Citation

Ashwick R, Syed S, Murphy D. Healthcare (Basel) 2018; 6(2): e6020058.

Affiliation

Combat Stress, Tyrwhitt House, Leatherhead, Surrey KT22 0BX, UK. dominic.murphy@combastress.org.uk.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, MDPI: Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute)

DOI

10.3390/healthcare6020058

PMID

29874783

Abstract

Risk-taking amongst veterans has severe consequences, yet few studies have examined factors that may predict risk-taking in help-seeking veteran populations. This paper presents a cross-sectional study involving a random sample of 667 UK help-seeking veterans, investigating the role of demographics, mental health and physical health presentations on the propensity for risk-taking. Out of 403 (73.4%) veterans, 350 (86.8%) reported risk-taking in the past month. We found that younger age, being in a relationship, probable PTSD, common mental health difficulties and traumatic brain injury were significantly associated with risk-taking. Additionally, a direct association was found between increased risk-taking and PTSD symptom clusters, including higher hyperarousal, elevated negative alterations in mood and cognition. Our findings provide initial evidence for demographic and mental health presentations as predictors of risk-taking in help-seeking veterans. Further research and longitudinal studies are needed to facilitate valid risk assessments, and early intervention for veteran services.

Language: en

Keywords

TBI; alcohol; driving; fighting; mental health; posttraumatic stress disorder; risk; veterans