Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Depression, and HIV Risk Behavior Among Ohio Army National Guard Soldiers

Abstract

We examined the relationship between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depressive disorder (MDD), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) risk behavior among the Ohio Army National Guard (OHARNG). We analyzed data collected from a sample of OHARNG enlisted between June 2008 and February 2009. Participants completed interviews assessing HIV risk activities defined by the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, and were screened for PTSD and MDD based on DSM-IV criteria according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed., DSM-IV; American Psychiatric Association, 1994). Logistic regression was used to examine the independent and combined effects of PTSD and MDD on past-year HIV risk behavior. Of 2,259 participants, 142 (6.3%) reported at least 1 past-year HIV risk behavior. In adjusted models, relative to soldiers with neither disorder, screening positive for MDD only was associated with HIV risk behavior (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.33, 95% CI = [1.15, 4.71]), whereas PTSD was not significant (AOR = 1.60, 95% CI = [0.80, 3.20]). Participants with both PTSD and depression were most likely to report HIV risk behavior (AOR = 2.75, 95% CI = [1.06, 7.11]). Soldiers with PTSD and MDD may be at greater risk for HIV infection due to increased engagement in HIV risk behavior. Integrated interventions to address mental health problems and reduce HIV risk behavior are in need of development and evaluation.

Unit Support Protects Against Sexual Harassment and Assault Among National Guard Soldiers

“…The overall response rate was 43.2%; calculated as the number of participants who completed a survey and consented but were ineligible divided by the number of working numbers minus those that were disqualified (2616+187/6514-31). Additional details about participant sampling and recruitment are available elsewhere (see Biehn et al, 2012; Calabrese et al, 2011; Goldmann et al, 2012; Goodwin et al, 2012; 2013; Marshall et al, 2012; 2013). …”

Self-Reported Sexually Transmitted Infections and Sexual Risk Behaviors in the US Military

“…8 In a study of 400 male and female patients attending an outpatient psychiatry clinic, more than half did not use a condom at the last five sex acts and almost 25% reported binge drinking in the past 30 days. 9 Specifically, women with chronic mental illness may be more vulnerable to coerced sex and have higher levels of sexual impulsivity.…”

Internalizing symptoms and safe sex intentions among adolescents in mental health treatment: Personal factors as mediators

“…This finding was somewhat unexpected since prior research has found traumatic events, such as peer sexual coercion, to be associated with increased risky sexual behavior in adolescence (Young, Furman, & Jones, 2012). However, other studies have shown no association between PTSD and sexual HIV risk behaviors (Stiffman et al, 1992; Marshall et al, 2013) among adults. It may be that PTSD confers risk for sexual activity in the context of interpersonal trauma rather than other forms of trauma.…”