a larger network of risk factors for suicide. Moderators indicate that suicide risk is higher among specific groups, and prevention strategies would be most effective if they targeted these individuals. This research area would be strengthened by additional studies of plans and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Diana J Meter
- Department of Psychology, Utah State University, Logan, UT, USA
| | - Jamison D Fargo
- Department of Psychology, Utah State University, Logan, UT, USA
| | - Rebecca K Blais
- Department of Psychology, Utah State University, Logan, UT, USA
- Psychology Department, Arizona State University,Tempe, AZ, USA
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Fox AB, Baier AL, Alpert E, Nillni YI, Galovski TE. Psychosocial and Economic Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Mental Health of Veteran Men and Women. J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2023; 32:1041-1051. [PMID: 37610854 DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2023.0078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: The psychosocial impacts of the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on women Veterans' mental health compared to men are understudied, with few studies examining the differential impact of COVID-19 stressors on depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Furthermore, little is known about whether social support may buffer against adverse pandemic-related outcomes for this population. In the present study, we examined (1) gender differences in the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on numerous life domains, including economic, work, home, social, and health; (2) how pandemic impacts in these domains were associated with depression and PTSD symptoms; and (3) whether social support buffered against worse mental health outcomes. Materials and Methods: Data from 1530 Veterans enrolled in the Longitudinal Investigation of Gender, Health, and Trauma (LIGHT) study were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple groups' path analyses. Results: Women reported higher pandemic impact scores across life domains. For both men and women, higher health impacts were associated with increased PTSD symptoms; differential findings emerged for depressive symptoms. Home and economic impacts were associated with increased depression for both men and women, social and health impacts were associated with depression for women, and work impacts were associated with depression for men. Higher social support was associated with decreased depressive symptoms for both men and women; however, social support moderated the relationship between pandemic impacts and both PTSD and depressive symptoms for women only. Conclusions: Findings highlight the value of social support in mitigating effects of pandemic-related stress, particularly for women Veterans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annie B Fox
- National Center for PTSD Women's Health Sciences Division at VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- School of Healthcare Leadership, MGH Institute of Health Professions, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Allison L Baier
- National Center for PTSD Women's Health Sciences Division at VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Elizabeth Alpert
- National Center for PTSD Women's Health Sciences Division at VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Yael I Nillni
- National Center for PTSD Women's Health Sciences Division at VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Tara E Galovski
- National Center for PTSD Women's Health Sciences Division at VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Alpert E, Baier AL, Galovski TE. Psychiatric Issues in Women Veterans. Psychiatr Clin North Am 2023; 46:621-633. [PMID: 37500255 DOI: 10.1016/j.psc.2023.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Women veterans have unique life experiences and mental health needs, perhaps in part related to their high rates of exposure to traumatic events including military sexual trauma, combat trauma, and intimate partner violence. We review mental health difficulties among women veterans and describe related functional impairment. Evidence-based treatments are available, but barriers to care remain, including providers' lack of awareness of the unique needs of women veterans. Efforts are needed to increase access to evidence-based interventions, remove barriers to care, and improve provider competency working with this population to maximize clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Alpert
- National Center for PTSD Women's Health Sciences Division at VA Boston Healthcare System, 150 South Huntington Avenue (116B-3), Boston, MA 02130, USA; Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Allison L Baier
- National Center for PTSD Women's Health Sciences Division at VA Boston Healthcare System, 150 South Huntington Avenue (116B-3), Boston, MA 02130, USA; Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tara E Galovski
- National Center for PTSD Women's Health Sciences Division at VA Boston Healthcare System, 150 South Huntington Avenue (116B-3), Boston, MA 02130, USA; Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
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Mota N, Sommer JL, Bolton SL, Enns MW, El-Gabalawy R, Sareen J, MacLean MB, Hall AL, Sudom K, Silins S, Garber B, Afifi TO. Prevalence and Correlates of Military Sexual Trauma in Service Members and Veterans: Results From the 2018 Canadian Armed Forces Members and Veterans Mental Health Follow-up Survey. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY. REVUE CANADIENNE DE PSYCHIATRIE 2023; 68:682-690. [PMID: 36124372 PMCID: PMC10585130 DOI: 10.1177/07067437221125292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Military sexual trauma (MST) is an ongoing problem. We used a 2002 population-based sample, followed up in 2018, to examine: (1) the prevalence of MST and non-MST in male and female currently serving members and veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces, and (2) demographic and military correlates of MST and non-MST. METHODS Data came from the 2018 Canadian Armed Forces Members and Veterans Mental Health Follow-up Survey (n = 2,941, ages 33 years + ). Individuals endorsing sexual trauma were stratified into MST and non-MST and compared to individuals with no sexual trauma. The prevalence of lifetime MST was computed, and correlates of sexual trauma were examined using multinomial regression analyses. RESULTS The overall prevalence of MST was 44.6% in females and 4.8% in males. Estimates were comparable between currently serving members and veterans. In adjusted models in both sexes, MST was more likely among younger individuals (i.e., 33-49 years), and MST and non-MST were more likely in those reporting more non-sexual traumatic events. Among females, MST and non-MST were more likely in those reporting lower household income, non-MST was less likely among Officers, and MST was more likely among those with a deployment history and serving in an air environment. Unwanted sexual touching by a Canadian military member or employee was the most prevalent type and context of MST. INTERPRETATION A high prevalence of MST was observed in a follow-up sample of Canadian Armed Forces members and veterans. Results may inform further research as well as MST prevention efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Mota
- Departments of Clinical Health Psychology and Psychiatry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Jordana L. Sommer
- Departments of Psychology and Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Shay-Lee Bolton
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Murray W. Enns
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Renée El-Gabalawy
- Departments of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, and Clinical Health Psychology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Jitender Sareen
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Mary Beth MacLean
- Research Directorate, Veterans Affairs Canada, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada
| | - Amy L. Hall
- Research Directorate, Veterans Affairs Canada, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada
| | - Kerry Sudom
- Canadian Forces Health Services Group, Department of National Defence, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Stacey Silins
- Canadian Forces Health Services Group, Department of National Defence, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Bryan Garber
- Canadian Forces Health Services Group, Department of National Defence, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tracie O. Afifi
- Departments of Community Health Sciences and Psychiatry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
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Carra K, Curtin M, Fortune T, Gordon B. Service and demographic factors, health, trauma exposure, and participation are associated with adjustment for former Australian Defense Force members. MILITARY PSYCHOLOGY 2023; 35:480-492. [PMID: 37615555 PMCID: PMC10453966 DOI: 10.1080/08995605.2022.2120312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Approximately 50% of transitioning service members report difficulty adjusting to civilian life. However, there is limited research exploring factors that influence adjustment for former Australian Defence Force (ADF) members. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of demographic and service-related characteristics, trauma exposure, health, and participation in meaningful occupations on adjustment for former ADF members. One hundred and ninety-eight former ADF members completed a voluntary, online survey containing validated self-report measures for adjustment, health, and exposure to combat and military sexual trauma. Participation in meaningful occupations was assessed using open-ended questions and a rating scale for frequency of participation. A more difficult adjustment was reported by participants who had completed operational service, reported exposure to combat and/or military sexual trauma, had poor physical health and were discharged for medical reasons. Other characteristics associated with a difficult adjustment included emotional distress, involuntary discharge, age category 30-49 years, final rank of Senior Noncommissioned Officer/Warrant Officer or below, and discharge 6-8 years previously. Employment, voluntary work and care, and social and community interaction were associated with an easier adjustment. Screening tools that consider health, age, deployment type, final rank, type of discharge and exposure to combat or military sexual trauma may be helpful to identify and refer high risk individuals to employment, rehabilitation or transition support programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kylie Carra
- La Trobe Rural Health School, La Trobe University, Bendigo, Australia
| | - Michael Curtin
- School of Community Health, Charles Sturt University, Albury, Australia
| | - Tracy Fortune
- Occupational Therapy, Social Work and Social Policy, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia
| | - Brett Gordon
- La Trobe Rural Health School, La Trobe University, Bendigo, Australia
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Murray AL, Perez Koehlmoos T, Banaag A, Schvey NA. Caring for Service Members Who Have Been Sexually Assaulted: The Military Health System. Mil Med 2023; 188:1609-1614. [PMID: 35751587 PMCID: PMC9384439 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usac175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Reports of sexual assault (SA) in the U.S. Military have increased in recent years. Given the deleterious effects of military SA, there remains a need for large-scale studies to assess SA-related health care utilization among active duty service members (ADSMs). The present study, therefore, utilized Military Health System (MHS) data to determine the prevalence of SA-related care, sociodemographic characteristics of ADSMs receiving said care, and the type of provider seen during the initial SA-related health encounter. MATERIALS AND METHODS Utilizing the MHS Data Repository and Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System, all ADSMs from the Air Force, Army, Navy, and Marine Corps during fiscal years (FY) 2016-2018 were identified. Those with an International Classification of Diseases diagnostic code related to SA during the study period were isolated. Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted. The study was exempt from human subjects review. RESULTS A total of 1,728,433 ADSMs during FY 2016-2018 were identified, of whom 4,113 (0.24%) had an SA-related health encounter. Rates of SA-related health care encounters decreased each FY. Women (odds ratio [OR] = 12.02, P < .0001), those in the Army (reference group), and enlisted personnel (OR = 2.65, P < .0001) were most likely to receive SA-related health care, whereas ADSMs aged 18-25 years had lower odds (OR = 0.70, P < .0001). In addition, higher odds of SA-related care were observed among those identifying as American Indian/Alaskan Native (OR = 1.37, P = .02) and "Other" race (e.g., multiracial) (OR = 4.60, P < .0001). Initial SA-related health encounters were most likely to occur with behavioral health providers (41.4%). CONCLUSIONS The current study is the first large-scale examination of health care usage by ADSMs in the MHS who have experienced SA. Results indicated that rates of SA-related care decreased throughout the study period, despite the increasing rates of SA documented by the DoD. Inconsistent with previous research and DoD reports indicating that younger ADSMs are at the highest risk for SA, our study observed lower rates of SA-related care among those aged 18-25 years; additional research is warranted to determine if there are barriers preventing younger ADSMs from seeking SA-related health care. Behavioral health providers were most frequently seen for the initial SA-related encounter, suggesting that they may be in a unique position to provide care and/or relevant referrals to ADSMs who have experienced SA. The present study provides key insights about the prevalence of SA-related care within the MHS, not yet reported in previous literature, which could help inform MHS screening practices. The strengths of the study are the inclusion of the entire active duty population without the need for research recruitment given the utilization of de-identified TRICARE claims data. The study is limited by its use of health care claims data, general SA International Classification of Diseases codes as a proxy indicator for military SA, and lack of data on ethnicity. Future research utilizing MHS data should examine mental health outcomes following the documentation of SA and disruptions in SA-related care due to SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda L Murray
- Department of Medical & Clinical Psychology, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Tracey Perez Koehlmoos
- Center for Health Services Research, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Amanda Banaag
- Center for Health Services Research, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc., Bethesda, MD 20817, USA
| | - Natasha A Schvey
- Department of Medical & Clinical Psychology, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
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Orchowski LM, Oesterle DW, Berry-Cabán CS, Borsari B, Kahler CW, Kazemi DM, Berkowitz AD. An Application of the Confluence Model of Sexual Aggression Among Young Adult Male Soldiers. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2023; 38:8263-8285. [PMID: 36843432 DOI: 10.1177/08862605231153895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Sexual violence in the U.S. military is a serious concern. Whereas numerous studies document the prevalence of sexual violence among service members, far less research has examined etiological risk factors for sexual aggression perpetration among service members. The present study sought to evaluate the applicability of the Confluence Model of Sexual Aggression among a sample of young adult men engaged in active-duty military service within the U.S. Army. Anonymous surveys were completed by 326 male soldiers between the ages of 18 and 24 at a large military installation in the Southeastern region of the United tStates. Men's likelihood to engage in sexual aggression was operationalized as men's perceived likelihood to persist with sexual activity despite a partner's resistance. Aligning with the Confluence Model of Sexual Aggression, two composite variables reflecting hostile masculinity and tendency toward impersonal sex were created. A linear regression indicated that the main effects of hostile masculinity and impersonal sex were significantly associated with greater perceived likelihood of sexual aggression perpetration. Results also revealed that while the interaction term between hostile masculinity and impersonal sex was significant, the direction of the relationship suggests that the effect of impersonal sex is weaker at higher levels of hostile masculinity. These findings lend evidence to help identify those at elevated risk for perpetrating sexual aggression, as well as informing programmatic efforts to prevent sexual assault within the military.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay M Orchowski
- Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
- Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | | | | | - Brian Borsari
- San Francisco VA Health Care System, CA, USA
- University of California, San Francisco, USA
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Esopenko C, de Souza N, Wilde EA, Dams-O'Connor K, Teng E, Menefee DS. Characterizing the Influence of Exposure to Military Sexual Trauma and Intimate Partner Violence on Mental Health Outcomes among Female Veterans. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2023; 38:8476-8499. [PMID: 36866584 DOI: 10.1177/08862605231156193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Military sexual trauma (MST) has deleterious long-term psychological consequences. Among female U.S. military members, MST is associated with increased risk for future interpersonal victimization, such as experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV). Few studies have investigated the implications of the cumulative effects of IPV and MST on psychological functioning. This study examined rates of co-exposure to MST, IPV, and their cumulative impact on psychological symptoms. Data were collected from 308 female Veterans (FVets; age: M = 42, SD = 10.4) enrolled in an inpatient trauma-focused treatment program in a Veterans Administration (VA) hospital. Data were collected at program admission on symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and current suicidal ideation. Lifetime trauma exposure was assessed using semi-structured interviews that identified adverse childhood events (ACEs) and combat theater deployment as well as MST and IPV. Group differences on psychological symptoms were examined among those exposed to MST, IPV, MST + IPV, and compared to FVets with ACEs or combat exposure, but no other adulthood interpersonal trauma (NAIT). Half of the sample (51%) reported experiencing both MST and IPV, approximately 29% reported MST, 10% reported IPV, and 10% reported NAIT. FVets in the MST + IPV group had worse PTSD and depression symptoms than either the MST or IPV groups. The NAIT group had the lowest scores on these measures. There were no group differences in current suicidal ideation; however, 53.5% reported at least one previous suicide attempt. FVets in this sample reported significant lifetime exposure to MST and IPV, with the majority having experienced MST + IPV. Exposure to MST + IPV was associated with greater PTSD and depression symptom severity, yet an overwhelming proportion reported current and past suicidal ideation regardless of trauma exposure history. These results demonstrate the importance of assessing for lifetime interpersonal trauma history when developing and providing mental and medical health interventions for FVets.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Elisabeth A Wilde
- George E. Wahlen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Kristen Dams-O'Connor
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ellen Teng
- Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Veterans Integrated System Network (VISN) 16 Mental Illness Research and Clinical Care Center (MIRECC), Houston, TX, USA
| | - Deleene S Menefee
- Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Veterans Integrated System Network (VISN) 16 Mental Illness Research and Clinical Care Center (MIRECC), Houston, TX, USA
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Webermann AR, Nester MS, Gianoli MO, Black AC, Rosen MI, Mattocks KM, Portnoy GA. Compensation and Pension Exams for Military Sexual Trauma-Related Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Examiner Perspectives, Clinical Impacts on Veterans, and Strategies. Womens Health Issues 2023; 33:428-434. [PMID: 37003918 DOI: 10.1016/j.whi.2023.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is estimated that in one in three women veterans experience military sexual trauma (MST), which is strongly associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A 2018 report indicated the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) processed approximately 12,000 disability claims annually for PTSD related to MST, most of which are filed by women. Part of the VBA adjudication process involves reviewing information from a Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam, a forensic diagnostic evaluation that helps determine the relationship among military service, diagnoses, and current psychosocial functioning. The quality and outcome of these exams may affect veteran well-being and use of Veterans Health Administration (VHA) mental health care, but no work has looked at examiner perspectives of MST C&P exams and their potential clinical impacts on veteran claimants. METHODS Thirteen clinicians ("examiners") who conduct MST C&P exams through VHA were interviewed. Data were analyzed using rapid qualitative methods. RESULTS Examiners described MST exams as more clinically and diagnostically complex than non-MST PTSD exams. Examiners noted that assessing "markers" of MST (indication that MST occurred) could make veterans feel disbelieved; others raised concerns related to malingered PTSD symptoms. Examiners identified unique challenges for veterans who underreport MST (e.g., men and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer [LGBTQ+] veterans), and saw evaluations as a conduit to psychotherapy referrals and utilization of VHA mental health care. Last, examiners used strategies to convey respect and minimize retraumatization, including a standardized process and validating the difficulty of the process. CONCLUSIONS Examiners' responses offer insight into a process entered by thousands of veterans annually with PTSD. Strengthening the MST C&P process is a unique opportunity to enhance trust in the VBA claims process and increase likelihood of using VHA mental health care, especially for women veterans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aliya R Webermann
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut; Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.
| | - M Shae Nester
- University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina
| | - Mayumi O Gianoli
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut; Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut; University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, Connecticut
| | - Anne C Black
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut; Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Marc I Rosen
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut; Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Kristin M Mattocks
- VA Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare System, Leeds, Massachusetts; University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Galina A Portnoy
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut; Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
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Schreiber AM, Cawood CD. Treatment outcomes of Veteran men in a comprehensive dialectical behavior therapy program: Characterizing sex differences in symptom trajectories. J Psychiatr Res 2023; 164:90-97. [PMID: 37331262 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.05.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is one of the primary psychosocial treatments for reducing suicidal behaviors and improving psychosocial outcomes among patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD) and has been shown to reduce BPD symptoms when delivered in a Veteran Affairs medical center setting. Despite evidence of similar rates of BPD in both men and women, the vast majority of treatment outcome research in BPD has focused on women. We sought to characterize sex differences in symptom trajectories among Veterans participating in a comprehensive DBT program. We found that Veteran men and women who entered the DBT program were diagnostically and demographically similar. Participants exhibited reductions in BPD symptoms and improvements in emotion regulation over the course of treatment. Moreover, Veteran men reported BPD symptom reductions that were not statistically inferior to those of Veteran women and exhibited a sharper reduction in these symptoms. This research provides support for the use of DBT as a psychosocial treatment for Veteran men with BPD symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison M Schreiber
- Ann Arbor VA Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | - Chelsea D Cawood
- Ann Arbor VA Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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44
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Holliday R, Holder N, Smith AA, Desai A, Hoffmire CA, Forster JE, Monteith LL. Military sexual trauma among Veterans using and not using VA justice-related programing: A national examination. J Psychiatr Res 2023; 164:46-50. [PMID: 37311403 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.05.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Veterans accessing Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Veterans Justice Program (VJP) services have high rates of depression, substance misuse, and posttraumatic stress disorder. Although factors that may confer risk for mental health sequelae among these Veterans have been identified (e.g., childhood abuse, combat exposure), limited research has examined report of military sexual trauma (MST) among Veterans accessing VJP services. As survivors of MST experience myriad chronic health conditions which necessitate identification and referral to evidence-based care, identifying MST survivors among those accessing VJP services may facilitate referral to appropriate services. We examined whether MST prevalence differed between Veterans with and without a history of VJP service use. Sex-stratified analyses were conducted with 1,300,252 male (13.34% accessing VJP) and 106,680 female (10.14% accessing VJP) Veterans. In crude models, male and female Veterans accessing VJP services were significantly more likely to screen positive for MST (PR = 3.35 and 1.82 respectively). Significance was maintained in models that adjusted for age, race/ethnicity, VA service use, and VA mental health use. VJP service settings may serve as a critical intercept for identifying male and female survivors of MST. Using a trauma-informed approach to screen for MST in VJP settings is likely warranted. Moreover, integration of MST programing into VJP settings may be beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Holliday
- VA Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center for Suicide Prevention, United States; University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Department of Psychiatry, United States; VA National Center on Homelessness among Veterans, United States.
| | - Nicholas Holder
- San Francisco Veterans Affairs Health Care System, United States; University of California San Francisco, School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, United States
| | - Alexandra A Smith
- VA Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center for Suicide Prevention, United States
| | - Alisha Desai
- VA Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center for Suicide Prevention, United States
| | - Claire A Hoffmire
- VA Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center for Suicide Prevention, United States; University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, United States
| | - Jeri E Forster
- VA Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center for Suicide Prevention, United States; University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, United States
| | - Lindsey L Monteith
- VA Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center for Suicide Prevention, United States; University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Department of Psychiatry, United States; University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, United States
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45
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Galovski TE, McSweeney LB, Woolley MG, Alpert E, Nillni YI. The Relative Impact of Different Types of Military Sexual Trauma on Long-Term PTSD, Depression, and Suicidality. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2023:8862605231168823. [PMID: 37102588 DOI: 10.1177/08862605231168823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Sexual assault and harassment in the U.S. military are very common. Military sexual trauma (MST) is defined as sexual assault or harassment experienced during military service; yet, the relative impact of sexual assault, harassment, and their combination is not well understood. Given the extent and potential severity of the long-term outcomes of MST, it is critical to evaluate the relative impacts of these types of MST on long-term mental health outcomes. Veterans (n = 2,590; 55% female) completed self-report measures of experiences of sexual assault and harassment perpetrated by coworkers during military service, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and suicidality. Controlling for combat exposure, all types of MST experiences (Harassment Only, Assault Only, or Both) compared to No MST predicted greater severity of PTSD, depression, and suicidality after military service. Compared to Veterans with No MST, those who experienced Both Assault and Harassment reported significantly more severe PTSD, depression, and suicidality followed by Harassment Only, and then Assault Only. Data suggest that different types of MST experiences have an impact on long-term mental health outcomes, and the combination of Both sexual Assault and Harassment is particularly deleterious.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara E Galovski
- VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Elizabeth Alpert
- VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yael I Nillni
- VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
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46
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Tannahill HS, Barrett TS, Zalta AK, Tehee M, Blais RK. Posttraumatic Cognitions Differ Between Men and Women after Military Sexual Assault Revictimization in Their Contribution to PTSD Symptoms. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2023; 38:6038-6061. [PMID: 36210787 DOI: 10.1177/08862605221127211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Sexual revictimization is heightened among military service members and veterans and is associated with greater posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and severity. The heightened distress following revictimization may be due to posttraumatic cognitions (PTC), which include negative beliefs about the self and world, and self-blame. Moreover, it is unclear whether men and women experience different levels of PTC. The current study tested PTC (overall and subdomains) as a possible mediator between sexual revictimization and PTSS severity, and gender as a possible moderator of these associations. Revictimization was defined across time periods (military sexual assault [MSA] only vs. premilitary sexual trauma + MSA) and in military rape frequency (0, 1, 2+). Participants were 400 (n = 200 [50%] male) service members/veterans with a history of MSA and completed online, anonymous, self-report questionnaires. PTC mediated the association between revictimization and PTSS severity. A significant interaction of gender suggested that men reported high overall PTC and PTC about the self regardless of revictimization; by contrast, overall PTC and PTC about the self were lower for women in response to MSA only and increased with revictimization. Results also showed men were more sensitive to PTC about self-blame as it pertains to more severe PTSS compared to women. There were no unique gender interactions when assessing revictimization by rape frequency, although PTC (overall, all subdomains) significantly mediated the association between rape frequency and PTSS severity. PTC may be a beneficial target when treating PTSS in men, and may be especially heightened in women who have experienced revictimization.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Rebecca K Blais
- Utah State University, Logan, UT, USA
- Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
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Fillo J, Goodell EMA, Homish DL, Homish GG. Sex differences in the relation between military sexual trauma and risk for alcohol misuse among U.S. Army Reserve and National Guard soldiers. ALCOHOL, CLINICAL & EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 47:736-747. [PMID: 36869424 PMCID: PMC10351397 DOI: 10.1111/acer.15045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Military sexual trauma (MST) is linked to a range of deleterious health outcomes. Extant literature has focused disproportionately on mental health sequelae of MST. Research is needed to better understand the extent to which MST contributes to alcohol misuse and related problems - key issues facing service members. Additionally, sex differences in the nature and prevalence of MST may impact sequelae. The present research examined (a) the prevalence of an MST history among female and male service members, (b) relations between MST history and risk for alcohol misuse and related problems, and (c) potential sex differences in these experiences and outcomes. METHODS Data from current and previous service members (334 males and 70 females) were drawn from Operation: SAFETY (Soldiers and Families Excelling Through the Years), a longitudinal study of U.S. Army Reserve and National Guard (USAR/NG) soldiers and their partners. Analyses examined the prevalence and types of MST experienced, relations between MST history and three alcohol-related variables (total consumption, heavy drinking frequency, and alcohol-related problems), and differences by sex. RESULTS Approximately one-third (33.7%) of service members reported an MST history. Females (61.4%) reported an MST history at more than twice the rate of males (27.8%). Interactions between MST and sex were significant for all alcohol-related variables. Among males, an MST history was related to 70% higher alcohol consumption, 86% higher heavy drinking frequency, and 45% higher alcohol problem scores. An MST history was unrelated to alcohol-related variables among females. CONCLUSION Findings suggest a higher prevalence of MST among USAR/NG service members than is often reported in the literature, particularly among males. An MST history was associated with higher and more hazardous/harmful current alcohol consumption among male service members, highlighting the need for greater screening, prevention, and intervention among a population already at high risk for problematic alcohol use. Results underscore that MST is an important and prevalent experience requiring greater study alongside more traditional notions of service-connected trauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Fillo
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina
| | - Erin M. Anderson Goodell
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University
| | - D. Lynn Homish
- Department of Community Health and Health Behavior, School of Public Health and Health Professions, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York
| | - Gregory G. Homish
- Department of Community Health and Health Behavior, School of Public Health and Health Professions, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York
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48
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Carlson GC, Sharifian N, Jacobson IG, LeardMann CA, Rull RP, Martin JL. Contribution of post-trauma insomnia to depression and posttraumatic stress disorder in women service members: findings from the Millennium Cohort Study. Sleep 2023; 46:zsac313. [PMID: 36546353 PMCID: PMC9995785 DOI: 10.1093/sleep/zsac313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVES We examined whether women service members and veterans who reported recent combat and/or sexual trauma experiences had a greater risk of insomnia compared with women who did not report these recent experiences, and whether insomnia would be associated with a greater risk of mental health outcomes. METHODS We analyzed two waves of survey data (2011-2013, Time 1 [T1] and 2014-2016, Time 2 [T2]) from 26 443 current and former women service members from the Millennium Cohort Study. We assessed recent traumas in the past 3 years, and probable insomnia at T1 and probable post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression at T2. A longitudinal mediation model was used to quantify separate indirect effects of recent traumas on mental health outcomes through probable insomnia. RESULTS Women who had experienced recent sexual assault (odds ratio [OR] = 1.68; 95% CI = 1.24-2.10), sexual harassment (OR = 1.22; 95% CI = 1.05-1.41), and combat (OR = 1.34; 95% CI = 1.20-1.49) at T1 had a greater risk of probable insomnia at T1 compared with women who had not recently experienced these events. Probable insomnia at T1, in turn, was associated with probable depression (OR = 2.66; 95% CI = 2.31-3.06) and PTSD (OR = 2.57; 95% CI = 2.27-2.90) at T2. Recent combat experience did not moderate the associations of recent sexual trauma with insomnia or mental health outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Insomnia contributes to the risk of subsequent mental health conditions following trauma. The diagnosis and treatment of post-trauma insomnia should be prioritized to mitigate the development of posttraumatic mental health conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gwendolyn C Carlson
- Department of Mental Health, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- VA 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 UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Neika Sharifian
- Leidos, Inc., San Diego, CA, USA
- Deployment Health Research Department, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Isabel G Jacobson
- Leidos, Inc., San Diego, CA, USA
- Deployment Health Research Department, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Cynthia A LeardMann
- Leidos, Inc., San Diego, CA, USA
- Deployment Health Research Department, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Rudolph P Rull
- Deployment Health Research Department, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Jennifer L Martin
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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49
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Holliday R, Nichter B, Holder N, Hill ML, Monteith LL, Norman SB, Pietrzak RH. Childhood Sexual Abuse and Military Sexual Trauma Interact to Increase Suicide Risk: Results from a Nationally Representative Veteran Sample. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2023; 38:5354-5369. [PMID: 36124932 DOI: 10.1177/08862605221120909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) and military sexual trauma (MST) are prevalent among veterans. Such exposures are associated with adverse mental-health sequelae, including elevated risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Nonetheless, prior studies have largely focused upon discrete experiences of CSA or MST in circumscribed samples. In the current study, we analyzed data from a large, nationally representative sample of 4,069 US military veterans to examine main and interactive effects of CSA and MST in relation to suicidal thoughts and behaviors. After accounting for sociodemographics, psychiatric comorbidity, and trauma-related characteristics, we detected a significant interaction between MST and CSA as it related to report of past-year suicidal ideation, lifetime suicide attempt, and risk for future suicide attempt. These findings underscore the impact of sexual trauma throughout the lifespan, highlighting the continued importance of screening for trauma exposure and connecting veterans to appropriate, evidence-based treatment to decrease their risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Holliday
- VA Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center for Suicide Prevention, Aurora, CO, USA
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | | | - Nicholas Holder
- San Francisco VA Health Care System, San Francisco, CA, USA
- University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Lindsey L Monteith
- VA Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center for Suicide Prevention, Aurora, CO, USA
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Sonya B Norman
- University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA
- National Center for PTSD, Executive Division, White River Junction, VT, USA
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Robert H Pietrzak
- Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
- Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
- National Center for PTSD, Clinical Neurosciences Division, West Haven, CT, USA
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50
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Houle SA, Inhaber J, Jetly R, Ashbaugh AR. Negative cognition in the context of suicidality after exposure to military-related potentially morally injurious events. JOURNAL OF MILITARY, VETERAN AND FAMILY HEALTH 2023. [DOI: 10.3138/jmvfh-2022-0057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
LAY SUMMARY Moral injury (MI) refers to the psycho-spiritual consequences of events that deeply transgress a person’s core moral beliefs and values. Such events are reportedly common in the military context, and strong associations have been demonstrated between exposure to potentially morally injurious events (PMIEs) and suicidality. This study explored differences in negative cognitions between treatment-seeking Canadian Armed Forces members and Veterans with and without current suicidal thoughts and behaviours (STBs), all of whom reported current distress in response to a PMIE. Those exhibiting STBs reported stronger negative beliefs about the self. Scores for event-related guilt cognitions and self-blame were similar across individuals with and without STBs. Individuals reporting STBs also displayed higher depression and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder. The results suggest that severity of mental health symptoms and negative self-evaluations may be most pertinent in their association with suicidality in the MI context. Results remain preliminary, however, and additional research is needed to properly examine how event and self-related evaluations affect suicidality after PMIEs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joseph Inhaber
- School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rakesh Jetly
- The Royal’s Institute of Mental Health Research, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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