Abstract
Research Aim: The aim for this study was to better understand the higher post-deployment prevalence of PTSD among National Guard/Reserve Soldiers compared to Active Duty Soldiers by analyzing the possible predictive factors associated with the variable rates. Since September 11th, 2001, the United States Army has deployed a significantly larger percentage of National Guard and Reserve forces to combat zones in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. The United States Office of Veterans Affairs has reported increased suicide rates and suicide risk for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) for Soldiers deployed in support of these conflicts in particular. Few studies have assessed the relationship between military component (Active Duty vs. Reserve Component) and PTSD prevalence and risk factors but many of the studies that exist have reported higher rates in Reserve Component Soldiers as compared to Active Duty Soldiers. This study identifies and discusses possible implications for these specific vulnerabilities. Research Methods: The Deployment Risk and Resilience Inventory were used to assess the service members’ trauma-related experiences. The Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale was used to assess resiliency as a pre-existent factor inherent to the individual. The Treatment Reactions Scale was used to assess stigma for PTSD treatment. Statistical analysis of variance was performed using Graphpad Prism 6 Software to find if there were any statistical differences between prevalence rates. Linear regression analysis was used to determine correlations between predictive factors and PTSD within each component. Trial Registration: Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine Institutional Review Board Protocol #H15-034X (April 13, 2015).
Highlights
As America withdraws forces from the War on Terror and more veterans return to the homeland every month, we begin to observe the aftermath that combat exposure has on our Soldiers
The United States Office of Veterans Affairs has reported increased suicide rates and suicide risk for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) for Soldiers deployed in support of these conflicts in particular
What association do the following factors—concern about family life and disruption, unit cohesion, resiliency, social support, age, preparation, perceived threat, and stigma for seeking psychological help—have on the prevalence of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder among NG/Reservists compared to Active Duty Soldiers that deployed during OIF and OEF? do the observed differences provide implications for why the prevalence of PTSD is often reported to be higher among NG/Reservists than Active Duty Soldiers? The hypothesis for this study is that self-reported post-deployment PTSD or PTSD-related behavior is reported higher among NG/R Soldiers than Active Duty Soldiers (Mansfield et al, 2011; Milliken et al, 2007; Pietrzak et al, 2010; Waysman, 2001)
Summary
As America withdraws forces from the War on Terror and more veterans return to the homeland every month, we begin to observe the aftermath that combat exposure has on our Soldiers. The aim of this study was to better understand the higher post-deployment prevalence of PTSD among National Guard/Reserve Soldiers compared to Active Duty Soldiers by analyzing the possible predictive factors associated with the variable rates. What association do the following factors—concern about family life and disruption, unit cohesion, resiliency, social support, age, preparation, perceived threat, and stigma for seeking psychological help—have on the prevalence of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder among NG/Reservists compared to Active Duty Soldiers that deployed during OIF and OEF? Is higher self-reported prevalence of PTSD among NG/R Soldiers compared to Active Duty Soldiers positively correlated with predictive factors associated with PTSD?
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