Citation

Freeman MD, Woodruff SI. Mil. Med. 2011; 176(5): 524-530.

Affiliation

School of Social Work, Center for Alcohol and Drug Studies, 6386 Alvarado Court, Suite 224, San Diego, CA 92120, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, Association of Military Surgeons of the United States)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

21634297

Abstract

PURPOSE: This prospective cohort study analyzed hospitalization data over a 7-year period for 5,503 female Navy recruits first assessed in 1996-1997. METHODS: Participants' age, education, race/ethnicity, occupation, and traditionality of military occupation were analyzed as predictors of hospitalization for mental health diagnoses occurring 7-8 years after entry into the Navy. RESULTS: 5.2% of women was hospitalized at least once for a mental health disorder over the 7-8 year follow-up period. Thirteen percent of all hospitalizations for the cohort were for mental health reasons. Adjustment reaction/acute stress reaction and personality disorders were the 2 most frequent mental disorders. Asian/ Pacific Islanders with more than a high school education and those in the younger age ranges were significantly less likely than others to be hospitalized for a mental disorder. CONCLUSIONS: Results underscore that mental health issues among young military women during peacetime are not a trivial source of morbidity.

Language: en