Potentially modifiable pre-, peri-, and postdeployment characteristics associated with deployment-related posttraumatic stress disorder among ohio army national guard soldiers.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate potentially modifiable deployment characteristics-- predeployment preparedness, unit support during deployment, and postdeployment support-that may be associated with deployment-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).


METHODS
We recruited a sample of 2616 Ohio Army National Guard (OHARNG) soldiers and conducted structured interviews to assess traumatic event exposure and PTSD related to the soldiers' most recent deployment, consistent with DSM-IV criteria. We assessed preparedness, unit support, and postdeployment support by using multimeasure scales adapted from the Deployment Risk and Resilience Survey.


RESULTS
The prevalence of deployment-related PTSD was 9.6%. In adjusted logistic models, high levels of all three deployment characteristics (compared with low) were independently associated with lower odds of PTSD. When we evaluated the influence of combinations of deployment characteristics on the development of PTSD, we found that postdeployment support was an essential factor in the prevention of PTSD.


CONCLUSIONS
Results show that factors throughout the life course of deployment-in particular, postdeployment support-may influence the development of PTSD. These results suggest that the development of suitable postdeployment support opportunities may be centrally important in mitigating the psychological consequences of war.
Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA.
Emily
E
Goldmann
Joseph R
JR
Calabrese
Marta R
MR
Prescott
Marijo
M
Tamburrino
Israel
I
Liberzon
Renee
R
Slembarski
Edwin
E
Shirley
Thomas
T
Fine
Toyomi
T
Goto
Kimberly
K
Wilson
Stephen
S
Ganocy
Philip
P
Chan
Mary Beth
MB
Serrano
James
J
Sizemore
Sandro
S
Galea
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D054542:Iraq War, 2003-2011; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008889:Military Personnel / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D009820:Ohio; D015995:Prevalence; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012944:Social Support; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D055815:Young Adult