Gender differences in traumatic event exposure and mental health among veteran primary care patients.
OBJECTIVE
This study evaluated gender differences in lifetime traumatic events, PTSD, and depression among VA primary care patients.


METHODS
Participants were 865 adults attending primary care at one of four VA health centers (n = 681 males, 184 females).


RESULTS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
We discuss findings in terms of the crucial need to improve identification and management of PTSD within VA primary care settings.
Freedy
John R
JR
Department of Family Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, 295 Calhoun Street, Charleston, SC 29425, USA.
Magruder
Kathryn M
KM
Mainous
Arch G
AG
Frueh
B Chris
BC
Geesey
Mark E
ME
Carnemolla
Mark
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D055826:Afghan Campaign 2001-; D000368:Aged; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005260:Female; D006787:Hospitals, Veterans; D006801:Humans; D054542:Iraq War, 2003-2011; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010044:Outpatient Clinics, Hospital; D011320:Primary Health Care; D012737:Sex Factors; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000175:diagnosis*; D014481:United States; D014728:Veterans / Q000523:psychology*; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000523:psychology; D055815:Young Adult