Gender Differences in Traumatic Event Exposure and Mental Health Among Veteran Primary Care Patients

Abstract

This study evaluated gender differences in lifetime traumatic events, PTSD, and depression among VA primary care patients. Participants were 865 adults attending primary care at one of four VA health centers (n = 681 males, 184 females). Mental health findings included: male PTSD 12.3% vs. female PTSD 9.2% (p > 0.05); male depression 15.9% vs. female depression 29.3% (p < 0.001). Men reported more war zone exposure (p < 0.001). Women reported more physical and sexual victimization (p < 0.001). Male logistic regression equations determined PTSD was associated with disability (OR = 3.42; 1.74-6.72, 95% CI) and war zone exposure (OR = 7.14; 3.82-13.30, 95% CI); depression was associated with war zone exposure (OR = 2.27; 1.40-3.68, 95% CI) and interpersonal violence (OR = 1.75; 1.10-2.79, 95% CI). Female PTSD was associated with sexual victimization (OR = 4.50; 1.20-16.80, 95% CI); depression was not predicted. We discuss findings in terms of the crucial need to improve identification and management of PTSD within VA primary care settings.