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Showing library results for: December 2023

Filters: Research Summary

1 - 12 of 12

1 Exploring financial behaviors of military households: Do financial knowledge and financial education matter?

Exploring financial behaviors of military households: Do financial knowledge and financial education matter?

APA Citation:

Wilmarth, M. J., Kim, K. T., & Henager, R. (2023). Exploring financial behaviors of military households: Do financial knowledge and financial education matter? Financial Services Review, 31(1), Article 1. https://doi.org/10.61190/fsr.v31i1.3193

Focus:

Other

Branch of Service:

Multiple branches

Military Affiliation:

Active Duty

Population:

Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)


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Research & Summary

Authors: Wilmarth, Melissa J.; Kim, Kyoung Tae; Henager, Robin

Year: 2023

Abstract

This study explores short-term and long-term financial behaviors of military and civilian house- holds in the United States. We investigate the role of financial knowledge and financial education on financial behaviors. Using the 2018 National Financial Capability Study (NFCS), results indicated military households had higher financial knowledge scores, greater receipt of financial education, and higher financial behaviors. Multivariate analyses show that objective and subjective financial knowledge were associated positively with short-term and long-term financial behaviors of military and civilian households. Experiencing financial education was positively associated with the long- term behaviors of military households. This study provides insights for policymakers and financial practitioners.

2 A novel mind-body podcast program for military and veteran caregivers

A novel mind-body podcast program for military and veteran caregivers

APA Citation:

Bui, E., Blackburn, A. M., Brenner, L. H., Laifer, L. M., Park, E., Denninger, J. W., …Sylvia, L. (2023). A novel mind-body podcast program for military and veteran caregivers. International Journal of Mental Health. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1080/00207411.2023.2250938

Focus:

Programming

Branch of Service:

Multiple branches

Military Affiliation:

Active Duty
Veteran

Population:

Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)


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Research & Summary

Authors: Bui, Eric; Blackburn, Allyson M.; Brenner, Lauren H.; Laifer, Lauren M.; Park, Elyse; Denninger, John W.; Spencer, Thomas J.; Fricchione, Gregory; Sylvia, Louisa

Year: 2023

Abstract

Mind-body interventions reduce stress and improve overall health and functioning among caregivers but are not readily available in the community. We adapted an existing 8-week mind-body program into a 28-day daily podcast series that included psychoeducation about the stress response, relaxation-response training, and self-compassion practices. The intervention was piloted among military caregivers in an open trial. Participants were N = 55 caregivers (100% cisgender women, M(SD)age = 42.3 (9.1)) who were assessed at baseline, midpoint (on the fourteenth day of the program), and endpoint (upon completion of the 28-day program) for symptoms of perceived stress (primary outcome), depression, anxiety, somatic complaints, and functioning. From baseline to endpoint, there were significant decreases in perceived stress (coefficient =

3 Associations of warzone veteran and intimate partner PTSD symptoms with child depression, anxiety, hyperactivity, and conduct problems

Associations of warzone veteran and intimate partner PTSD symptoms with child depression, anxiety, hyperactivity, and conduct problems

APA Citation:

MacDonald, H. Z., Franz, M. R., Kaiser, A. P., Lee, L. O., Lawrence, A. E., Fairbank, J. A., & Vasterling, J. J. (2023). Associations of warzone veteran and intimate partner PTSD symptoms with child depression, anxiety, hyperactivity, and conduct problems. Military Behavioral Health. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1080/21635781.2023.2246894

Focus:

Veterans
Trauma
Children
Mental health

Branch of Service:

Army

Military Affiliation:

Veteran
Guard
Reserve

Population:

Childhood (birth - 12 yrs)
Adolescence (13 - 17 yrs)
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)


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Research & Summary

Authors: MacDonald, Helen Z.; Franz, Molly R.; Kaiser, Anica Pless; Lee, Lewina O.; Lawrence, Amy E.; Fairbank, John A.; Vasterling, Jennifer J.

Year: 2023

Abstract

Warzone deployment increases risk for posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms (PTSS), including among service members who have children. Parental PTSS are associated with child depression, anxiety, hyperactivity, and conduct problems, yet few studies of child behavioral health outcomes in military populations have accounted for PTSS in both warzone veterans and their partners. Fewer still incorporate non-clinically-recruited samples of nationally dispersed warzone veterans and their families. The current research examines whether children whose parent(s) have higher levels of PTSS exhibit more behavioral health symptoms. One hundred and thirty-three Iraq and Afghanistan War veterans and their cohabitating partners completed clinical interviews and self-report questionnaires. Higher intimate partner PTSS, more extensive child exposure to stressful life events, and being an adolescent were significantly associated with child depression after adjusting for warzone veteran PTSS, demographics, and recent warzone veteran absence from the household. Greater child exposure to stressful life events was also associated with child conduct problems. Treatment of PTSD symptoms experienced by warzone veterans’ intimate partners, and preventative interventions aimed at helping the children of warzone veterans cope with stress, may ultimately yield positive benefits for the behavioral health of children in military families.

4 Sexual risk taking among survivors of U.S. military sexual assault: Associations with PTSD symptom severity and alcohol use

Sexual risk taking among survivors of U.S. military sexual assault: Associations with PTSD symptom severity and alcohol use

APA Citation:

Blais, R. K., Tannahill, H. S., & Cue Davis, K. (2023). Sexual risk taking among survivors of U.S. military sexual assault: Associations with PTSD symptom severity and alcohol use. The Journal of Sex Research. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1080/00224499.2023.2232803

Focus:

Substance use
Trauma
Mental health
Physical health

Branch of Service:

Air Force
Army
Coast Guard
Marine Corps
Navy
Multiple branches

Military Affiliation:

Active Duty
Veteran

Population:

Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)


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Research & Summary

Authors: Blais, R. K.; Tannahill, H. S.; Cue Davis, K.

Year: 2023

Abstract

Sexual risk taking may be heightened among U.S. service members and veterans reporting military sexual assault (MSA) exposure. MSA increases the risk for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which is a common correlate of sexual risk taking among civilians. PTSD may relate to sexual risk taking through its association with alcohol use, which increases impulsivity and risky behavioral engagement. Male survivors may be at notably higher risk given greater overall alcohol use and engagement in sexual risk taking relative to female survivors. This study assessed whether higher alcohol use mediated the association between PTSD and sexual risk taking among MSA survivors, and whether this effect differed by sex. Participants included 200 male and 200 female service members and veterans (age: M = 35.89, SD = 5.56) who completed measures of PTSD symptoms, alcohol use, sexual risk taking, and a demographic inventory. In a moderated mediation analysis using linear regression, higher PTSD severity was associated with higher alcohol use, and higher alcohol use was associated with higher sexual risk taking. A significant indirect effect of alcohol use was observed, which was stronger among men. To reduce sexual risk taking among MSA survivors, it may be beneficial to target PTSD symptoms and alcohol use with sex-specific interventions. This line of inquiry would be strengthened by longitudinal studies that explore the fluidity of these experiences to identify periods of elevated risk. Studies that examine alcohol use expectancies and sexual delay discounting could expand our understanding of these associations.

5 Programs to address violence for military families: A systematic review

Programs to address violence for military families: A systematic review

APA Citation:

Dodge, J., Wortham, W., Kale, C., Williamson, V., Ross, A., Maher, S., Kononowech, J., Winters, J., & Sullivan, K. (2023). Programs to address violence for military families: A systematic review. Journal of Family Violence. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10896-023-00586-8

Focus:

Programming
Trauma
Child maltreatment

Branch of Service:

Multiple branches
Army
Air Force
Navy
Coast Guard
Marine Corps

Military Affiliation:

Active Duty

Population:

Childhood (birth - 12 yrs)
Adolescence (13 - 17 yrs)
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)


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Research & Summary

Authors: Dodge, Jessica; Wortham, Whitney; Kale, Caroline; Williamson, Victoria; Ross, Abigail; Maher, Stephen; Kononowech, Jennifer; Winters, Jamie; Sullivan, Kathrine

Year: 2023

Abstract

Family violence, encompassing intimate partner violence (IPV) and child maltreatment (CM), is a considerable public health issue affecting a large subset of the U.S. population. Military families may be exposed to unique risk factors for experiencing family violence. Interventions to address family violence that are specific to military and Veteran populations are critical to the military family wellbeing as they address the unique military context as well as military stressors. Though a number of these programs exist, to our knowledge, there has been no systematic effort to describe and evaluate these interventions. To address this issue, the present study employs systematic review methods to explore the following research questions: (1) What military family violence interventions are reported in the peer-reviewed literature? (2) What are the characteristics of these interventions? (3) How effective are these interventions?

6 Changes in body mass index and behavioral health among adolescents in military families during the COVID-19 pandemic: A retrospective cohort study

Changes in body mass index and behavioral health among adolescents in military families during the COVID-19 pandemic: A retrospective cohort study

APA Citation:

Koehlmoos, T. P., Madsen, C., Banaag, A., & Adirim, T. (2023). Changes in body mass index and behavioral health among adolescents in military families during the COVID-19 pandemic: A retrospective cohort study. BMC Public Health, 23(1), Article 1615. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-023-16548-0

Focus:

Physical health

Branch of Service:

Multiple branches

Military Affiliation:

Active Duty

Population:

Childhood (birth - 12 yrs)
Adolescence (13 - 17 yrs)
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)


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Research & Summary

Authors: Koehlmoos, Tracey Pérez; Madsen, Cathaleen; Banaag, Amanda; Adirim, Terry

Year: 2023

Abstract

Widely published findings from the COVID-19 pandemic show adverse effects on body mass index (BMI) and behavioral health in both adults and children, due to factors such as illness, job loss, and limited opportunity for physical and social activity. This study investigated whether these adverse effects were mitigated in adolescents from military families, who are universally insured with consistent access to healthcare, and who generally have at least one parent who must adhere to physical and mental fitness as a condition of employment.

7 Parental perceptions of social and emotional well-being of young children from Australian military families

Parental perceptions of social and emotional well-being of young children from Australian military families

APA Citation:

Rogers, M., Johnson, A., Coffey, Y., Fielding, J., Harrington, I., & Bhullar, N. (2023). Parental perceptions of social and emotional well-being of young children from Australian military families. Australian Journal of Rural Health, 31(6), 1090-1102. https://doi.org/10.1111/ajr.13033

Focus:

Deployment
Children
Parents

Branch of Service:

International Military

Military Affiliation:

Active Duty
Veteran

Population:

Childhood (birth - 12 yrs)
School age (6 - 12 yrs)
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)


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Research & Summary

Authors: Rogers, Marg; Johnson, Amy; Coffey, Yumiko; Fielding, Jill; Harrington, Ingrid; Bhullar, Navjot

Year: 2023

Abstract

Introduction Many Australian Defence Force (ADF) and Veteran families are affected by the stressors of Defence family life, including frequent and prolonged parental deployments, and frequent relocations. Objective To address a gap in information about Defence and Veteran (hereafter Defence) parents' knowledge, confidence and resources to support their young children's well-being and build their resilience. Design This study used a mixed methods design to explore Defence parent's perceptions of their young children's (aged 2–8 years) social and emotional well-being and understanding of their children's responses to unique stressors as well as their confidence in providing support. Data from 41 parents were available. Findings Overall, parents reported positive well-being evaluation of their children. However, just over a third of parents also reported that their children rarely cope well on two indicators combined (adapting to new situations and sharing negative emotions with others). Significantly, more than half of the parents (61%) were only partially confident in their ability to assist their children to cope with unique stressors in military families. Qualitative data provided further insights into children's struggle with relocations and parental absence and the challenges parents face in supporting them. Parents reported having limited access to effective age- and culturally appropriate resources to support their young children. Discussion In a first-of-its kind study, we found that Australian Defence parents reported their young children were coping on most of the key well-being indicators. However, awareness of currently available supports for children remains a barrier as well as access to contextualised, age- and culturally appropriate resources are lacking. Conclusion There is a need for access to free, quality, online, research-based Australian resources to support young children from Defence families, especially for those living in regional and rural locations and are less likely to have access to mental health and other specialist supports.

8 Linking observing and nonreactivity mindfulness to parenting: Moderated direct and indirect effects via inhibitory control

Linking observing and nonreactivity mindfulness to parenting: Moderated direct and indirect effects via inhibitory control

APA Citation:

Zhang, N., Zhang, J., Gewirtz, A. H., & Deater-Deckard, K. (2024). Linking observing and nonreactivity mindfulness to parenting: Moderated direct and indirect effects via inhibitory control. Journal of Family Psychology, 38(1), 71–81. https://doi.org/10.1037/fam0001152

Focus:

Parents
Children

Branch of Service:

Multiple branches

Military Affiliation:

Active Duty

Population:

Childhood (birth - 12 yrs)
Preschool age (2 -5 yrs)
School age (6 - 12 yrs)
Adolescence (13 - 17 yrs)


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Research & Summary

Authors: Zhang, Na; Zhang, Jingchen; Gewirtz, Abigail H.; Deater-Deckard, Kirby

Year: 2024

Abstract

To disentangle the effects of key dimensions of dispositional mindfulness on parenting, the present study tests the hypotheses that parental Nonreactivity moderates the association between Observing and effective parenting behaviors, and that parental inhibitory control mediates the relationship between Observing and parenting depending on levels of Nonreactivity. The sample consists of 294 fathers (95.9% deployed) and 313 mothers (81.5% nondeployed) from 336 military families with a child aged between 4 and 13 years at baseline. Parents reported Observing and Nonreactivity at baseline using the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire and completed a computerized Go/No-Go task for assessing inhibitory control at baseline and 1-year follow-up. Families completed a series of in-home interaction tasks at baseline and 2-year follow-up, and effective parenting behaviors were observed and coded using a theory-driven, empirically validated coding system. Results showed that when fathers reported low Nonreactivity, the association between Observing and effective parenting behaviors 2 years later was negative, but this association became positive when fathers reported high Nonreactivity. Fathers’ Observing was associated with decreased inhibitory control 1 year later when they reported low (vs. high) Nonreactivity, whereas mothers’ Observing was associated with increased inhibitory control 1 year later when they reported high (vs. low) Nonreactivity. The hypothesized effect of inhibitory control as a mediator was not found. Understanding specificity in the effects of dispositional mindfulness dimensions on parenting behaviors will drive effective and efficient designs of mindful parenting interventions. Future research should use dismantling experimental designs to test the synergistic effects of Observing and Nonreactivity in parents. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)

9 Facilitating United States service members’ transition out of the military: A self-determination theory perspective

Facilitating United States service members’ transition out of the military: A self-determination theory perspective

APA Citation:

Raabe, J., Eckenrod, M. R., Cooper, E., & Crain, J. A. (2024). Facilitating United States service members’ transition out of the military: A self-determination theory perspective. Journal of Career Development, 51(1), 40-59. https://doi.org/10.1177/08948453231198064

Focus:

Mental health
Veterans

Branch of Service:

Multiple branches
Army
Marine Corps
Navy

Military Affiliation:

Veteran

Population:

Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)


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Research & Summary

Authors: Raabe, Johannes; Eckenrod, Morgan R.; Cooper, Emily; Crain, Jared A.

Year: 2024

Abstract

The purpose of the current qualitative research was to explore the role of veterans? basic psychological needs during the military transition. Using purposive and snowball sampling, 16 veterans (n = 13 male, n = 3 female; Mage = 38.3, SDage = 5.8 years) of the United States military (n = 8 Army, n = 4 Marine Corps, n = 3 Navy) were recruited to participate in semi-structured interviews. Reflexive thematic analysis of the qualitative data revealed seven themes: (a) veterans experienced different levels of relatedness in the military community during their transition, (b) perceptions of choice and control had varying influences on veterans? sense of autonomy during their transition, (c) veterans experienced a false sense of competence starting the transition, (d) figuring out how to transfer military experiences and skills to civilian jobs posed a meaningful challenge for veterans? sense of competence throughout the application process, (e) multiple factors helped veterans regain their sense of competence during the job search, (f) veterans experienced difficulties adjusting to new civilian job environment, and (g) family played a major role in fostering veterans? sense of autonomy during the transition. These findings offer multiple conceptual and practical implications, including the context-specificity of perceived competence and relatedness, challenge of skill transfer, and temporality of backup plans, that can be used to help service members? transition more effectively.

10 Pilot evaluation of the online ‘Chaplains-CARE’ program: Enhancing skills for United States military suicide intervention practices and care

Pilot evaluation of the online ‘Chaplains-CARE’ program: Enhancing skills for United States military suicide intervention practices and care

APA Citation:

Lee-Tauler, S. Y., Grammer, J., LaCroix, J. M., Walsh, A. K., Clark, S. E., Holloway, K. J., …Ghahramanlou-Holloway, M. (2023). Pilot evaluation of the online ‘Chaplains-CARE’ program: Enhancing skills for United States military suicide intervention practices and care. Journal of Religion and Health, 62(6), 3856-3873. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-023-01882-9

Focus:

Programming
Mental health
Veterans

Branch of Service:

Multiple branches

Military Affiliation:

Active Duty
Veteran

Population:

Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)


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Research & Summary

Authors: Lee-Tauler, Su Yeon; Grammer, Joseph; LaCroix, Jessica M.; Walsh, Adam K.; Clark, Sandra Elizabeth; Holloway, Kathryn J.; Sundararaman, Ramya; Carter, Chaplain K. Madison; Crouterfield, Chaplain Bruce; Hazlett, Chaplain Gregory R.; Hess, Chaplain Robert M.; Miyahara, Chaplain John M.; Varsogea, Chaplain Charles E.; Whalen, Chaplain Christilene; Ghahramanlou-Holloway, Marjan

Year: 2023

Abstract

Chaplains frequently serve as first responders for United States military personnel experiencing suicidal thoughts and behaviors. The Chaplains-CARE Program, a self-paced, e-learning course grounded in suicide-focused cognitive behavioral therapy principles, was tailored for United States military chaplains to enhance their suicide intervention skills. A pilot program evaluation gathered 76 Department of Defense (DoD), Veterans Affairs (VA), and international military chaplain learners’ responses. Most learners indicated that the course was helpful, easy to use, relevant, applicable, and that they were likely to recommend it to other chaplains. Based on open-ended responses, one-quarter (25.0%) of learners indicated that all content was useful, and over one-quarter (26.3%) of learners highlighted the usefulness of the self-care module. One-third (30.3%) of learners reported the usefulness of the interactive e-learning features, while others (26.3%) highlighted the usefulness of chaplains’ role play demonstrations, which portrayed counseling scenarios with service members. Suggested areas of improvement include specific course adaptation for VA chaplains and further incorporation of experiential learning and spiritual care principles. The pilot findings suggest that Chaplains-CARE Online was perceived as a useful suicide intervention training for chaplains. Future training can be enhanced by providing experiential, simulation-based practice of suicide intervention skills.

11 Feasibility of delivering a virtual 1-day acceptance and commitment therapy workshop to rural veterans through community partnerships

Feasibility of delivering a virtual 1-day acceptance and commitment therapy workshop to rural veterans through community partnerships

APA Citation:

Dindo, L., Chaison, A., Rodrigues, M., Woods, K., Mark, A., & Boykin, D. (2023). Feasibility of delivering a virtual 1-day acceptance and commitment therapy workshop to rural veterans through community partnerships. Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications, 34, Article 101178. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conctc.2023.101178

Focus:

Programming
Veterans
Mental health

Branch of Service:

Army
Navy
Air Force
Marine Corps
Coast Guard
Multiple branches

Military Affiliation:

Veteran

Population:

Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)


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Research & Summary

Authors: Dindo, Lilian; Chaison, Angelic; Rodrigues, Merlyn; Woods, Ken; Mark, Alicia; Boykin, Derrecka

Year: 2023

Abstract

Background This single-arm, open pilot study examined the feasibility and initial efficacy of a 1-day virtual Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) group workshop for distressed veterans. Methods We collaborated with veteran-serving community-based organizations to enhance outreach to veterans, especially those in rural areas. Veterans completed a baseline assessment and two follow-up assessments (1 month, 3 months) after workshop participation. Feasibility outcomes included reach (workshop recruitment and completion rates; veteran characteristics) and acceptability (open-ended survey question about satisfaction). Clinical outcomes included psychological distress (Outcome Questionnaire-45), stressor-related distress (PTSD Checklist-5), community reintegration (Military to Civilian Questionnaire), and meaning and purpose (PROMIS Short Form). Psychological flexibility (Action and Acceptance Questionnaire-II) – the proposed change mechanism underlying ACT – was also measured. Results Sixty-four veterans (50% rural, 39% self-identified as female) participated in a virtual workshop (97.1% completion rate). Overall, veterans liked the format and interactive nature of workshops. Convenience was noted as a benefit, while connectivity issues were highlighted as a drawback. Veterans showed improvements in psychological distress (F(2,109) = 3.30; p = 0.041), stressor-related distress (F(2,110) = 9.50; p = 0.0002), community reintegration (F(2,108) = 4.34; p = 0.015), and meaning and purpose (F(2,100) = 4.06; p = 0.020) over time. No between-group differences were detected, based on rurality or gender. Conclusion Pilot findings were promising and warrant a larger randomized trial to assess the efficacy of the 1-day virtual ACT workshop. Integrating community-engaged and participatory-research designs can enhance the external validity of these future studies and promote greater health equity.

12 Evidence for excess familial clustering of post traumatic stress disorder in the US veterans genealogy resource

Evidence for excess familial clustering of post traumatic stress disorder in the US veterans genealogy resource

APA Citation:

Cannon-Albright, L. A., Romesser, J., Teerlink, C. C., Thomas, A., & Meyer, L. J. (2022). Evidence for excess familial clustering of post traumatic stress disorder in the US Veterans genealogy resource. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 150, 332-337. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychires.2021.12.018

Focus:

Mental health
Trauma
Veterans

Branch of Service:

Multiple branches

Military Affiliation:

Veteran

Population:

Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)


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Research & Summary

Authors: Cannon-Albright, Lisa A.; Romesser, Jennifer; Teerlink, Craig C.; Thomas, Alun; Meyer, L. J.

Year: 2022

Abstract

A genealogy of the United States has been record-linked to National Veteran's Health Administration (VHA) patient data to allow non-identifiable analysis of familial clustering. This genealogy, including over 70 million individuals linked to over 1 million VHA patients, is the largest such combined resource reported. Analysis of familial clustering among VHA patients diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) allowed a test of the hypothesis of an inherited contribution to PTSD. PTSD is associated strongly with military service and extended familial clustering data have not previously been presented. PTSD-affected VHA patients with genealogy data were identified by presence of an ICD diagnosis code in the VHA medical record in at least 2 different years. The Genealogical Index of Familiality (GIF) method was used to compare the average relatedness of VHA patients diagnosed with PTSD with their expected average relatedness, estimated from randomly selected sets of matched linked VHA patient controls. Relative risks for PTSD were estimated in first-, second-, and third-degree relatives of PTSD patients who were also VHA patients, using sex and age-matched rates for PTSD estimated from all linked VHA patients. Significant excess pairwise relatedness, and significantly elevated risk for PTSD in first-, second-, and third-degree relatives was observed; multiple high-risk extended PTSD pedigrees were identified. The analysis provides evidence for excess familial clustering of PTSD and identified high-risk PTSD pedigrees. These results support an inherited contribution to PTSD predisposition and identify a powerful resource of high-risk PTSD pedigrees for predisposition gene identification.

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