We found a match
Your institution may have access to this item. Find your institution then sign in to continue.
- Title
Associations Among Increases in Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms, Neurocognitive Performance, and Long-Term Functional Outcomes in U.S. Iraq War Veterans.
- Authors
Jackson, Colleen E.; Ciarleglio, Maria M.; Aslan, Mihaela; Marx, Brian P.; Ko, John; Concato, John; Proctor, Susan P.; Vasterling, Jennifer J.
- Abstract
Cross-sectional research suggests that posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) among war zone veterans are associated with functional impairment and poor quality of life. Less is known about the long-term functional repercussions of PTSS. This study of Iraq War veterans examined the associations between increases in PTSS and long-term functional outcomes, including the potential contributions of neurocognitive decrements. Service members and veterans (N = 594) completed self-report measures of functioning and PTSS severity before Iraq War deployment and again after their return (M = 9.3 years postdeployment). Some participants (n = 278) also completed neurocognitive testing at both times. Multiple regression analyses with the full sample-adjusted for TBI, demographic characteristics, military variables, and predeployment PTSS and functioning-revealed that increased PTSS severity over time was significantly associated with unemployment, aOR = 1.04, 95% CI [1.03, 1.06]; poorer work performance; and poorer physical, emotional, and cognitive health-related functioning at long-term follow-up, f2 s = 0.37-1.79. Among participants who completed neurocognitive testing, a decline in select neurocognitive measures was associated with poorer functioning; however, neurocognitive decrements did not account for associations between increased PTSS and unemployment, aOR = 1.04, 95% CI [1.02, 1.07], with the size and direction upheld after adding neurocognitive variables, or poorer functional outcomes, with small increases after adding neurocognitive measures to the models, f2 s = 0.03-0.10. War zone veterans experiencing long-term increased PTSS and/or neurocognitive decrements may be at elevated risk for higher-level functional impairment over time, suggesting that early PTSS management may enhance long-term functioning.
- Subjects
IRAQ; VETERANS; FUNCTIONAL assessment; POST-traumatic stress; QUALITY of life; MULTIPLE regression analysis; RESEARCH; CROSS-sectional method; RESEARCH methodology; POST-traumatic stress disorder; MEDICAL cooperation; EVALUATION research; COMPARATIVE studies; RESEARCH funding
- Publication
Journal of Traumatic Stress, 2021, Vol 34, Issue 3, p628
- ISSN
0894-9867
- Publication type
journal article
- DOI
10.1002/jts.22663