Protective factors for mental disorders among survivors of military sexual trauma: A Canadian population-based study

Abstract: Objectives: Military sexual trauma (MST) is a prevalent issue among actively serving members and Veterans, and is associated with adverse health outcomes including mental disorders. This study sought to identify correlates and protective factors for the development of mental disorders among Canadian MST survivors. Methods: We analyzed data from participants of the longitudinal 2018 Canadian Armed Forces Members and Veterans Mental Health Follow-up Survey (CAFVMHS) who experienced MST (rounded n?=?455; 9.6%). A semi-structured diagnostic interview assessed MST and mental disorders in accordance with DSM-IV criteria. Multivariable logistic regressions examined associations between sample characteristics (2002 and 2018) and psychosocial factors (at baseline [i.e., 2002] and 2018) and any mental disorder since 2002. Analyses were run among the full subsample of MST survivors and additionally stratified by sex, when possible. Results: Among MST survivors, 66.5% had a mental disorder since 2002. Among the total sample, those who were officers (odds ratio [OR] = 0.58) or on active duty (OR = 0.52) had reduced odds of any mental disorder since 2002. In addition, less frequent use of avoidance coping in 2002 and 2018 (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 0.86, 0.64), more frequent use of active coping in 2018 (AOR = 0.64), less frequent use of self-medication coping in 2018 (AOR = 0.79), greater perceived social support in 2018 (AOR = 0.94), and reduced work stress across various domains in 2018 (AOR: 0.67-0.87) were associated with reduced odds of any mental disorder since 2002. Some variability emerged according to sex (e.g., types of work stress or coping emerging as protective). Conclusions: Results highlight certain sample characteristics and psychosocial factors that illustrated a protective relationship with mental disorders among MST survivors. Findings may inform targeted intervention strategies that could help mitigate adverse mental health impacts of MST.

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