Citation

Blosnich JR, Kopacz MS, McCarten J, Bossarte RM. J. Am. Coll. Health 2014; 63(7): 418-426.

Affiliation

a University of Rochester , Department of Psychiatry.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/07448481.2014.931282

PMID

24918517

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Using a sample of student service members/veterans, the current study aimed to examine the prevalence of psychiatric diagnoses and suicide-related outcomes and the association of hazardous duty with mental health. Participants: Data are from the Fall 2011 National College Health Assessment (n = 27,774).

METHODS: Logistic regression was used to examine (1) the association of student service member/veteran status with mental health outcomes and (2) the association of hazardous duty with mental health outcomes among student service members/veterans (n = 706).

RESULTS: Student service members/veterans had higher odds of self-harm than students without military experience. Among student service members/veterans, hazardous duty was positively associated (OR = 2.00, 95% CI: 1.30-3.07) with having a psychiatric diagnosis but negatively associated (OR = 0.41, 95% CI: 0.20-0.85) with suicidal ideation.

CONCLUSIONS: Self-harm may be a unique phenomenon among service members/veterans. Suicide prevention with this population should include information about self-harm, and future research should explore whether suicidal intent underlies self-harm.

Language: en