734 Prevalence and Correlates of Insomnia in Veterans with and without Military Sexual Trauma Receiving Care within a VA Med Center

Abstract

Abstract Introduction A prior study showed a higher prevalence of insomnia among younger Veterans with military sexual trauma (MST) before receiving care at a VA Medical Center (VAMC). We extend the literature to investigate the prevalence and correlates of insomnia in male Veterans with and without MST currently receiving care within a VAMC. Methods We evaluated cross-sectional data from a survey within the Philadelphia VAMC (N=138) using the following instruments: Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) total score for insomnia; Sexual Harassment Scale (DRRI-2) to screen for MST; PTSD checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) PTSD symptoms; Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology-Self report (QIDS-SR) to evaluate depressive symptoms; Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT-C) to assess for harmful drinking; and, the nightmare question from the PCL-5 scale to screen for persistent nightmares. The association between ISI total score and variables were assessed separately in individuals with and without MST, using bivariate and multivariable analyses. Results The mean(SD) age was 55.2(12.8) years. They were likely to identify themselves as African-American (44.2%), and had a high school diploma (39.1%). MST was endorsed by 31.9% of the Veterans. Insomnia was more prevalent in those with MST [N=42(95.4%)] than those without [N=77(81.9%)]. Individuals with MST had higher ISI (19.9±5.0 Vs 16.7±7.2) and PCL-5 (48.4±14.4 Vs 38.1±19.7) total scores, than individuals without. Among those with MST, the bivariate analysis showed significant associations with PCL-5 (β=0.2, p<0.0001), QIDS (β=0.5, p=0.01), AUDIT-C (β=0.5, p=0.008), and nightmares (β=3.9, p=0.03). In the multivariable model, ISI total score was only associated with the PCL-5 total score (β=0.3, R2=0.18, p=0.0005). Among those without MST, the bivariate analysis showed significant associations between ISI total score and age (β=-0.1, p=0.02), total scores on the PCL-5 (β=0.2, p<0.0001), QIDS (β=0.9, p<0.00001), and nightmare (β=6.7, p<0.0001). In the multivariable model (R2=0.5, p<0.00001), the ISI total score was associated with PCL-5 (β=0.1, p=0.01), and QIDS (β=0.7, p=<0.0001) total scores. Conclusion There is a higher prevalence of insomnia among Veterans with MST currently receiving care within the VHA. Treatment of insomnia and PTSD is critical to improve their well-being and prevent complications. Support (if any) The study was supported by VA grant IK2CX000855 (S.C.).