| dc.description.abstract | Objective: To perform a quantitative analysis of the sociodemographic risk factors that predispose certain veterans to moderate to severe psychological distress using the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS).
Methods: This study used NHIS data from 2013 to 2018. First, descriptive statistics of this data set were derived based on twelve different potential risk factors, for both the veteran and civilian populations. Next, multivariable logistic regression models estimated the risk that certain subgroups would experience increased psychological distress. Psychological distress was defined using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (also referred to as the K6 scale).
Results: Veterans that indicated the greatest risk for moderate to severe psychological distress are those aged 35-44 years, are female, use Medicare health insurance, have multiple chronic health conditions, are bisexual, are separated from their spouse, are high school graduates (but have not attended college), have a family income of less than $35,000, live in the Western region of the United States, and are current cigarette smokers. In comparison, civilians that are at greatest risk for moderate to severe psychological distress are those aged 25-34 years, are female, are non-Hispanic white, use Medicare health insurance, have multiple chronic health conditions, identify as another sexual orientation besides the options provided (heterosexual, gay/lesbian , bisexual), are separated from their spouse, are either high school graduates or have not completed high school, have a family income of less than $35,000, live in the Western region of the United States, and are current cigarette smokers.
Conclusion: The VA system can work to use these demographic risk factors to address mental health disparities in the veteran population. Access to quality mental health care appears to be the key to limiting many of the aforementioned factors associated with psychological distress. Equal access to medical and mental health care for all veterans can help address these issues. | en_US |
