Gender Differences in Traumatic Event Exposure and Mental Health Among Veteran Primary Care Patients

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated gender differences in lifetime traumatic events, PTSD, and depression among VA primary care patients. METHOD: Participants were 865 adults attending primary care at one of four VA health centers (n = 681 males, 184 females). RESULTS: Mental health findings included: male PTSD 12.3% vs. female PTSD 9.2% (p > 0.05); male depression 15.9% vs. female depression 29.3% (p < 0.001). Men reported more war zone exposure (p < 0.001). Women reported more physical and sexual victimization (p < 0.001). Male logistic regression equations determined PTSD was associated with disability (OR = 3.42; 1.74-6.72, 95% CI) and war zone exposure (OR = 7.14; 3.82-13.30, 95% CI); depression was associated with war zone exposure (OR = 2.27; 1.40-3.68, 95% CI) and interpersonal violence (OR = 1.75; 1.10-2.79, 95% CI). Female PTSD was associated with sexual victimization (OR = 4.50; 1.20-16.80, 95% CI); depression was not predicted. CONCLUSIONS: We discuss findings in terms of the crucial need to improve identification and management of PTSD within VA primary care settings.