Post-traumatic stress disorder and health problems among medically ill Canadian peacekeeping veterans.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the present study was to examine the relationship between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom severity and four significant health conditions (gastrointestinal disorders, musculoskeletal problems, headaches, and cardiovascular problems).


METHODS
Participants included 707 Canadian peacekeeping veterans with service-related disabilities, from a random, national Canadian survey, who had been deployed overseas.


RESULTS
PTSD severity was significantly related to gastrointestinal disorders, musculoskeletal problems, and headaches, but not to cardiovascular problems. Controlling for demographic factors did not affect PTSD's relationships with the three significant health conditions.


CONCLUSIONS
The present study supports previous work in finding consistent relations between PTSD severity and specific types of medical problems.
Richardson
J Don
JD
Operational Stress Injury Clinic, Parkwood Hospital, St Joseph's Health Care London, University of Western Ontario, Ontario, Canada. don.richardson@sjhc.london.on.ca
Pekevski
Jordan
J
Elhai
Jon D
JD
D000328:Adult; D002170:Canada / Q000453:epidemiology; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D008889:Military Personnel / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D014728:Veterans / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D055815:Young Adult