Military-related sexual trauma among Veterans Health Administration patients returning from Afghanistan and Iraq

Am J Public Health. 2010 Aug;100(8):1409-12. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2009.171793. Epub 2010 Jun 17.

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.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Afghan Campaign 2001-
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Combat Disorders / epidemiology
  • Combat Disorders / etiology
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Iraq War, 2003-2011
  • Male
  • Mass Screening
  • Mental Disorders / epidemiology
  • Mental Disorders / etiology
  • Middle Aged
  • Population Surveillance
  • Prevalence
  • Sex Distribution
  • Sex Offenses / statistics & numerical data*
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / epidemiology
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / etiology
  • United States / epidemiology
  • United States Department of Veterans Affairs / statistics & numerical data
  • Veterans / statistics & numerical data*
  • Veterans Disability Claims