Purpose: Violence has been described as a major public health issue for all Americans. We examined the physical, mental, and social functioning after sexual assault in a special population of women, those who served in the military. We compared the health status of women who experienced military sexual assault (MSA) and those who report no such history. Sample: Nationally representative, randomly selected sample of women (n=3,632) who had at least one VA ambulatory care visit in 1995. Methods: In this cross sectional observational study, data on health status and exposure to MSA were collected by mailed self-administered questionnaire. Results: Nearly one-quarter (23%) of the women indicated they had been sexually assaulted while in the military. In comparisonms between groups, women reporting MSA scored lower (indicating worse health) on every scale measuring health status (using the SF-36; p=.0001). Among women who experienced MSA, 26% endorsed >12 current symptoms/conditions vs. 11% of women without military sexual assault (p<0.001). The odds of satisfying screening criteria for current depression were three times higher for women who experienced MSA (OR=3.16; 95% CI=2.68, 3.72). Implications: These data suggest there are serious, persistent and broad ranging differences in current health between women with a history of MSA and those reporting no such event. Since most women veterans receive health care outside the VA, non-VA clinicians may be providing care to this special population. Screening all women for exposure to sexual violence is important.
Learning Objectives: To assess the health status of women after experiencing sexual assault To identify the prevalence of military sexual assault To apply these findings to the clinical setting
Keywords: Outcomes Research, Violence
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.