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Tench H, Phipps J, Loosley R, Wolf-Roberts R, Coetzee S, Omar Z, Ross A, Card B, Carr C, King C, Wood C, Copeland D, Calvelo E, Chilvers ER, Russell E, Gordon H, Nunag JL, Schronce J, March K, Samuel K, Burden L, Evison L, McLeavey L, Orriss-Dib L, Tarusan L, Mariveles M, Roy M, Mohamed N, Simpson N, Yasmin N, Cullinan P, Daly P, Haq S, Moriera S, Fayzan T, Munawar U, Nwanguma U, Lingford-Hughes A, Altmann D, Johnston D, Mitchell J, Valabhji J, Price L, Molyneaux PL, Thwaites RS, Walsh S, Frankel A, Lightstone L, Wilkins M, Willicombe M, McAdoo S, Touyz R, Guerdette AM, Warwick K, Hewitt M, Reddy R, White S, McMahon A, Hoare A, Knighton A, Ramos A, Te A, Jolley CJ, Speranza F, Assefa-Kebede H, Peralta I, Breeze J, Shevket K, Powell N, Adeyemi O, Dulawan P, Adrego R, Byrne S, Patale S, Hayday A, Malim M, Pariante C, Sharpe C, Whitney J, Bramham K, Ismail K, Wessely S, Nicholson T, Ashworth A, Humphries A, Tan AL, Whittam B, Coupland C, Favager C, Peckham D, Wade E, Saalmink G, Clarke J, 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D, Walsh JA, Liyanage K, Gummadi M, Dormand N, Polgar O, George P, Barker RE, Patel S, Price L, Gibbons M, Matila D, Jarvis H, Lim L, Olaosebikan O, Ahmad S, Brill S, Mandal S, Laing C, Michael A, Reddy A, Johnson C, Baxendale H, Parfrey H, Mackie J, Newman J, Pack J, Parmar J, Paques K, Garner L, Harvey A, Summersgill C, Holgate D, Hardy E, Oxton J, Pendlebury J, McMorrow L, Mairs N, Majeed N, Dark P, Ugwuoke R, Knight S, Whittaker S, Strong-Sheldrake S, Matimba-Mupaya W, Chowienczyk P, Pattenadk D, Hurditch E, Chan F, Carborn H, Foot H, Bagshaw J, Hockridge J, Sidebottom J, Lee JH, Birchall K, Turner K, Haslam L, Holt L, Milner L, Begum M, Marshall M, Steele N, Tinker N, Ravencroft P, Butcher R, Misra S, Walker S, Coburn Z, Fairman A, Ford A, Holbourn A, Howell A, Lawrie A, Lye A, Mbuyisa A, Zawia A, Holroyd-Hind B, Thamu B, Clark C, Jarman C, Norman C, Roddis C, Foote D, Lee E, Ilyas F, Stephens G, Newell H, Turton H, Macharia I, Wilson I, Cole J, McNeill J, Meiring J, Rodger J, Watson J, Chapman K, Harrington K, Chetham L, Hesselden L, Nwafor L, Dixon M, Plowright M, Wade P, Gregory R, Lenagh R, Stimpson R, Megson S, Newman T, Cheng Y, Goodwin C, Heeley C, Sissons D, Sowter D, Gregory H, Wynter I, Hutchinson J, Kirk J, Bennett K, Slack K, Allsop L, Holloway L, Flynn M, Gill M, Greatorex M, Holmes M, Buckley P, Shelton S, Turner S, Sewell TA, Whitworth V, Lovegrove W, Tomlinson J, Warburton L, Painter S, Vickers C, Redwood D, Tilley J, Palmer S, Wainwright T, Breen G, Hotopf M, Dunleavy A, Teixeira J, Ali M, Mencias M, Msimanga N, Siddique S, Samakomva T, Tavoukjian V, Forton D, Ahmed R, Cook A, Thaivalappil F, Connor L, Rees T, McNarry M, Williams N, McCormick J, McIntosh J, Vere J, Coulding M, Kilroy S, Turner V, Butt AT, Savill H, Fraile E, Ugoji J, Landers G, Lota H, Portukhay S, Nasseri M, Daniels A, Hormis A, Ingham J, Zeidan L, Osborne L, Chablani M, Banerjee A, David A, Pakzad A, Rangelov B, Williams B, Denneny E, Willoughby J, Xu M, Mehta P, Batterham R, Bell R, Aslani S, Lilaonitkul W, Checkley A, Bang D, Basire D, Lomas D, Wall E, Plant H, Roy K, Heightman M, Lipman M, Merida Morillas M, Ahwireng N, Chambers RC, Jastrub R, Logan S, Hillman T, Botkai A, Casey A, Neal A, Newton-Cox A, Cooper B, Atkin C, McGee C, Welch C, Wilson D, Sapey E, Qureshi H, Hazeldine J, Lord JM, Nyaboko J, Short J, Stockley J, Dasgin J, Draxlbauer K, Isaacs K, Mcgee K, Yip KP, Ratcliffe L, Bates M, Ventura M, Ahmad Haider N, Gautam N, Baggott R, Holden S, Madathil S, Walder S, Yasmin S, Hiwot T, Jackson T, Soulsby T, Kamwa V, Peterkin Z, Suleiman Z, Chaudhuri N, Wheeler H, Djukanovic R, Samuel R, Sass T, Wallis T, Marshall B, Childs C, Marouzet E, Harvey M, Fletcher S, Dickens C, Beckett P, Nanda U, Daynes E, Charalambou A, Yousuf AJ, Lea A, Prickett A, Gooptu B, Hargadon B, Bourne C, Christie C, Edwardson C, Lee D, Baldry E, Stringer E, Woodhead F, Mills G, Arnold H, Aung H, Qureshi IN, Finch J, Skeemer J, Hadley K, Khunti K, Carr L, Ingram L, Aljaroof M, Bakali M, Bakau M, Baldwin M, Bourne M, Pareek M, Soares M, Tobin M, Armstrong N, Brunskill N, Goodman N, Cairns P, Haldar P, McCourt P, Dowling R, Russell R, Diver S, Edwards S, Glover S, Parker S, Siddiqui S, Ward TJC, Mcnally T, Thornton T, Yates T, Ibrahim W, Monteiro W, Thickett D, Wilkinson D, Broome M, McArdle P, Upthegrove R, Wraith D, Langenberg C, Summers C, Bullmore E, Heeney JL, Schwaeble W, Sudlow CL, Adeloye D, Newby DE, Rudan I, Shankar-Hari M, Thorpe M, Pius R, Walmsley S, McGovern A, Ballard C, Allan L, Dennis J, Cavanagh J, Petrie J, O'Donnell K, Spears M, Sattar N, MacDonald S, Guthrie E, Henderson M, Guillen Guio B, Zhao B, Lawson C, Overton C, Taylor C, Tong C, Mukaetova-Ladinska E, Turner E, Pearl JE, Sargant J, Wormleighton J, Bingham M, Sharma M, Steiner M, Samani N, Novotny P, Free R, Allen RJ, Finney S, Terry S, Brugha T, Plekhanova T, McArdle A, Vinson B, Spencer LG, Reynolds W, Ashworth M, Deakin B, Chinoy H, Abel K, Harvie M, Stanel S, Rostron A, Coleman C, 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Francis C, Francis R, Hughes RA, Hughes J, Hughes AD, Thompson T, Kelly S, Smith D, Smith N, Smith A, Smith J, Smith L, Smith S, Evans T, Evans RI, Evans D, Evans R, Evans H, Evans J. Multiorgan MRI findings after hospitalisation with COVID-19 in the UK (C-MORE): a prospective, multicentre, observational cohort study. Lancet Respir Med 2023; 11:1003-1019. [PMID: 37748493 PMCID: PMC7615263 DOI: 10.1016/s2213-2600(23)00262-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The multiorgan impact of moderate to severe coronavirus infections in the post-acute phase is still poorly understood. We aimed to evaluate the excess burden of multiorgan abnormalities after hospitalisation with COVID-19, evaluate their determinants, and explore associations with patient-related outcome measures. METHODS In a prospective, UK-wide, multicentre MRI follow-up study (C-MORE), adults (aged ≥18 years) discharged from hospital following COVID-19 who were included in Tier 2 of the Post-hospitalisation COVID-19 study (PHOSP-COVID) and contemporary controls with no evidence of previous COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid antibody negative) underwent multiorgan MRI (lungs, heart, brain, liver, and kidneys) with quantitative and qualitative assessment of images and clinical adjudication when relevant. Individuals with end-stage renal failure or contraindications to MRI were excluded. Participants also underwent detailed recording of symptoms, and physiological and biochemical tests. The primary outcome was the excess burden of multiorgan abnormalities (two or more organs) relative to controls, with further adjustments for potential confounders. The C-MORE study is ongoing and is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04510025. FINDINGS Of 2710 participants in Tier 2 of PHOSP-COVID, 531 were recruited across 13 UK-wide C-MORE sites. After exclusions, 259 C-MORE patients (mean age 57 years [SD 12]; 158 [61%] male and 101 [39%] female) who were discharged from hospital with PCR-confirmed or clinically diagnosed COVID-19 between March 1, 2020, and Nov 1, 2021, and 52 non-COVID-19 controls from the community (mean age 49 years [SD 14]; 30 [58%] male and 22 [42%] female) were included in the analysis. Patients were assessed at a median of 5·0 months (IQR 4·2-6·3) after hospital discharge. Compared with non-COVID-19 controls, patients were older, living with more obesity, and had more comorbidities. Multiorgan abnormalities on MRI were more frequent in patients than in controls (157 [61%] of 259 vs 14 [27%] of 52; p<0·0001) and independently associated with COVID-19 status (odds ratio [OR] 2·9 [95% CI 1·5-5·8]; padjusted=0·0023) after adjusting for relevant confounders. Compared with controls, patients were more likely to have MRI evidence of lung abnormalities (p=0·0001; parenchymal abnormalities), brain abnormalities (p<0·0001; more white matter hyperintensities and regional brain volume reduction), and kidney abnormalities (p=0·014; lower medullary T1 and loss of corticomedullary differentiation), whereas cardiac and liver MRI abnormalities were similar between patients and controls. Patients with multiorgan abnormalities were older (difference in mean age 7 years [95% CI 4-10]; mean age of 59·8 years [SD 11·7] with multiorgan abnormalities vs mean age of 52·8 years [11·9] without multiorgan abnormalities; p<0·0001), more likely to have three or more comorbidities (OR 2·47 [1·32-4·82]; padjusted=0·0059), and more likely to have a more severe acute infection (acute CRP >5mg/L, OR 3·55 [1·23-11·88]; padjusted=0·025) than those without multiorgan abnormalities. Presence of lung MRI abnormalities was associated with a two-fold higher risk of chest tightness, and multiorgan MRI abnormalities were associated with severe and very severe persistent physical and mental health impairment (PHOSP-COVID symptom clusters) after hospitalisation. INTERPRETATION After hospitalisation for COVID-19, people are at risk of multiorgan abnormalities in the medium term. Our findings emphasise the need for proactive multidisciplinary care pathways, with the potential for imaging to guide surveillance frequency and therapeutic stratification. FUNDING UK Research and Innovation and National Institute for Health Research.
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Evans RA, Leavy OC, Richardson M, Elneima O, McAuley HJC, Shikotra A, Singapuri A, Sereno M, Saunders RM, Harris VC, Houchen-Wolloff L, Aul R, Beirne P, Bolton CE, Brown JS, Choudhury G, Diar-Bakerly N, Easom N, Echevarria C, Fuld J, Hart N, Hurst J, Jones MG, Parekh D, Pfeffer P, Rahman NM, Rowland-Jones SL, Shah AM, Wootton DG, Chalder T, Davies MJ, De Soyza A, Geddes JR, Greenhalf W, Greening NJ, Heaney LG, Heller S, Howard LS, Jacob J, Jenkins RG, Lord JM, Man WDC, McCann GP, Neubauer S, Openshaw PJM, Porter JC, Rowland MJ, Scott JT, Semple MG, Singh SJ, Thomas DC, Toshner M, Lewis KE, Thwaites RS, Briggs A, Docherty AB, Kerr S, Lone NI, Quint J, Sheikh A, Thorpe M, Zheng B, Chalmers JD, Ho LP, Horsley A, Marks M, Poinasamy K, Raman B, Harrison EM, Wain LV, Brightling CE, Abel K, Adamali H, Adeloye D, Adeyemi O, Adrego R, Aguilar Jimenez LA, Ahmad S, Ahmad Haider N, Ahmed R, Ahwireng N, Ainsworth M, Al-Sheklly B, Alamoudi A, Ali M, Aljaroof M, All AM, Allan L, Allen RJ, Allerton L, 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Jastrub R, Jayaraman B, Jezzard P, Jiwa K, Johnson C, Johnson S, Johnston D, Jolley CJ, Jones D, Jones G, Jones H, Jones H, Jones I, Jones L, Jones S, Jose S, Kabir T, Kaltsakas G, Kamwa V, Kanellakis N, Kaprowska S, Kausar Z, Keenan N, Kelly S, Kemp G, Kerslake H, Key AL, Khan F, Khunti K, Kilroy S, King B, King C, Kingham L, Kirk J, Kitterick P, Klenerman P, Knibbs L, Knight S, Knighton A, Kon O, Kon S, Kon SS, Koprowska S, Korszun A, Koychev I, Kurasz C, Kurupati P, Laing C, Lamlum H, Landers G, Langenberg C, Lasserson D, Lavelle-Langham L, Lawrie A, Lawson C, Lawson C, Layton A, Lea A, Lee D, Lee JH, Lee E, Leitch K, Lenagh R, Lewis D, Lewis J, Lewis V, Lewis-Burke N, Li X, Light T, Lightstone L, Lilaonitkul W, Lim L, Linford S, Lingford-Hughes A, Lipman M, Liyanage K, Lloyd A, Logan S, Lomas D, Loosley R, Lota H, Lovegrove W, Lucey A, Lukaschuk E, Lye A, Lynch C, MacDonald S, MacGowan G, Macharia I, Mackie J, Macliver L, Madathil S, Madzamba G, Magee N, Magtoto MM, Mairs N, Majeed N, Major E, Malein F, Malim M, Mallison G, Mandal S, Mangion K, Manisty C, Manley R, March K, Marciniak S, Marino P, Mariveles M, Marouzet E, Marsh S, Marshall B, Marshall M, Martin J, Martineau A, Martinez LM, Maskell N, Matila D, Matimba-Mupaya W, Matthews L, Mbuyisa A, McAdoo S, Weir McCall J, McAllister-Williams H, McArdle A, McArdle P, McAulay D, McCormick J, McCormick W, McCourt P, McGarvey L, McGee C, Mcgee K, McGinness J, McGlynn K, McGovern A, McGuinness H, McInnes IB, McIntosh J, McIvor E, McIvor K, McLeavey L, McMahon A, McMahon MJ, McMorrow L, Mcnally T, McNarry M, McNeill J, McQueen A, McShane H, Mears C, Megson C, Megson S, Mehta P, Meiring J, Melling L, Mencias M, Menzies D, Merida Morillas M, Michael A, Milligan L, Miller C, Mills C, Mills NL, Milner L, Misra S, Mitchell J, Mohamed A, Mohamed N, Mohammed S, Molyneaux PL, Monteiro W, Moriera S, Morley A, Morrison L, Morriss R, Morrow A, Moss AJ, Moss P, Motohashi K, Msimanga N, Mukaetova-Ladinska E, Munawar U, Murira J, Nanda U, Nassa H, Nasseri M, Neal A, Needham R, Neill P, Newell H, Newman T, Newton-Cox A, Nicholson T, Nicoll D, Nolan CM, Noonan MJ, Norman C, Novotny P, Nunag J, Nwafor L, Nwanguma U, Nyaboko J, O'Donnell K, O'Brien C, O'Brien L, O'Regan D, Odell N, Ogg G, Olaosebikan O, Oliver C, Omar Z, Orriss-Dib L, Osborne L, Osbourne R, Ostermann M, Overton C, Owen J, Oxton J, Pack J, Pacpaco E, Paddick S, Painter S, Pakzad A, Palmer S, Papineni P, Paques K, Paradowski K, Pareek M, Parfrey H, Pariante C, Parker S, Parkes M, Parmar J, Patale S, Patel B, Patel M, Patel S, Pattenadk D, Pavlides M, Payne S, Pearce L, Pearl JE, Peckham D, Pendlebury J, Peng Y, Pennington C, Peralta I, Perkins E, Peterkin Z, Peto T, Petousi N, Petrie J, Phipps J, Pimm J, Piper Hanley K, Pius R, Plant H, Plein S, Plekhanova T, Plowright M, Polgar O, Poll L, Porter J, Portukhay S, Powell N, Prabhu A, Pratt J, Price A, Price C, Price C, Price D, Price L, Price L, Prickett A, Propescu J, Pugmire S, Quaid S, Quigley J, Qureshi H, Qureshi IN, Radhakrishnan K, Ralser M, Ramos A, Ramos H, Rangeley J, Rangelov B, Ratcliffe L, Ravencroft P, Reddington A, Reddy R, Redfearn H, Redwood D, Reed A, Rees M, Rees T, Regan K, Reynolds W, Ribeiro C, Richards A, Richardson E, Rivera-Ortega P, Roberts K, Robertson E, Robinson E, Robinson L, Roche L, Roddis C, Rodger J, Ross A, Ross G, Rossdale J, Rostron A, Rowe A, Rowland A, Rowland J, Roy K, Roy M, Rudan I, Russell R, Russell E, Saalmink G, Sabit R, Sage EK, Samakomva T, Samani N, Sampson C, Samuel K, Samuel R, Sanderson A, Sapey E, Saralaya D, Sargant J, Sarginson C, Sass T, Sattar N, Saunders K, Saunders P, Saunders LC, Savill H, Saxon W, Sayer A, Schronce J, Schwaeble W, Scott K, Selby N, Sewell TA, Shah K, Shah P, Shankar-Hari M, Sharma M, Sharpe C, Sharpe M, Shashaa S, Shaw A, Shaw K, Shaw V, Shelton S, Shenton L, Shevket K, Short J, Siddique S, Siddiqui S, Sidebottom J, Sigfrid L, Simons G, Simpson J, Simpson N, Singh C, Singh S, Sissons D, Skeemer J, Slack K, Smith A, Smith D, Smith S, Smith J, Smith L, Soares M, Solano TS, Solly R, Solstice AR, Soulsby T, Southern D, Sowter D, Spears M, Spencer LG, Speranza F, Stadon L, Stanel S, Steele N, Steiner M, Stensel D, Stephens G, Stephenson L, Stern M, Stewart I, Stimpson R, Stockdale S, Stockley J, Stoker W, Stone R, Storrar W, Storrie A, Storton K, Stringer E, Strong-Sheldrake S, Stroud N, Subbe C, Sudlow CL, Suleiman Z, Summers C, Summersgill C, Sutherland D, Sykes DL, Sykes R, Talbot N, Tan AL, Tarusan L, Tavoukjian V, Taylor A, Taylor C, Taylor J, Te A, Tedd H, Tee CJ, Teixeira J, Tench H, Terry S, Thackray-Nocera S, Thaivalappil F, Thamu B, Thickett D, Thomas C, Thomas S, Thomas AK, Thomas-Woods T, Thompson T, Thompson AAR, Thornton T, Tilley J, Tinker N, Tiongson GF, Tobin M, Tomlinson J, Tong C, Touyz R, Tripp KA, Tunnicliffe E, Turnbull A, Turner E, Turner S, Turner V, Turner K, Turney S, Turtle L, Turton H, Ugoji J, Ugwuoke R, Upthegrove R, Valabhji J, Ventura M, Vere J, Vickers C, Vinson B, Wade E, Wade P, Wainwright T, Wajero LO, Walder S, Walker S, Walker S, Wall E, Wallis T, Walmsley S, Walsh JA, Walsh S, Warburton L, Ward TJC, Warwick K, Wassall H, Waterson S, Watson E, Watson L, Watson J, Welch C, Welch H, Welsh B, Wessely S, West S, Weston H, Wheeler H, White S, Whitehead V, Whitney J, Whittaker S, Whittam B, Whitworth V, Wight A, Wild J, Wilkins M, Wilkinson D, Williams N, Williams N, Williams J, Williams-Howard SA, Willicombe M, Willis G, Willoughby J, Wilson A, Wilson D, Wilson I, Window N, Witham M, Wolf-Roberts R, Wood C, Woodhead F, Woods J, Wormleighton J, Worsley J, Wraith D, Wrey Brown C, Wright C, Wright L, Wright S, Wyles J, Wynter I, Xu M, Yasmin N, Yasmin S, Yates T, Yip KP, Young B, Young S, Young A, Yousuf AJ, Zawia A, Zeidan L, Zhao B, Zongo O. Clinical characteristics with inflammation profiling of long COVID and association with 1-year recovery following hospitalisation in the UK: a prospective observational study. Lancet Respir Med 2022; 10:761-775. [PMID: 35472304 PMCID: PMC9034855 DOI: 10.1016/s2213-2600(22)00127-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 72.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND No effective pharmacological or non-pharmacological interventions exist for patients with long COVID. We aimed to describe recovery 1 year after hospital discharge for COVID-19, identify factors associated with patient-perceived recovery, and identify potential therapeutic targets by describing the underlying inflammatory profiles of the previously described recovery clusters at 5 months after hospital discharge. METHODS The Post-hospitalisation COVID-19 study (PHOSP-COVID) is a prospective, longitudinal cohort study recruiting adults (aged ≥18 years) discharged from hospital with COVID-19 across the UK. Recovery was assessed using patient-reported outcome measures, physical performance, and organ function at 5 months and 1 year after hospital discharge, and stratified by both patient-perceived recovery and recovery cluster. Hierarchical logistic regression modelling was performed for patient-perceived recovery at 1 year. Cluster analysis was done using the clustering large applications k-medoids approach using clinical outcomes at 5 months. Inflammatory protein profiling was analysed from plasma at the 5-month visit. This study is registered on the ISRCTN Registry, ISRCTN10980107, and recruitment is ongoing. FINDINGS 2320 participants discharged from hospital between March 7, 2020, and April 18, 2021, were assessed at 5 months after discharge and 807 (32·7%) participants completed both the 5-month and 1-year visits. 279 (35·6%) of these 807 patients were women and 505 (64·4%) were men, with a mean age of 58·7 (SD 12·5) years, and 224 (27·8%) had received invasive mechanical ventilation (WHO class 7-9). The proportion of patients reporting full recovery was unchanged between 5 months (501 [25·5%] of 1965) and 1 year (232 [28·9%] of 804). Factors associated with being less likely to report full recovery at 1 year were female sex (odds ratio 0·68 [95% CI 0·46-0·99]), obesity (0·50 [0·34-0·74]) and invasive mechanical ventilation (0·42 [0·23-0·76]). Cluster analysis (n=1636) corroborated the previously reported four clusters: very severe, severe, moderate with cognitive impairment, and mild, relating to the severity of physical health, mental health, and cognitive impairment at 5 months. We found increased inflammatory mediators of tissue damage and repair in both the very severe and the moderate with cognitive impairment clusters compared with the mild cluster, including IL-6 concentration, which was increased in both comparisons (n=626 participants). We found a substantial deficit in median EQ-5D-5L utility index from before COVID-19 (retrospective assessment; 0·88 [IQR 0·74-1·00]), at 5 months (0·74 [0·64-0·88]) to 1 year (0·75 [0·62-0·88]), with minimal improvements across all outcome measures at 1 year after discharge in the whole cohort and within each of the four clusters. INTERPRETATION The sequelae of a hospital admission with COVID-19 were substantial 1 year after discharge across a range of health domains, with the minority in our cohort feeling fully recovered. Patient-perceived health-related quality of life was reduced at 1 year compared with before hospital admission. Systematic inflammation and obesity are potential treatable traits that warrant further investigation in clinical trials. FUNDING UK Research and Innovation and National Institute for Health Research.
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Gnanapragasam SN, Hodson A, Smith LE, Greenberg N, Rubin GJ, Wessely S. COVID-19 survey burden for health care workers: literature review and audit. Public Health 2022; 206:94-101. [PMID: 35489796 PMCID: PMC8148427 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2021.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Objectives Concerns have been raised about the quantity and quality of research conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly related to the mental health and wellbeing of health care workers (HCWs). For understanding the volume, source, methodological rigour and degree of overlap in COVID-19, studies were conducted among HCWs in the United Kingdom (UK). Study design Mixed methods approach, literature review and audit. Methods First, a literature review of published research studies and second, an audit of studies HCWs have been invited to complete. For the literature review, we searched Medline, PsycINFO and Nexis, webpages of three medical organisations (Royal Society of Medicine, Royal College of Nursing and British Medical Association), and the YouGov website. For the audit, a non-random purposive sample of six HCWs from different London NHS Trusts reviewed email, WhatsApp and SMS messages they received for study invitations. Results The literature review identified 27 studies; the audit identified 70 study invitations. Studies identified by the literature review were largely of poor methodological rigour: only eight studies (30%) provided response rate, one study (4%) reported having ethical approval, and one study (4%) reported funding details. There was substantial overlap in the topics measured. In the audit, volunteers received a median of 12 invitations. The largest number of study invitations were for national surveys (n = 23), followed by local surveys (n = 16) and research surveys (n = 8). Conclusion HCWs have been asked to complete numerous surveys that frequently have methodological shortcomings and overlapping aims. Many studies do not follow scientific good-practice and generate questionable, non-generalisable results.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - A Hodson
- Department of War Studies, King's College London, London, UK
| | - L E Smith
- Department of Psychological Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - N Greenberg
- Department of Psychological Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - G J Rubin
- Department of Psychological Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - S Wessely
- Department of Psychological Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
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Burdett H, Fear NT, Wessely S, Rona RJ. Military and demographic predictors of mental ill-health and socioeconomic hardship among UK veterans. BMC Psychiatry 2021; 21:304. [PMID: 34225685 PMCID: PMC8259380 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-021-03296-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Around 8% of the UK Armed Forces leave in any given year, and must navigate unfamiliar civilian systems to acquire employment, healthcare, and other necessities. This paper determines longer-term prevalences of mental ill health and socioeconomic outcomes in UK Service leavers, and how they are related to demographic factors, military history, and pre-enlistment adversity. METHODS This study utilised data from a longitudinal sample of a cohort study UK Armed Forces personnel since 2003. A range of self-reported military and sociodemographic factors were analysed as predictors of probable Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, common mental disorders, alcohol misuse, unemployment and financial hardship. Prevalences and odds ratios of associations between predictors and outcomes were estimated for regular veterans in this cohort. RESULTS Veteran hardship was mostly associated with factors linked to socio-economic status: age, education, and childhood adversity. Few military-specific factors predicted mental health or socio-economic hardship, except method of leaving (where those leaving due to medical or unplanned discharge were more likely to encounter most forms of hardship as veterans), and rank which is itself related to socioeconomic status. CONCLUSION Transition and resettlement provisions become increasingly generous with longer service, yet this paper shows the need for those services becomes progressively less necessary as personnel acquire seniority and skills, and instead could be best targeted at unplanned leavers, taking socioeconomic status into consideration. Many will agree that longer service should be more rewarded, but the opposite is true if provision instead reflects need rather than length of service. This is a social, political and ethical dilemma.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Burdett
- King's Centre for Military Health Research, Department of Psychological Medicine, King's College London, London, UK.
| | - N T Fear
- King's Centre for Military Health Research, Department of Psychological Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - S Wessely
- King's Centre for Military Health Research, Department of Psychological Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - R J Rona
- King's Centre for Military Health Research, Department of Psychological Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
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O'Connell N, Nicholson TR, Wessely S, David AS. Characteristics of patients with motor functional neurological disorder in a large UK mental health service: a case-control study - CORRIGENDUM. Psychol Med 2021; 51:1592. [PMID: 34193322 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291721002658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Allington D, Duffy B, Wessely S, Dhavan N, Rubin J. Health-protective behaviour, social media usage and conspiracy belief during the COVID-19 public health emergency - CORRIGENDUM. Psychol Med 2021; 51:1770. [PMID: 33820573 PMCID: PMC8327622 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291721000593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- D Allington
- Department of Digital Humanities, King's College London, Strand, London, WC2R 2LS, UK
| | - B Duffy
- Policy Institute, King's College London, Strand, London, WC2R 2LS, UK
| | - S Wessely
- Department of Psychological Medicine, King's College London, Strand, London, WC2R 2LS, UK
| | - N Dhavan
- Department of Digital Humanities, King's College London, Strand, London, WC2R 2LS, UK
| | - J Rubin
- Department of Psychological Medicine, King's College London, Strand, London, WC2R 2LS, UK
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Chalder T, Adamson J, Santhouse A, Wessely S. Cognitive behaviour therapy for chronic fatigue syndrome: Authors' reply, naturalistic outcomes paper. J R Soc Med 2021; 114:285-286. [PMID: 34042541 PMCID: PMC8209755 DOI: 10.1177/01410768211017775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- T Chalder
- Department of Psychological Medicine, King's College London, UK
| | - J Adamson
- Department of Psychological Medicine, King's College London, UK
| | - A Santhouse
- Department of Psychological Medicine, King's College London, UK
| | - S Wessely
- Department of Psychological Medicine, King's College London, UK
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Lawrence EG, Jones N, Greenberg N, Fear NT, Wessely S, Michael G, Taylor-Beirne S, Simms A. Mental well-being interventions in the military: The ten key principles. BMJ Mil Health 2021; 168:179-180. [PMID: 33911012 DOI: 10.1136/bmjmilitary-2020-001740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Organisations including the United Kingdom Armed Forces should seek to implement mental health interventions to increase the psychological well-being of their workforce. This editorial briefly presents ten key principles that military forces should consider before implementing such interventions. These include job-focused training; evaluating interventions; the use of internal versus external training providers; the role of leaders; unit cohesion, single versus multiple session psychological interventions; not overgeneralising the applicability of interventions; the need for repeated skills practice; raising awareness and the fallibility of screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin G Lawrence
- Academic Department of Military Mental Health, King's College London, London, UK
| | - N Jones
- Academic Department of Military Mental Health, King's College London, London, UK
| | - N Greenberg
- King's Centre for Military Health Research, King's College London, London, UK
| | - N T Fear
- Academic Department of Military Mental Health, King's College London, London, UK
| | - S Wessely
- Academic Department of Military Mental Health, King's College London, London, UK.,King's Centre for Military Health Research, King's College London, London, UK
| | - G Michael
- Academic Department of Military Mental Health, King's College London, London, UK
| | - S Taylor-Beirne
- Academic Department of Military Mental Health, King's College London, London, UK
| | - A Simms
- Academic Department of Military Mental Health, King's College London, London, UK
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Jones M, Jones N, Burdett H, Bergman BP, Fear NT, Wessely S, Rona RJ. Do Junior Entrants to the UK Armed Forces have worse outcomes than Standard Entrants? BMJ Mil Health 2021; 169:218-224. [PMID: 33879526 DOI: 10.1136/bmjmilitary-2021-001787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 03/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The UK is the only permanent member of the UN Security Council that has a policy of recruiting 16 and 17 year old individuals into its regular Armed Forces. Little is known about the consequences of enlisting as a Junior Entrant (JE), although concerns have been expressed. We compare the mental health, deployment history, and pre-enlistment and post-enlistment experiences of personnel who had enlisted as JEs with personnel who joined as Standard Entrants (SEs). METHOD Participants from a large UK military cohort study completed a self-report questionnaire between 2014 and 2016 that included symptoms of probable post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), common mental disorders, alcohol consumption, physical symptoms and lifetime self-harm. Data from regular non-officer participants (n=4447) from all service branches were used in the analysis. JEs were defined as having enlisted before the age of 17.5 years. A subgroup analysis of participants who had joined or commenced adult service after April 2003 was carried out. RESULTS JEs were not more likely to deploy to Iraq or Afghanistan but were more likely to hold a combat role when they did (OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.56). There was no evidence of an increase in symptoms of common mental disorders, PTSD, multiple somatic symptoms (MSS), alcohol misuse or self-harm in JEs in the full sample, but there was an increase in alcohol misuse (OR 1.84, 95% CI 1.18 to 2.87), MSS (OR 1.51, 95% CI 1.04 to 2.20) and self-harm (OR 2.13, 95% CI 1.15 to 3.95) in JEs who had commenced adult service after April 2003. JEs remain in adult service for longer and do not have more difficulties when they leave service. CONCLUSIONS JEs do not have worse mental health than SEs, but there is uncertainty in relation to alcohol misuse, MSS and self-harm in more recent joiners. Monitoring these concerns is advisable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret Jones
- Psychological Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - N Jones
- Academic Department for Military Mental Health, King's College London, London, UK
| | - H Burdett
- Psychological Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - B P Bergman
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - N T Fear
- Psychological Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - S Wessely
- Psychological Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - R J Rona
- Psychological Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
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Irizar P, Leightley D, Stevelink S, Rona R, Jones N, Gouni K, Puddephatt JA, Fear N, Wessely S, Goodwin L. Drinking motivations in UK serving and ex-serving military personnel. Occup Med (Lond) 2020; 70:259-267. [PMID: 31961932 PMCID: PMC7305700 DOI: 10.1093/occmed/kqaa003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Drinking motivations within the UK military have not been studied despite the high prevalence of alcohol misuse in this group. AIMS We aimed to characterize drinking motivations and their demographic, military and mental health associations in UK serving and ex-serving personnel. METHODS Serving and ex-serving personnel reporting mental health, stress or emotional problems occurring in the last 3 years were selected from an existing cohort study. A semi-structured telephone interview survey examined participants' mental health, help-seeking, alcohol use and drinking motivations. RESULTS Exploratory factor analysis of drinking motivations in military personnel (n = 1279; response rate = 84.6%) yielded 2 factors, labelled 'drinking to cope' and 'social pressure'. Higher drinking to cope motivations were associated with probable anxiety (rate ratio [RR] = 1.4; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.3-1.5), depression (RR = 1.3; 95% CI = 1.2-1.4) and post-traumatic stress disorder (RR = 1.4; 95% CI = 1.3-1.6). Higher social pressure motivations were associated with probable anxiety (odds ratio = 1.1; 95% CI = 1.0-1.1). Alcohol misuse and binge drinking were associated with reporting higher drinking to cope motivations, drinking at home and drinking alone. CONCLUSIONS Amongst military personnel with a stress, emotional or mental health problem, those who drink to cope with mental disorder symptoms or because of social pressure, in addition to those who drink at home or drink alone, are more likely to also drink excessively.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Irizar
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Institute of Psychology Health and Society, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - D Leightley
- King's Centre for Military Health Research, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - S Stevelink
- King's Centre for Military Health Research, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.,Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - R Rona
- King's Centre for Military Health Research, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - N Jones
- Academic Department of Military Mental Health, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - K Gouni
- King's Centre for Military Health Research, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - J-A Puddephatt
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Institute of Psychology Health and Society, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - N Fear
- King's Centre for Military Health Research, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - S Wessely
- King's Centre for Military Health Research, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - L Goodwin
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Institute of Psychology Health and Society, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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Goodwin L, Leightley D, Chui ZE, Landau S, McCrone P, Hayes RD, Jones M, Wessely S, Fear NT. Hospital admissions for non-communicable disease in the UK military and associations with alcohol use and mental health: a data linkage study. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:1236. [PMID: 32912179 PMCID: PMC7488237 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-09300-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since the recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, the short-term focus of military healthcare research has been on the consequences of deployment for mental health and on those wounded or injured in combat. Now that these conflicts have ended for the UK Armed Forces, it is important to consider the longer term physical and mental health consequences, and just as importantly, the links between these. The aims of this study were to determine the most common physical conditions requiring a hospital admission in UK military personnel and whether they were more common in personnel with a mental health condition, smokers, and/or those misusing alcohol compared to those without. METHODS Data linkage of a prospective UK military cohort study to electronic admitted patient care records for England, Wales and Scotland. Nine thousand nine hundred ninety military personnel completed phase 2 of a military cohort study (56% response rate, data collected from 2007 to 2009), with analyses restricted to 86% of whom provided consent for linkage to healthcare records (n = 8602). Ninety percent were male and the mean age at phase 2 was 36 years. The outcome was physical non communicable diseases (NCDs) requiring a hospital admission which occurred after phase 2 of the cohort when the mental health, smoking and alcohol use exposure variables had been assessed until the end of March 2014. RESULTS The most common NCDs requiring a hospital admission were gastrointestinal disorders 5.62% (95% Confidence Intervals (CI) 5.04, 6.19) and joint disorders 5.60% (95% CI 5.02, 6.18). Number of NCDs requiring a hospital admission was significantly higher in those with a common mental disorder (Hazard ratio (HR) 1.40 (95% CI 1.16-1.68), post-traumatic stress disorder (HR 1.78 (95% CI 1.32-2.40)) and in current smokers (HR 1.35 (95% CI 1.12-1.64) compared to those without the disorder, and non-smokers, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Military personnel with a mental health problem are more likely to have an inpatient hospital admission for NCDs compared to those without, evidencing the clear links between physical and mental health in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Goodwin
- Department of Psychology, University of Liverpool, Room 2.31 Eleanor Rathbone Building, Liverpool, L69 7ZA, UK.
- King's Centre for Military Health Research, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.
- Liverpool Centre for Alcohol Research, Liverpool Health Partners, Liverpool, UK.
| | - D Leightley
- King's Centre for Military Health Research, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Z E Chui
- King's Centre for Military Health Research, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - S Landau
- Biostatistics & Health Informatics, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - P McCrone
- Institute for Lifecourse Development, University of Greenwich, London, UK
| | - R D Hayes
- Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - M Jones
- King's Centre for Military Health Research, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - S Wessely
- King's Centre for Military Health Research, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- Academic Department of Military Mental Health, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - N T Fear
- King's Centre for Military Health Research, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- Academic Department of Military Mental Health, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
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12
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Williamson V, Murphy D, Stevelink SAM, Jones E, Wessely S, Greenberg N. Confidentiality and psychological treatment of moral injury: the elephant in the room. BMJ Mil Health 2020; 167:451-453. [DOI: 10.1136/bmjmilitary-2020-001534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Morally injurious incidents may present ethical or legal quandaries, yet how military or civilian clinicians should manage such disclosures is poorly understood. Individuals who experience moral injury may be reluctant to seek help due to concerns about the legal ramifications of disclosure. Guidance on breaching patient confidentiality differs by regulatory body but also by profession, geography and context. As moral injury continues to become recognised in clinical practice, in the military and elsewhere, clarity is needed regarding best practice in managing moral injury cases and the dilemmas they present.
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13
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Webster RK, Brooks SK, Smith LE, Woodland L, Wessely S, Rubin GJ. How to improve adherence with quarantine: rapid review of the evidence. Public Health 2020; 182:163-169. [PMID: 32334182 PMCID: PMC7194967 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2020.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 190] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Revised: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The December 2019 outbreak of coronavirus has once again thrown the vexed issue of quarantine into the spotlight, with many countries asking their citizens to 'self-isolate' if they have potentially come into contact with the infection. However, adhering to quarantine is difficult. Decisions on how to apply quarantine should be based on the best available evidence to increase the likelihood of people adhering to protocols. We conducted a rapid review to identify factors associated with adherence to quarantine during infectious disease outbreaks. STUDY DESIGN The study design is a rapid evidence review. METHODS We searched Medline, PsycINFO and Web of Science for published literature on the reasons for and factors associated with adherence to quarantine during an infectious disease outbreak. RESULTS We found 3163 articles and included 14 in the review. Adherence to quarantine ranged from as little as 0 up to 92.8%. The main factors which influenced or were associated with adherence decisions were the knowledge people had about the disease and quarantine procedure, social norms, perceived benefits of quarantine and perceived risk of the disease, as well as practical issues such as running out of supplies or the financial consequences of being out of work. CONCLUSIONS People vary in their adherence to quarantine during infectious disease outbreaks. To improve this, public health officials should provide a timely, clear rationale for quarantine and information about protocols; emphasise social norms to encourage this altruistic behaviour; increase the perceived benefit that engaging in quarantine will have on public health; and ensure that sufficient supplies of food, medication and other essentials are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- R K Webster
- Department of Psychology, University of Sheffield, United Kingdom.
| | - S K Brooks
- King's College London, Department of Psychological Medicine, Cutcombe Road, London, SE5 9RJ, United Kingdom
| | - L E Smith
- King's College London, Department of Psychological Medicine, Cutcombe Road, London, SE5 9RJ, United Kingdom
| | - L Woodland
- King's College London, Department of Psychological Medicine, Cutcombe Road, London, SE5 9RJ, United Kingdom
| | - S Wessely
- King's College London, Department of Psychological Medicine, Cutcombe Road, London, SE5 9RJ, United Kingdom
| | - G J Rubin
- King's College London, Department of Psychological Medicine, Cutcombe Road, London, SE5 9RJ, United Kingdom
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Jones N, Jones M, Greenberg N, Phillips A, Simms A, Wessely S. UK military women: mental health, military service and occupational adjustment. Occup Med (Lond) 2020; 70:235-242. [DOI: 10.1093/occmed/kqaa019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Recently, the UK Armed Forces have revised the ground close combat role to include women.
Aims
To assess the potential mental health impact of this initiative we examined gender differences in deployment patterns, work strain, occupational factors, mental health, alcohol use and help-seeking following operational deployment.
Methods
The study was a secondary analysis of self-report survey data; 8799 men (88%) and 1185 women (12%) provided data. A sub-sample (47%, n = 4659) provided data concerning post-deployment help-seeking. The latter consisted of 408 women (8.8%) and 4251 men (91%).
Results
With the exception of alcohol misuse, which was significantly lower for women, women reported significantly more common mental disorder symptoms, subjective depression and self-harm. Women were significantly more likely to seek help from healthcare providers. Men were significantly more likely to have deployed operationally and for longer cumulative periods. Subjective work strain, but not job control, was significantly lower for women whose military careers were significantly shorter. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom intensity was similar to men.
Conclusions
With the exception of PTSD and alcohol misuse, UK military women experience more mental health-related problems than military men. This finding was not related to the more arduous aspects of military service as women served for shorter times, deployed less and for shorter cumulative periods and were less likely to report work-related stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Jones
- Academic Department of Military Mental Health, Weston Education Centre, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - M Jones
- King’s Centre for Military Health Research, Weston Education Centre, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - N Greenberg
- Academic Department of Military Mental Health, Weston Education Centre, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - A Phillips
- Academic Department of Military Mental Health, Weston Education Centre, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - A Simms
- Academic Department of Military Mental Health, Weston Education Centre, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - S Wessely
- King’s Centre for Military Health Research, Weston Education Centre, King’s College London, London, UK
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15
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O'Connell N, Nicholson TR, Wessely S, David AS. Characteristics of patients with motor functional neurological disorder in a large UK mental health service: a case-control study. Psychol Med 2020; 50:446-455. [PMID: 30773149 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291719000266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Functional neurological disorder (FND), previously known as conversion disorder, is common and often results in substantial distress and disability. Previous research lacks large sample sizes and clinical surveys are most commonly derived from neurological settings, limiting our understanding of the disorder and its associations in other contexts. We sought to address this by analysing a large anonymised electronic psychiatric health record dataset. METHODS Data were obtained from 322 patients in the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLaM) who had an ICD-10 diagnosis of motor FND (mFND) (limb weakness or disorders of movement or gait) between 1 January 2006 and 31 December 2016. Data were collected on a range of socio-demographic and clinical factors and compared to 644 psychiatric control patients from the same register. RESULTS Weakness was the most commonly occurring functional symptom. mFND patients were more likely to be female, British, married, employed pre-morbidly, to have a carer and a physical health condition, but less likely to have had an inpatient psychiatric admission or to receive benefits. No differences in self-reported sexual or physical abuse rates were observed between groups, although mFND patients were more likely to experience life events linked to inter-personal difficulties. CONCLUSIONS mFND patients have distinct demographic characteristics compared with psychiatric controls. Experiences of abuse appear to be equally prevalent across psychiatric patient groups. This study establishes the socio-demographic and life experience profile of this understudied patient group and may be used to guide future therapeutic interventions designed specifically for mFND.
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Affiliation(s)
- N O'Connell
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - T R Nicholson
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - S Wessely
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - A S David
- UCL Institute of Mental Health Studies, University College London, London, UK
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16
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Jones N, Greenberg N, Phillips A, Simms A, Wessely S. British military women: combat exposure, deployment and mental health. Occup Med (Lond) 2019; 69:549-558. [PMID: 31404463 DOI: 10.1093/occmed/kqz103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Internationally, women are about to undertake combat duties alongside their male colleagues. The psychological effect of this policy change is largely unknown. AIMS To explore the mental health impact of combat exposure among military women. METHODS Self-report, between-subjects survey data were collected in Iraq and Afghanistan on four occasions between 2009 and 2014 (n = 4139). Differences in mental health, stigmatization, deployment experiences, intimate relationship impact, perception of family support levels, unit cohesion, leadership and help-seeking were compared between deployed men and women. Comparisons were repeated with the study sample stratified by level of combat exposure. Outcomes were examined using logistic regression adjusted for socio-demographic, mental health and military factors. RESULTS Overall, 4.1% of women and 4.3% of men reported post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (odds ratio (OR) 1.31, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.70-2.46); 22% of women and 16% of men reported symptoms of common mental disorder (CMD) (OR 1.52, 95% CI 1.11-2.08). Women were less likely to report mental health-related stigmatization (OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.53-0.87), negative relationship impact from deployment (OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.49-0.98) and subjective unit cohesion (OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.53-0.90). Help-seeking for emotional problems was similar by gender (OR 1.22, 95% CI 0.84-1.77). Overall, outcomes were minimally impacted by level of combat exposure. CONCLUSIONS Although women experienced more CMD symptoms, PTSD symptoms were similar by gender. Subject to confirmation of the study findings, women may not require enhanced mental healthcare during deployment for exposure-based conditions such as PTSD when undertaking the ground close combat role.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Jones
- Academic Department of Military Mental Health, Weston Education Centre, King's College London, London, UK
| | - N Greenberg
- Academic Department of Military Mental Health, Weston Education Centre, King's College London, London, UK
| | - A Phillips
- Academic Department of Military Mental Health, Weston Education Centre, King's College London, London, UK.,King's Centre for Military Health Research, Weston Education Centre, King's College London, London, UK
| | - A Simms
- Academic Department of Military Mental Health, Weston Education Centre, King's College London, London, UK
| | - S Wessely
- King's Centre for Military Health Research, Weston Education Centre, King's College London, London, UK
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17
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Morris-Butler R, Jones N, Greenberg N, Campion B, Wessely S. Experiences and career intentions of combat-deployed UK military personnel. Occup Med (Lond) 2018; 68:177-183. [PMID: 29788506 DOI: 10.1093/occmed/kqy024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Most studies of the psychological impact of military deployment focus on the negative and traumatic aspects. Less is known about the full range of deployment experiences nor how these may impact on career intentions. Aims To examine subjective operational experiences and career intentions in deployed UK military personnel using data gathered toward the end of an operational deployment. Methods Data were gathered during deployment in Iraq and Afghanistan. A self-report survey collected data on sociodemographic, operational and military factors. Respondents provided their strength of agreement or disagreement with six potentially positive deployment experiences and their endorsement or rejection of six possible career intentions. Two mental health measures assessed symptoms of common mental disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. Results Responses were 681 in Iran 2009 (100% response rate); 1421 in Afghanistan in 2010 (100%), 1362 in 2011 (96%) and 860 in 2015 (91%). Five of the potentially positive outcomes were endorsed by >50% of the sample: confidence about remaining healthy after returning home, pride in accomplishments, increased confidence in abilities, improved unit cohesion and experiencing a positive life effect. Ninety per cent of respondents planned to continue in service after returning home. Fewer positive deployment experiences, poorer mental health, lesser unit cohesion and more negative impressions of leadership were significantly associated with intention to leave service. Conclusions Contrary to the popular belief that UK military personnel deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan experience negative outcomes, this paper shows that deployment can be a positive experience for a substantial majority of deployed personnel.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Morris-Butler
- Academic Department of Military Mental Health, Weston Education Centre, King's College London, London, UK
| | - N Jones
- Academic Department of Military Mental Health, Weston Education Centre, King's College London, London, UK
| | - N Greenberg
- Academic Department of Military Mental Health, Weston Education Centre, King's College London, London, UK
| | - B Campion
- Academic Department of Military Mental Health, Weston Education Centre, King's College London, London, UK
| | - S Wessely
- King's Centre for Military Health Research, Weston Education Centre, King's College London, London, UK
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18
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19
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Goodwin L, Norton S, Fear N, Jones M, Hull L, Wessely S, Rona R. Trajectories of alcohol use in the UK military and associations with mental health. Addict Behav 2017; 75:130-137. [PMID: 28734152 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2017.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2016] [Revised: 05/28/2017] [Accepted: 07/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There are higher levels of alcohol misuse in the military compared to the general population. Yet there is a dearth of research in military populations on the longitudinal patterns of alcohol use. This study aims to identify group trajectories of alcohol consumption in the UK military and to identify associations with childhood adversity, deployment history and mental disorder. METHODS Data on weekly alcohol consumption across an eight year period and three phases of a UK military cohort study (n=667) were examined using growth mixture modelling. RESULTS Five alcohol trajectory classes were identified: mid-average drinkers (55%), abstainers (4%), low level drinkers (19%), decreasing drinkers (3%) and heavy drinkers (19%). Alcohol consumption remained stable over the three periods in all classes, other than in the small decreasing trajectory class. Individuals in the heavy drinking class were more likely to have deployed to Iraq. Abstainers and heavy drinkers were more likely to report post-traumatic stress disorders at baseline compared to average drinkers. CONCLUSIONS Heavy drinkers in the UK military did not change their drinking pattern over a period of eight years. This highlights the need to develop effective preventive programmes to lessen the physical and psychological consequences of long-term heavy alcohol use. Individuals with a mental health problem appeared more likely to either be drinking at a high level or to be abstaining from use.
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20
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Affiliation(s)
- L A Page
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AF, UK.
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21
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Affiliation(s)
- N T Fear
- King's Centre for Military Health Research and Academic Department of Military Mental Health, King's College London, London, UK
| | - S Wessely
- King's Centre for Military Health Research and Academic Department of Military Mental Health, King's College London, London, UK
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22
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Goodwin L, Leightley D, Chui Z, Wessely S, Fear NT. P10 Using electronic hospital records to identify the most common physical disorders in the UK military: a data linkage study. Br J Soc Med 2016. [DOI: 10.1136/jech-2016-208064.109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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23
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Rona RJ, Jones M, French C, Hooper R, Wessely S. Screening for physical and psychological illness in the British Armed Forces: I: The acceptability of the programme. J Med Screen 2016; 11:148-52. [PMID: 15333274 DOI: 10.1258/0969141041732193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Objectives: To assess the response to a self-administered questionnaire and attendance of a medical centre for physical and psychological health screening. Methods: 4500 men and women from the three services were randomly selected to receive either a full or abridged screening questionnaire. The full questionnaire included the General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12) and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) checklist, 15 symptoms, a self-assessed health status question and three questions on alcohol behaviour (WHO Audit). The abridged questionnaire included GHQ-4, a slightly shortened PTSD checklist and five symptoms, but excluded questions on alcohol behaviour. All 'screen-positive' and a random 'screen-negative' sample were invited to attend a medical centre. Results: 67.1% of the servicemen completed a questionnaire; slightly but significantly more the abridged than the full questionnaire (4.9%, 95% confidence interval 2.3–7.4%). Of those receiving a full or abridged questionnaire, 32% and 22.5% respectively were 'screen-positives', most of the difference (7.5%) attributable to alcohol behaviour. Less than 30% of the servicemen invited to attend a medical centre accepted the invitation, even fewer during the preparation for deployment to Iraq. Those who fulfilled the criteria for PTSD, alcohol behaviour or multi-criteria 'screen-positive' were more reluctant than controls to attend. Conclusions: Screening for psychological illness has little support among servicemen, perhaps because they may not wish to share concerns with a military doctor. Avoidance behaviour among those with a psychological condition may also selectively reduce willingness to attend a medical centre. Screening during pre-deployment periods has even less support than at other times.
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Affiliation(s)
- R J Rona
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Guy's, King's and St Thomas' School Medicine, London.
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Rona RJ, Hooper R, Jones M, French C, Wessely S. Screening for physical and psychological illness in the British Armed Forces: III: The value of a questionnaire to assist a Medical Officer to decide who needs help. J Med Screen 2016; 11:158-61. [PMID: 15333276 DOI: 10.1258/0969141041732210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Objectives: To estimate the positive and negative predictive values (PPVT and NPVT), sensitivity and specificity of a full and abridged screening questionnaire of physical and psychological health, using primary care doctors' (medical officers [MOs]) assessments as to whether the servicemen needed medical help as a gold standard. Methods: From a tri-service random sample of those who completed a questionnaire, all 'screen-positive' and an equal random sample of 'screen-negative' were selected to attend their medical centre. MOs were aware that the screening was aimed at detecting psychological illness, but were blind as to the 'screen-positivity' of any serviceman. The MO completed a questionnaire that asked whether the patient needed medical help and whether s/he was previously aware of this need. Results: 314 subjects were available for analysis. The PPVT was 47% (95% confidence interval [CI] 36–59%) for the full questionnaire and 48% (95% CI 36–60%) for the abridged questionnaire. Of those 'screen-positive' subjects whom the MO rated as needing help, one third had problems already known to the MO, regardless of the length of the questionnaire. The sensitivity and specificity of the full and abridge questionnaires were 43% and 74%, and 36% and 83% respectively. The PPVT did not vary greatly between health dimensions nor did selection of servicemen with very high scores. Conclusions: The use of MOs as a gold standard is important because of their central role in initiating the management of any condition uncovered by a screening programme. Using MOs as a gold standard, the validity of the screening questionnaires for physical and psychological health in the military was mediocre.
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Affiliation(s)
- R J Rona
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Guy's, King's and St Thomas' School Medicine, London.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Deploying in a combat role negatively impacts risk-taking behaviours, such as drinking, smoking and risky driving in regular UK military personnel. Little is known about the impact of deployment on the risk-taking behaviours of reservists. AIMS To explore the impact of deployment on risk-taking behaviours among reservists. METHODS This was a cross-sectional study. Hazardous drinking, risky driving, physical violence, smoking and attendance at accident and emergency (A&E) departments as a result of risk-taking behaviours were assessed by self-reported questionnaire. RESULTS There were 1710 participants in the study; response rate 51%. The overall prevalence of risk-taking behaviours was: hazardous drinking 46%, smoking 18%, risky driving 11%, attending A&E due to risky behaviours 13% and reporting physical violence 3%. Deployment was significantly associated with risky driving [odds ratio (OR) 1.88, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.25-2.81], smoking (OR 2.02, 95% CI 1.46-2.78) and physical violence (OR 3.63, 95% CI 1.88-7.02). CONCLUSIONS It is important to consider the impact of deployment and military factors on the prevalence of risk-taking behaviours in reservists as greater numbers than ever before will face the prospect of deployment to overseas conflicts.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Thandi
- Academic Department of Military Mental Health, King's College London, London SE5 9RJ, UK,
| | - J Sundin
- Academic Department of Military Mental Health, King's College London, London SE5 9RJ, UK
| | - C Dandeker
- Department of War Studies, King's College London, London WC2R 2LS, UK
| | - N Jones
- Academic Department of Military Mental Health, King's College London, London SE5 9RJ, UK
| | - N Greenberg
- Academic Department of Military Mental Health, King's College London, London SE5 9RJ, UK
| | - S Wessely
- King's Centre for Military Health Research, King's College London, London SE5 9RJ, UK
| | - N T Fear
- King's Centre for Military Health Research, King's College London, London SE5 9RJ, UK
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26
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Goodwin L, Wessely S, Hotopf M, Jones M, Greenberg N, Rona RJ, Hull L, Fear NT. Are common mental disorders more prevalent in the UK serving military compared to the general working population? Psychol Med 2015; 45:1881-1891. [PMID: 25602942 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291714002980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although the military is considered to be a stressful occupation, there are remarkably few studies that compare the prevalence of common mental disorder (CMD) between the military and the general population. This study examined the prevalence of probable CMD in a serving UK military sample compared to a general population sample of employed individuals. METHOD Data for the general population was from the 2003 and 2008 collections for the Health Survey for England (HSE) and for the serving military from phases 1 (2004-2006) and 2 (2007-2009) of the King's Centre for Military Health Research (KCMHR) cohort study. Probable CMD was assessed by the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). The datasets were appended to calculate the odds of CMD in the military compared to the general population. RESULTS The odds of probable CMD was approximately double in the military, when comparing phase 1 of the military study to the 2003 HSE [odds ratio (OR) 2.4, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.1-2.7], and phase 2 to the 2008 HSE (OR 2.3, 95% CI 2.0-2.6) after adjustment for sex, age, social class, education and marital status. CONCLUSIONS Serving military personnel are more likely to endorse symptoms of CMD compared to those selected from a general population study as employed in other occupations, even after accounting for demographic characteristics. This difference may be partly explained by the context of the military study, with evidence from previous research for higher reports of symptoms from the GHQ in occupational compared to population studies, in addition to the role of predisposing characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Goodwin
- King's Centre for Military Health Research,Department of Psychological Medicine,Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London,London,UK
| | - S Wessely
- King's Centre for Military Health Research,Department of Psychological Medicine,Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London,London,UK
| | - M Hotopf
- Department of Psychological Medicine,Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London,London,UK
| | - M Jones
- King's Centre for Military Health Research,Department of Psychological Medicine,Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London,London,UK
| | - N Greenberg
- Academic Centre for Defence Mental Health, Department of Psychological Medicine,Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London,London,UK
| | - R J Rona
- King's Centre for Military Health Research,Department of Psychological Medicine,Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London,London,UK
| | - L Hull
- King's Centre for Military Health Research,Department of Psychological Medicine,Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London,London,UK
| | - N T Fear
- King's Centre for Military Health Research,Department of Psychological Medicine,Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London,London,UK
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Cawkill P, Jones M, Fear NT, Jones N, Fertout M, Wessely S, Greenberg N. Mental health of UK Armed Forces medical personnel post-deployment. Occup Med (Lond) 2015; 65:157-64. [DOI: 10.1093/occmed/kqu200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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MacManus D, Rona R, Dickson H, Somaini G, Fear N, Wessely S. Aggressive and Violent Behavior Among Military Personnel Deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan: Prevalence and Link With Deployment and Combat Exposure. Epidemiol Rev 2015; 37:196-212. [DOI: 10.1093/epirev/mxu006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
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Dazzi T, Gribble R, Wessely S, Fear NT. Letter to the editor: Suicidal ideation and research ethics committees: a reply. Psychol Med 2015; 45:217-218. [PMID: 25295666 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291714002281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- T Dazzi
- School of Medicine, King's College London,London,UK
| | - R Gribble
- Department of Psychological Medicine,King's College London,London,UK
| | - S Wessely
- Department of Psychological Medicine,King's College London,London,UK
| | - N T Fear
- Department of Psychological Medicine,King's College London,London,UK
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Abstract
There is a commonly held perception in psychology that enquiring about suicidality, either in research or clinical settings, can increase suicidal tendencies. While the potential vulnerability of participants involved in psychological research must be addressed, apprehensions about conducting studies of suicidality create a Catch-22 situation for researchers. Ethics committees require evidence that proposed studies will not cause distress or suicidal ideation, yet a lack of published research can mean allaying these fears is difficult. Concerns also exist in psychiatric settings where risk assessments are important for ensuring patient safety. But are these concerns based on evidence? We conducted a review of the published literature examining whether enquiring about suicide induces suicidal ideation in adults and adolescents, and general and at-risk populations. None found a statistically significant increase in suicidal ideation among participants asked about suicidal thoughts. Our findings suggest acknowledging and talking about suicide may in fact reduce, rather than increase suicidal ideation, and may lead to improvements in mental health in treatment-seeking populations. Recurring ethical concerns about asking about suicidality could be relaxed to encourage and improve research into suicidal ideation and related behaviours without negatively affecting the well-being of participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Dazzi
- School of Medicine,King's College London,London,UK
| | - R Gribble
- Department of Psychological Medicine,King's College London,London,UK
| | - S Wessely
- Department of Psychological Medicine,King's College London,London,UK
| | - N T Fear
- Department of Psychological Medicine,King's College London,London,UK
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Gilman SE, Bromet EJ, Cox KL, Colpe LJ, Fullerton CS, Gruber MJ, Heeringa S, Lewandowski-Romps L, Millikan-Bell A, Naifeh JA, Nock MK, Petukhova MV, Sampson NA, Schoenbaum M, Stein MB, Ursano RJ, Wessely S, Zaslavsky A, Kessler RC. Sociodemographic and career history predictors of suicide mortality in the United States Army 2004-2009. Psychol Med 2014; 44:2579-92. [PMID: 25055175 PMCID: PMC4113022 DOI: 10.1017/s003329171400018x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The US Army suicide rate has increased sharply in recent years. Identifying significant predictors of Army suicides in Army and Department of Defense (DoD) administrative records might help focus prevention efforts and guide intervention content. Previous studies of administrative data, although documenting significant predictors, were based on limited samples and models. A career history perspective is used here to develop more textured models. METHOD The analysis was carried out as part of the Historical Administrative Data Study (HADS) of the Army Study to Assess Risk and Resilience in Servicemembers (Army STARRS). De-identified data were combined across numerous Army and DoD administrative data systems for all Regular Army soldiers on active duty in 2004-2009. Multivariate associations of sociodemographics and Army career variables with suicide were examined in subgroups defined by time in service, rank and deployment history. RESULTS Several novel results were found that could have intervention implications. The most notable of these were significantly elevated suicide rates (69.6-80.0 suicides per 100 000 person-years compared with 18.5 suicides per 100 000 person-years in the total Army) among enlisted soldiers deployed either during their first year of service or with less than expected (based on time in service) junior enlisted rank; a substantially greater rise in suicide among women than men during deployment; and a protective effect of marriage against suicide only during deployment. CONCLUSIONS A career history approach produces several actionable insights missed in less textured analyses of administrative data predictors. Expansion of analyses to a richer set of predictors might help refine understanding of intervention implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. E. Gilman
- Departments of Social and Behavioral Sciences, and Epidemiology, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - E. J. Bromet
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Stony Brook School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - K. L. Cox
- US Army Public Health Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, USA
| | - L. J. Colpe
- Division of Services and Intervention Research, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - C. S. Fullerton
- Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University School of Medicine, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - M. J. Gruber
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - S.G. Heeringa
- Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | | | - J. A. Naifeh
- Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University School of Medicine, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - M. K. Nock
- Department of Psychology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - M. V. Petukhova
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - N. A. Sampson
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - M. Schoenbaum
- Office of Science Policy, Planning and Communications, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - M. B. Stein
- Departments of Psychiatry and Family and Preventive Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - R. J. Ursano
- Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University School of Medicine, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - S. Wessely
- King’s Centre for Military Health Research, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - A.M. Zaslavsky
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - R. C. Kessler
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Begum A, Dewey M, Hassiotis A, Prince M, Wessely S, Stewart R. Subjective cognitive complaints across the adult life span: a 14-year analysis of trends and associations using the 1993, 2000 and 2007 English Psychiatric Morbidity Surveys. Psychol Med 2014; 44:1977-1987. [PMID: 24074262 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291713002444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cognitive complaints are common in all age groups but most often researched in old age. We aimed to investigate prevalences and time trends over 14 years of subjective memory complaints (SMC) and subjective concentration complaints (SCC) in adults and investigate associations with mood disorders and cognitive function. METHOD Data from three English national mental health surveys carried out in 1993, 2000 and 2007 were analysed. SMC and SCC were measured using the Clinical Interview Schedule-Revised and cognitive function using the modified Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status. RESULTS Both SMC and SCC increased up to middle age and then declined, followed by a second rise in the very oldest age groups. Age-specific prevalence of both increased across survey years but relationships with mental health and cognitive outcomes were relatively stable. CONCLUSIONS Cognitive complaints are most common in middle age and have become more prevalent over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Begum
- Institute of Psychiatry,King's College London,London,UK
| | - M Dewey
- Institute of Psychiatry,King's College London,London,UK
| | - A Hassiotis
- Royal Free and University College Medical School,London,UK
| | - M Prince
- Institute of Psychiatry,King's College London,London,UK
| | - S Wessely
- Institute of Psychiatry,King's College London,London,UK
| | - R Stewart
- Institute of Psychiatry,King's College London,London,UK
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MacManus D, Jones N, Wessely S, Fear NT, Jones E, Greenberg N. The mental health of the UK Armed Forces in the 21st century: resilience in the face of adversity. J ROY ARMY MED CORPS 2014; 160:125-30. [DOI: 10.1136/jramc-2013-000213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Jones M, Sundin J, Goodwin L, Hull L, Fear NT, Wessely S, Rona RJ. What explains post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in UK service personnel: deployment or something else? Psychol Med 2013; 43:1703-1712. [PMID: 23199850 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291712002619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In previous studies an association between deployment to Iraq or Afghanistan and an overall increased risk for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in UK armed forces has not been found. The lack of a deployment effect might be explained by including, in the comparison group, personnel deployed on other operations or who have experienced traumatic stressors unrelated to deployment. METHODS The sample comprised 8261 regular UK armed forces personnel who deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan or other operational areas or were not deployed. Participants completed the PTSD CheckList-Civilian Version (PCL-C) and provided information about deployment history, demographic and service factors, serious accidents and childhood experiences. RESULTS Deployment to Iraq or Afghanistan [odds ratio (OR) 1.2, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.6-2.2] or elsewhere (OR 1.1, 95% CI 0.6-2.0) was unrelated to PTSD although holding a combat role was associated with PTSD if deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan (OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.9-3.9). Childhood adversity (OR 3.3, 95% CI 2.1-5.0), having left service (OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.9-4.0) and serious accident (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.4-3.0) were associated with PTSD whereas higher rank was protective (OR 0.3, 95% CI 0.12-0.76). CONCLUSIONS For the majority of UK armed forces personnel, deployment whether to Iraq, Afghanistan or elsewhere confers no greater risk for PTSD than service in the armed forces per se but holding a combat role in those deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan is associated with PTSD. Vulnerability factors such as lower rank, childhood adversity and leaving service, and having had a serious accident, may be at least as important as holding a combat role in predicting PTSD in UK armed forces personnel.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Jones
- King's Centre for Military Health Research, Department of Psychological Medicine, King's College, London, UK.
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van Hoorn LA, Jones N, Busuttil W, Fear NT, Wessely S, Hunt E, Greenberg N. Iraq and Afghanistan veteran presentations to combat stress, since 2003. Occup Med (Lond) 2013; 63:238-41. [PMID: 23479566 DOI: 10.1093/occmed/kqt017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recently, proposals have been made to improve mental health care for U.K. military veterans. Combat stress (CS), a veteran's charity, has provided mental health services for veterans since 1919. Since 2003, service users have included veterans from the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts; however, their pattern of help-seeking has not been evaluated. AIMS To describe the characteristics of the veteran population of the recent Iraq or Afghanistan conflicts who sought help from CS between 2003 and May 2011. METHODS CS Iraq and Afghanistan veteran clinical and welfare records were evaluated. RESULTS Nine hundred and eighty-eight records were evaluated. The median time for veterans of recent conflicts to seek help from CS since discharge from military service was ~2 years, considerably shorter than the mean time of 14 years previously estimated by CS. Approximately, three-quarters of the veterans receiving a full clinical assessment (n = 114), received a diagnosis of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (n = 87). Approximately half of the clinically assessed veterans self-referred to CS (51%); their most frequent diagnosis was PTSD. CONCLUSIONS Veterans who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan are presenting to Combat stress sooner, and at a younger age, than veterans of previous conflicts and operations.
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Affiliation(s)
- L A van Hoorn
- King's Centre for Military Health Research, Institute of Psychiatry, London SE5 9RW, UK.
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Abstract
Idiopathic environmental intolerances, such as 'multiple chemical sensitivity' and 'electrosensitivity,' can drastically affect the quality of life of those affected. A proportion of severely affected patients remove themselves from modern society, to live in isolation away from the purported causal agent of their ill health. This is not a new phenomenon; reports of hermits extend back to the 3(rd) century AD. We conducted a literature review of case reports relating to ancient hermits and modern day reclusion resulting from idiopathic environmental intolerance, in order to explore whether there are similarities between these two groups and whether the symptoms of these 'illnesses of modernity' are simply a present-day way of reaching the end-point of reclusion. Whilst there were some differences between the cases, recurring themes in ancient and modern cases included: dissatisfaction with society, a compulsion to flee, reports of a constant struggle and a feeling of fighting against the establishment. The similarities which exist between the modern-day cases and the historical hermits may provide some insight into the extreme behaviours exhibited by this population. The desire to retreat from society in order to escape from harm has existed for many centuries, but in different guises.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Boyd
- King's College London, Department of Psychological Medicine, Weston Education Centre, London, UK
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Sundin J, Fear NT, Greenberg N, Riviere L, Herrell R, Adler A, Hoge C, Bliese P, Wessely S. OP20 A Comparative Analysis of Deployment Associated Mental Health Issues in United States and United Kingdom Armed Forces. Br J Soc Med 2012. [DOI: 10.1136/jech-2012-201753.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Fear NT, Seddon R, Jones N, Greenberg N, Wessely S. OP91 Does Anonymity Increase the Reporting of Mental Health Symptoms? Br J Soc Med 2012. [DOI: 10.1136/jech-2012-201753.091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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MacManus D, Dean K, Jones M, Rona R, Hull L, Greenberg N, Fahy T, Wessely S, Fear N. OP92 The Impact of Military Deployment, Combat Experiences and Post-Deployment Mental Health Problems on Violent Behaviour among UK Military Personnel. Br J Soc Med 2012. [DOI: 10.1136/jech-2012-201753.092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Interest in the mental health of women deployed to modern military campaigns is increasing, although research examining gender differences is limited. Little is known about experiences women have had on these deployments, or whether men and women respond differently to combat exposure. METHOD The current study used data from a representative sample of UK Armed Forces personnel to examine gender differences among those deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan (n=432 women, n=4554 men) in three measures of experience: 'risk to self', 'trauma to others' and 'appraisal of deployment'. We examined the impact of such experiences on post-deployment symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), symptoms of common mental disorder (CMD) and hazardous alcohol use. RESULTS After adjustment, men reported more exposure to 'risk to self' and 'trauma to others' events and more negative appraisals of their deployment. Among both genders, all measures of combat experience were associated with symptoms of PTSD and CMD (except 'risk to self' events on symptoms of CMD among women) but not with alcohol misuse. Women reported higher scores on the PTSD Checklist--Civilian Version (PCL-C) among those exposed to lower levels of each experience type but this did not hold in the higher levels. Women reported greater symptoms of CMD and men reported greater hazardous alcohol use across both levels of each experience type. Examining men and women separately suggested similar responses to exposure to adverse combat experiences. CONCLUSIONS The current findings suggest that, although gender differences in mental health exist, the impact of deployment on mental health is similar among men and women.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Woodhead
- King's Centre for Military Health Research, Department of Psychological Medicine, King's College London, London, UK.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND There is growing concern about an alleged rise in violent behaviour amongst military personnel returning from deployment to Iraq and Afghanistan. The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of violence in a sample of U.K. military personnel following homecoming from deployment in Iraq and to examine the impact of deployment-related experiences, such as combat trauma, on violence, and the role of sociodemographics and pre-enlistment antisocial behaviour. METHOD This study used baseline data from a cohort study of a large randomly selected sample of U.K. Armed Forces personnel in service at the time of the Iraq war (2003). Regular personnel (n=4928) who had been deployed to Iraq were included. Data, collected by questionnaire, included information on deployment experiences, sociodemographic and military characteristics, pre-enlistment antisocial behaviour, post-deployment health outcomes and a self-report measure of physical violence in the weeks following return from deployment. RESULTS Prevalence of violence was 12.6%. This was strongly associated with pre-enlistment antisocial behaviour [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 3.6, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.9-4.4]. After controlling for pre-enlistment antisocial behaviour, sociodemographics and military factors, violence was still strongly associated with holding a combat role (aOR 2.0, 95% CI 1.6-2.5) and having experienced multiple traumatic events on deployment (aOR for four or more traumatic events 3.7, 95% CI 2.5-5.5). Violence on homecoming was also associated with mental health problems such as post-traumatic stress disorder (aOR 4.8, 95% CI 3.2-7.2) and alcohol misuse (aOR 3.1, 95% CI 2.5-3.9). CONCLUSIONS Experiences of combat and trauma during deployment were significantly associated with violent behaviour following homecoming in U.K. military personnel. Post-deployment mental health problems and alcohol misuse are also associated with increased violence.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Macmanus
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, UK.
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Buckman JEJ, Forbes HJ, Clayton T, Jones M, Jones N, Greenberg N, Sundin J, Hull L, Wessely S, Fear NT. Early Service leavers: a study of the factors associated with premature separation from the UK Armed Forces and the mental health of those that leave early. Eur J Public Health 2012; 23:410-5. [DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/cks042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Goodwin L, Jones M, Rona R, Sundin J, Wessely S, Fear N. P-967 - Prevalence of delayed-onset PTSD in military personnel: is there evidence for this disorder? results of a prospective UK cohort study. Eur Psychiatry 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/s0924-9338(12)75134-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
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Pinder RJ, Murphy D, Iversen AC, Wessely S, Fear NT. Social exclusion amongst UK ex-service personnel based on measures of employment. Occup Environ Med 2011. [DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2011-100382.160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Unit cohesion is recognized as a potentially modifiable factor in the aetiology of mental illness among military personnel. AIMS To examine the association between unit cohesion and probable post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), common mental disorder and alcohol misuse, in UK armed forces personnel deployed to Iraq. METHODS A sample of 4901 male UK armed forces personnel who had deployed to Iraq was drawn from a cohort of personnel who participated in a cross-sectional postal questionnaire study between June 2004 and March 2006. Information was collected on socio-demographic and military characteristics, deployment experiences and information on current health. RESULTS Perceived interest from seniors was associated with less probable PTSD [odds ratio (OR) 0.42, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.26-0.67] and common mental disorder (OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.53-0.87). Among regular personnel, feeling well informed was associated with less common mental disorder (OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.58-0.95) and comradeship was associated with greater alcohol misuse (OR 1.98, 95% CI 1.19-3.28). Feeling able to talk about personal problems was associated with less alcohol misuse among reserve personnel (OR 0.31, 95% CI 0.16-0.60). The general construct of unit cohesion was predictive of less probable PTSD (OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.58-0.81) and common mental disorder (OR 0.80, 95% CI 0.73-0.87). CONCLUSIONS Unit cohesion had a linear association with less probable PTSD and common mental disorder. Of the individual items, perception of leadership was associated with less probable PTSD and common mental disorder. Comradeship was associated with greater alcohol misuse among regular personnel, while feeling able to talk about personal problems was associated with less alcohol misuse for reserve personnel.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Du Preez
- School of Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
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Abstract
BACKGROUND UK and US military personnel appear to have different health profiles yet direct comparisons of health status and deployment exposures between US and UK military populations have never been performed. AIMS To compare US and UK military personnel deployed to the 1991 Persian Gulf War (PGW) for rates of symptom reporting, medical conditions and health status [Short Form-36 general health perception (GHP) and physical functioning (PF) subscales] and self-report military exposures. METHODS We analysed representative cross-sectional samples of military personnel from the Iowa Persian Gulf Study (n = 3626) and the UK Health Survey of Military Personnel (n = 5573) that included directly comparable measures and stratified by those who had been deployed to PGW and those who had not been deployed to PGW. RESULTS Although UK veterans had similar mean PF scores as US veterans (mean differences in PGW: 0.86, 95% CI -0.36 to 2.07 and in non-deployed -0.61, 95% CI -1.84 to 0.62), they had worse mean GHP scores (mean differences in PGW: -5.62, 95% CI -7.44 to -3.80 and in non-deployed -3.83, 95% CI -5.40 to -2.27). UK PGW veterans were more likely to report Gulf specific exposures, and this was associated with worse GHP (UK mean difference -9.05, 95% CI -11.49 to -6.61 versus US mean difference -4.30, 95% CI -6.62 to -1.98). CONCLUSIONS This study observed transatlantic variations in health status in military populations that may reflect cultural differences in the reporting of health.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Ismail
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, 10 Cutcombe Road, London SE5 9AZ, UK.
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