title: The effect of depression on the association between military service and life satisfaction.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of depression on the association between a history of military service and life satisfaction among a nationally representative sample of US men.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data from 57,905 men were obtained from the 2006 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance survey that assessed depression, history of military service, and life satisfaction. Multivariable logistic regression was conducted, controlling for demographics and physical health characteristics.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In non-depressed men, a history of military service was associated with higher odds of life satisfaction, OR (95% CI) = 1.39 (1.07, 1.81). However, the interaction between depression and a history of military service was significant, OR (95% CI) = 0.56 (0.38–0.84), such that a history of military service was associated with equivalent odds of satisfaction in depressed men, OR (95% CI) = 0.78 (0.56–1.09).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Intervention efforts targeting depression in men with a history of military service may have a significant impact on their well-being. Future research should replicate these findings, examine potential mechanisms of the effects, and study the utility of life satisfaction measures in this population.
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterans Affairs, VISN 2 Center of Excellence for Suicide Prevention, Canandaigua Medical Center, 400 Crittenden Blvd, Canandaigua, NY 14424, USA. peter.britton@va.gov
authors.forename: Peter C
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: Britton
authors.forename: Paige C
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: Ouimette
authors.forename: Robert M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Bossarte
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003863:Depression / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008889:Military Personnel / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014728:Veterans / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D055815:Young Adult