Military-related sexual trauma among Veterans Health Administration patients returning from Afghanistan and Iraq.
Journal: American Journal Of Public Health
Published:
Abstract
We examined military-related sexual trauma among deployed Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom veterans. Of 125 729 veterans who received Veterans Health Administration primary care or mental health services, 15.1% of the women and 0.7% of the men reported military sexual trauma when screened. Military sexual trauma was associated with increased odds of a mental disorder diagnosis, including posttraumatic stress disorder, other anxiety disorders, depression, and substance use disorders. Sexual trauma is an important postdeployment mental health issue in this population.
Authors
Rachel Kimerling, Amy Street, Joanne Pavao, Mark Smith, Ruth Cronkite, Tyson Holmes, Susan Frayne
Relevant Conditions