The differential impact of COVID-19 on the psychological stress of post-9/11 Veterans: gender, race, and ethnicity

Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to economic turndowns, social restrictions, and family life alterations. The stress induced by the public health crisis and its consequences are beginning to be explored. This study examined stress experiences since the pandemic'sonset in work, financial, social, and health domainsamong a large sample of post-9/11, United States military veterans. The sample, who separated from active-duty service or deactivated from active status in a reserve component in 2016, completed an online survey (n = 3180) in 2020. Participants were 70% White non-Hispanic, 81% male, and had an average age of 38 years. Frequencies and descriptive statistics were calculated. Female veterans and veterans of colour reported significantly higher levels of stress across most life domains. The results suggest White, male, post-9/11 veterans may be somewhat protected from COVID-19 stress, but that the pandemic is exacerbatinghealth and social disparities experienced by post-9/11 veterans of colour and female veterans. Supports and comprehensive care, particularly targeted towardsat-risk populations, are likely needed to provide sufficient resources for resiliency during and after the pandemic.

Read the full article
Report a problem with this article

Related articles

  • More for Researchers

    Risk of incident mild cognitive impairment and dementia soon after leaving incarceration among a US Veteran population

    Abstract: Objectives: Increasing numbers of older adults are reentering community following incarceration (i.e., reentry), yet risk of incident neurodegenerative disorders associated with reentry is unknown. Our objective was to determine association between reentry status (reentry vs never-incarcerated) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and/or dementia. Methods: This nationwide, longitudinal cohort study used linked Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and Veterans Health Administration data. Participants were aged 65 years or older who experienced reentry between October 1, 2012, and December 31, 2018, with no preincarceration MCI/dementia, compared with age-matched/sex-matched never-incarcerated veterans. MCI/dementia was defined by diagnostic codes. Fine-Gray proportional hazards models were used to examine association. Results: This study included 35,520 veterans, mean age of 70 years, and approximately 1% women. The reentry group (N = 5,920) had higher incidence of MCI/dementia compared with the never-incarcerated group (N = 29,600; 10.2% vs 7.2%; fully adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.12; 95% CI 1.00-1.25). On further investigation, reentry was associated with increased risk of dementia with or without prior MCI diagnosis (aHR 1.21; 95% CI 1.06-1.39) but not MCI only. Discussion: Transition from incarceration to community increased risk of neurocognitive diagnosis. Findings indicate health/social services to identify and address significant cognitive deficits on late-life reentry. Limitations include generalizability to nonveterans.