title: Alcohol-Related Consequences Mediating PTSD Symptoms and Mental Health-Related Quality of Life in OEF/OIF Combat Veterans.
abstract: Veterans returning from Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF) have been found to be at increased risk for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol use disorders, leading to negative mental health-related quality of life (MHRQoL). The current study examined the unique impact of alcohol consumption levels versus alcohol-related consequences on the relationship between PTSD symptoms and MHRQoL in a sample of OEF/OIF combat veterans (N = 205, median age 29, 95% men). Mediation analyses indicated that the effect of PTSD symptoms on MHRQoL was explained only by alcohol-related consequences and not by alcohol consumption. Findings highlight the importance of including alcohol-related consequences in clinical assessment and intervention programs for OEF/OIF veterans. Additionally, this study enhances knowledge regarding the underlying mechanisms of functional impairment related to PTSD and alcohol use disorders.
authors.affiliation: Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, 3350 La Jolla Village Drive, San Diego, CA 92161.
authors.forename: Abigail C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Angkaw
authors.affiliation: Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, 3350 La Jolla Village Drive, San Diego, CA 92161.
authors.forename: Moira
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Haller
authors.affiliation: Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, 3350 La Jolla Village Drive, San Diego, CA 92161.
authors.forename: James O E
authors.initials: JO
authors.lastname: Pittman
authors.affiliation: Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, 3350 La Jolla Village Drive, San Diego, CA 92161.
authors.forename: Sarah E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Nunnink
authors.affiliation: Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, 3350 La Jolla Village Drive, San Diego, CA 92161.
authors.forename: Sonya B
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: Norman
authors.affiliation: Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, 3350 La Jolla Village Drive, San Diego, CA 92161.
authors.forename: Jennifer A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Lemmer
authors.affiliation: Naval Medical Center, San Diego, 34800 Bob Wilson Drive, San Diego, CA 92134.
authors.forename: Robert N
authors.initials: RN
authors.lastname: McLay
authors.affiliation: Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, 3350 La Jolla Village Drive, San Diego, CA 92161.
authors.forename: Dewleen G
authors.initials: DG
authors.lastname: Baker
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D055826:Afghan Campaign 2001-; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000523:psychology*; D019973:Alcohol-Related Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D017831:Diagnosis, Dual (Psychiatry); D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D054542:Iraq War, 2003-2011; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000523:psychology*; D014481:United States; D014728:Veterans / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult