Prevalence of Depressive and Alcohol Abuse Symptoms among Women VA Outpatients Who Report Experiencing Sexual Assault While in the Military

Citation:

Hankin, Cheryl S., Katherine Skinner, Lisa M. Sullivan, Donald R. Miller, Susan Frayne, and Tara J. Tripp. 1999. "Prevalence of Depressive and Alcohol Abuse Symptoms among Women VA Outpatients Who Report Experiencing Sexual Assault While in the Military." Journal of Traumatic Stress 12 (4): 601-612.

Authors: Cheryl S. Hankin, Katherine Skinner, Lisa M. Sullivan, Donald R. Miller, Susan Frayne, Tara J. Tripp

Abstract:

Among a national sample of 3,632 women VA outpatients, we determined self-reported prevalence of sexual assault experienced during military service and compared screening prevalence for current symptoms of depression and alcohol abuse between those who did and did not report this history. Data were obtained by mailed questionnaire. Military-related sexual assault was reported by 23%. Screening prevalence for symptoms of current depression was 3 times higher and for current alcohol abuse was 2 times higher among those who reported experiencing military-related sexual assault. Recent mental health treatment was reported by 50% of those who reported experiencing sexual assault during military service and screened positive for symptoms of depression, and by 40% of those who screened positive for symptoms of alcohol abuse.

Keywords: depression, substance abuse, female veterans, military sexual assault

Topics: Combatants, Female Combatants, Gender, Women, Health, Mental Health, Military Forces & Armed Groups, Sexual Violence, SV against Men Regions: Americas, North America Countries: United States of America

Year: 1999

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