The Prevalence of Military Sexual Trauma: A Meta-Analysis

Due to methodological heterogeneity, the exact prevalence of military sexual trauma (MST) is unknown. To elucidate our understanding of the pervasiveness of this important social issue, a meta-analysis was conducted. A computerized database search in PsycINFO, PubMed, and PILOTS revealed 584 unique citations for review. Of these identified studies, 69 met the inclusion criteria for the meta-analysis. The results revealed that 15.7% of military personnel and veterans report MST (3.9% of men, 38.4% of women) when the measure includes both harassment and assault. Additionally, 13.9% report MST (1.9% of men, 23.6% of women) when the measure assesses only assault and 31.2% report MST (8.9% of men, 52.5% of women) when the measure assesses only harassment. Regardless of the type of victimization incident (i.e., harassment or assault), women evidenced significantly larger prevalence rates compared to men. Self-report measure and interviews were associated with higher prevalence rates than the review of veterans affair (VA) medical records when measuring both harassment and assault and only harassment. No significant differences were observed among prevalence rates based on VA, non-VA, or both VA and non-VA recruitment. Ultimately, the findings suggest that MST is a pervasive problem, among both men and women in the military, highlighting the importance of this line of research.

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734 Prevalence and Correlates of Insomnia in Veterans with and without Military Sexual Trauma Receiving Care within a VA Med Center

SLEEP ◽

10.1093/sleep/zsab072.731 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 44 (Supplement_2) ◽

pp. A286-A287

Author(s):

Karen Makar ◽

Louis Rivera ◽

Rena Mazur ◽

Taylor Aguiar ◽

Ryan Krouse ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Sexual Trauma ◽

Depressive Symptomatology ◽

Medical Center ◽

Well Being ◽

Severity Index ◽

Self Report ◽

Bivariate Analysis ◽

Military Sexual Trauma ◽

Multivariable Model ◽

Cross Sectional

Abstract Introduction A prior study showed a higher prevalence of insomnia among younger Veterans with military sexual trauma (MST) before receiving care at a VA Medical Center (VAMC). We extend the literature to investigate the prevalence and correlates of insomnia in male Veterans with and without MST currently receiving care within a VAMC. Methods We evaluated cross-sectional data from a survey within the Philadelphia VAMC (N=138) using the following instruments: Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) total score for insomnia; Sexual Harassment Scale (DRRI-2) to screen for MST; PTSD checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) PTSD symptoms; Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology-Self report (QIDS-SR) to evaluate depressive symptoms; Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT-C) to assess for harmful drinking; and, the nightmare question from the PCL-5 scale to screen for persistent nightmares. The association between ISI total score and variables were assessed separately in individuals with and without MST, using bivariate and multivariable analyses. Results The mean(SD) age was 55.2(12.8) years. They were likely to identify themselves as African-American (44.2%), and had a high school diploma (39.1%). MST was endorsed by 31.9% of the Veterans. Insomnia was more prevalent in those with MST [N=42(95.4%)] than those without [N=77(81.9%)]. Individuals with MST had higher ISI (19.9±5.0 Vs 16.7±7.2) and PCL-5 (48.4±14.4 Vs 38.1±19.7) total scores, than individuals without. Among those with MST, the bivariate analysis showed significant associations with PCL-5 (β=0.2, p<0.0001), QIDS (β=0.5, p=0.01), AUDIT-C (β=0.5, p=0.008), and nightmares (β=3.9, p=0.03). In the multivariable model, ISI total score was only associated with the PCL-5 total score (β=0.3, R2=0.18, p=0.0005). Among those without MST, the bivariate analysis showed significant associations between ISI total score and age (β=-0.1, p=0.02), total scores on the PCL-5 (β=0.2, p<0.0001), QIDS (β=0.9, p<0.00001), and nightmare (β=6.7, p<0.0001). In the multivariable model (R2=0.5, p<0.00001), the ISI total score was associated with PCL-5 (β=0.1, p=0.01), and QIDS (β=0.7, p=<0.0001) total scores. Conclusion There is a higher prevalence of insomnia among Veterans with MST currently receiving care within the VHA. Treatment of insomnia and PTSD is critical to improve their well-being and prevent complications. Support (if any) The study was supported by VA grant IK2CX000855 (S.C.).

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Accuracy of Self-report for Cervical and Breast Cancer Screening: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

10.21203/rs.2.13814/v1 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Johanna Anderson ◽

Donald S. Bourne ◽

Kim A. Peterson ◽

Katherine M. Mackey

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Cervical Cancer ◽

Cancer Screening ◽

Breast Cancer Screening ◽

Cervical Cancer Screening ◽

Medical Records ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Self Report ◽

System Level

Abstract Background: Guideline-based breast and cervical cancer screenings are fundamental components of high-quality preventive women’s health care services. Accurate measurement of screening rates is vital to ensure all women are adequately screened. Our systematic review and meta-analysis aims to provide an updated synthesis of the evidence on the accuracy of self-reported measures of cervical and breast cancer screening compared to medical records. Methods: To identify studies, we searched MEDLINE®, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and other sources up to July 2019. Two reviewers sequentially selected studies, abstracted data, and assessed internal validity and strength of the evidence. Adjusted summary numbers for sensitivity and specificity were calculated using a bivariate random-effects meta-analysis. Results: Unscreened women tended to over-report screening among 39 included studies examining the accuracy of self-report for cervical and/or breast cancer screening. The specificity of self-report was 48% (95% CI 41 to 56) for cervical cancer screening and 61% (95% CI 53 to 69) for breast cancer screening while the sensitivity of self-report was much higher at 96% (95% CI 94 to 97) for cervical cancer screening and 96% (95% CI 95 to 98). We have moderate confidence in these findings, as they come from a large number of studies directly assessing the accuracy of self-report compared to medical records and are consistent with findings from a previous meta-analysis. Conclusions: Unscreened women tend to over-report cervical and breast cancer screening, while screened women more accurately report their screening. Future research should focus on assessing the impact of over-reporting on clinical and system-level outcomes.

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Prevalence of Self-Reported Intimate Partner Violence Victimization Among Military Personnel: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Trauma Violence & Abuse ◽

10.1177/1524838018782206 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 21 (3) ◽

pp. 586-609 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Katherine Sparrow ◽

Hannah Dickson ◽

Jamie Kwan ◽

Louise Howard ◽

Nicola Fear ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Intimate Partner Violence ◽

Military Personnel ◽

Partner Violence ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Intimate Partner ◽

Future Research ◽

Reference List ◽

Prevalence Rates ◽

The Military ◽

The Impact

Background: Research on intimate partner violence (IPV) in the military has tended to focus on military personnel as perpetrators and civilian partners/spouses as victims. However, studies have found high levels of IPV victimization among military personnel. This article systematically reviews studies of the prevalence of self-reported IPV victimization among military populations. Methods: Searches of four electronic databases (Embase, Medline, PsycINFO, and Web of Science) were supplemented by reference list screening. Meta-analyses of the available data were performed, where possible, using the random effects model. Results: This review included 28 studies with a combined sample of 69,808 military participants. Overall, similar or higher prevalence rates of physical IPV victimization were found among males compared to females and this was supported by a meta-analytic subgroup analysis: pooled prevalence of 21% (95% confidence interval [CI] = [17.4, 24.6]) among males and 13.6% among females (95% CI [9.5, 17.7]). Psychological IPV was the most prevalent type of abuse, in keeping with findings from the general population. There were no studies on sexual IPV victimization among male personnel. Evidence for the impact of military factors, such as deployment or rank, on IPV victimization was conflicting. Discussion: Prevalence rates varied widely, influenced by methodological variation among studies. The review highlighted the lack of research into male IPV victimization in the military and the relative absence of research into impact of IPV. It is recommended that future research disaggregates results by gender and considers the impact of IPV, in order that gender differences can be uncovered.

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Population-Based Estimates of Associations Between Child Maltreatment Types: A Meta-Analysis

Trauma Violence & Abuse ◽

10.1177/15248380211030502 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 152483802110305

Author(s):

Maya Matsumoto ◽

Hannah A. Piersiak ◽

Mia C. Letterie ◽

Kathryn L. Humphreys

Keyword(s):

Child Maltreatment ◽

Emotional Abuse ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Population Based ◽

Self Report ◽

Emotional Neglect ◽

Childhood Trauma Questionnaire ◽

Physical Neglect ◽

Shared Risk ◽

Report Measure

Although it is accepted that experiences of child maltreatment are multidimensional and often include several correlated but distinct experiences, many clinical and research decisions regarding exposure and treatment do not consider their potential overlap or potential independence. The purpose of this meta-analysis—using a single retrospective self-report measure, the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), in population-representative samples—was to investigate the magnitude and specificity of associations between forms of child maltreatment. A systematic review of studies available on PubMed, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar was conducted, resulting in the inclusion of nine journal articles, 11 independent samples, and 25,415 participants. Data were converted from Pearson correlations to Z statistics and pooled using a random effects model. All maltreatment types were positively and significantly associated. Effect sizes varied from medium to large, with (1) physical abuse and emotional abuse ( Z = 0.72, 95% CI [.48, .96]), (2) physical neglect and emotional neglect ( Z = 0.62, 95% CI [.43, .81]), and (3) emotional abuse and emotional neglect ( Z = 0.54, 95% CI [.35, .72]) demonstrating the strongest associations. These analyses provide evidence of the associations between types of child maltreatment, indicate the likelihood of shared risk, and point to characteristics that may link different types of maltreatment. These findings have important clinical implications as they may help guide comprehensive screening for associated maltreatment types as well as intervention and prevention efforts. Limitations include the relatively few studies included and those associated with the CTQ—a retrospective, self-report measure that does not account for the concurrence of experiences.

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EFFECT OF INTERNET ADDICTION ON PHYSICS PRACTICAL WORK AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS

International Journal of Advanced Research ◽

10.21474/ijar01/13634 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (10) ◽

pp. 958-963

Author(s):

Abuh Monica ◽

◽

Peter Yakubu ◽

Keyword(s):

Internet Addiction ◽

Physics Education ◽

Practical Work ◽

Self Report ◽

Measuring Instruments ◽

Inclusion Criteria ◽

School Students ◽

The Subject ◽

Positive Determinant ◽

Report Measure

Physics education possesses great potential in providing an outstanding opportunity to drive and shape sustainable development for the future world. Perhaps, the subject is among the science subjects that are better learned through laboratory experiments. Practical physics work enables students to do experiments on the fundamental laws and principles and gain experience of using a variety of measuring instruments and other physics-related apparatus. However, insinuation suggests that most students show less commitment to practical work, attributed to various factors. Thus, the purpose of the present study was to examine internet addiction as a factor that could explain the variation in students participation in physics practical. One hundred and forty-four students who met the inclusion criteria were selected from secondary schools in the Kogi state as the participants. The respondents completed a self-report measure of internet addiction and practical physics participation. The result revealed that compulsive internet usage significantly predicts participation in physics practical. Thus, the study concluded that internet addiction is a positive determinant of students engagement in physics practical.

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Military Sexual Trauma During Deployment to Iraq and Afghanistan: Prevalence, Readjustment, and Gender Differences

Violence and Victims ◽

10.1891/0886-6708.27.4.487 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 27 (4) ◽

pp. 487-499 ◽

Cited By ~ 26

Author(s):

Lori S. Katz ◽

Geta Cojucar ◽

Sayeh Beheshti ◽

Erin Nakamura ◽

Michelle Murray

Keyword(s):

Gender Differences ◽

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ◽

Posttraumatic Stress ◽

Sexual Trauma ◽

Stress Disorder ◽

Self Report ◽

Military Sexual Trauma ◽

Men And Women ◽

And Gender

This study examines military sexual trauma (MST) in men and women deployed in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. A diverse sample of 470 (408 men and 62 women) completed anonymous self-report questionnaires. Seventy-seven reported MST: 51 (12.5%) men and 26 (42%) women. MST was significantly related to symptoms and readjustment and most strongly with intimacy problems. Of those with MST, 73% also reported exposure to war-related stressors. Gender differences revealed that women reported a higher prevalence of MST, but men were more likely to endorse MST with multiple war-related stressors. However, no gender differences were found on reports of symptoms, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or readjustment. Implications of these results are discussed.

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Veterans, Military Sexual Trauma and PTSD: Rehabilitation Planning Implications

Journal of Applied Rehabilitation Counseling ◽

10.1891/0047-2220.42.2.33 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 42 (2) ◽

pp. 33-40

Author(s):

Janet K. Cater ◽

Jerry Leach

Keyword(s):

Sexual Coercion ◽

Sexual Trauma ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Fiscal Year ◽

Military Sexual Trauma ◽

Sexual Assaults ◽

Male Veterans ◽

Gang Rape ◽

The Military

Military sexual trauma (MST) can cause mental and physical illness in both men and women. It can also influence behavior and the ability to work with others. MST encompasses a range of unwanted sexual attentions ranging from gender harassment to sexual coercion and gang rape. Sexual assaults in the military continue to rise with an 11% increase reported for fiscal year 2009, including a 16% rise in the Afghanistan and Iraq war zones. This paper includes (a) a brief overview of MST; (b) how MST affects female veterans; (c) how MST affects male veterans; (d) the interrelationship of MST, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health problems; (e) MST and its effect on quality of life; (j) current effective MST therapeutic treatments; and (g) rehabilitation considerations.

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Featured Article: The Relationship Between Parent and Child Distress in Pediatric Cancer: A Meta-Analysis

Journal of Pediatric Psychology ◽

10.1093/jpepsy/jsz051 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 44 (10) ◽

pp. 1121-1136 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Dana M Bakula ◽

Christina M Sharkey ◽

Megan N Perez ◽

Hannah C Espeleta ◽

Kaitlyn L Gamwell ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pediatric Cancer ◽

Traumatic Stress ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Self Report ◽

Parental Distress ◽

Inclusion Criteria ◽

Post Traumatic Stress ◽

Child Distress ◽

Post Traumatic ◽

The Relationship

Abstract Objective Parents and children affected by pediatric cancer are at risk for psychological distress, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress. A link is believed to exist between parent and child distress; however, no systematic analysis of this relationship has occurred. A meta-analysis was conducted to assess the relationship between parent and child distress among families affected by pediatric cancer. Methods A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted using EBSCO (searching PsycINFO, MEDLINE, Academic search Premiere, and Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition) and PubMed. The initial search yielded a total of 29,118 articles. Inclusion criteria were that studies assessed the relation between parent and child distress in the context of pediatric cancer, were written in English, and were published in peer-reviewed journals. 28 articles met inclusion criteria. Results A statistically significant association was found between overall parent and child distress (r = .32, p < .001), such that increased parent-reported distress was associated with increased distress in their children. Significant relationships were also present among each type of parental distress (i.e., depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, and global distress; rs = .31–.51, ps < .001) and overall child distress. Moderation analyses via meta-regression indicated that parent proxy-report of child symptoms was associated with a stronger relationship between parent and child distress than child self-report of their own distress. Conclusions Aligned with the social–ecological framework, familial factors appear to be highly relevant in understanding distress following pediatric cancer diagnosis. Indeed, greater parent distress was associated with greater child distress.

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Taste loss as a distinct symptom of COVID-19: A systematic review and meta-analysis

10.1101/2021.10.09.21264771 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Mackenzie R Hannum ◽

Riley Koch ◽

Vicente Ramirez ◽

Sarah Marks ◽

Aurora Toskala ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Direct Methods ◽

Self Report ◽

Inclusion Criteria ◽

Prevalence Estimates ◽

Bona Fide ◽

Underlying Mechanisms ◽

Taste Dysfunction ◽

Smell Loss

Chemosensory scientists have been skeptical that reports of COVID–19 taste loss are genuine, in part because, before COVID–19, taste loss was rare and often confused with smell loss. Therefore, to establish the predicted prevalence rate of taste loss in COVID–19 patients, we conducted a systematic review and meta–analysis of 376 papers published in 2020 and 2021, with 241 of the papers meeting all inclusion criteria. Additionally, we explored how methodological differences (direct vs. self-report measures) may affect these estimates. We hypothesized that direct prevalence measures of taste loss would be the most valid because they avoid the taste/smell confusion of self-report. The meta–analysis showed that, among 138,897 COVID–19–positive patients, 39.2% reported taste dysfunction (95% CI: 35.34–43.12%), and the prevalence estimates were slightly but not significantly higher from studies using direct (n = 18) versus self-report (n = 223) methodologies (Q = 0.57, df = 1, p = 0.45). Generally, males reported lower rates of taste loss than did females and taste loss was highest in middle-aged groups. Thus, taste loss is a bona fide symptom COVID–19, meriting further research into the most appropriate direct methods to measure it and its underlying mechanisms.

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Self-report measure as a useful tool to identify prenatal substance use and predict adverse birth outcomes

Clinical Ethics ◽

10.1177/1477750918765224 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 13 (3) ◽

pp. 137-142 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Yukiko Washio ◽

Neal D Goldstein ◽

Richard Butler ◽

Stephanie Rogers ◽

David A Paul ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Substance Use ◽

Birth Weight ◽

Cigarette Smoking ◽

Electronic Medical Records ◽

Birth Outcomes ◽

Medical Records ◽

Self Report ◽

Adverse Birth Outcomes ◽

Prenatal Substance Use ◽

Report Measure

Objectives The purpose of the current study was to examine whether a self-report measure identifies prenatal substance use and predicts resulting adverse birth outcomes in a large cohort using electronic medical records. Methods Pregnant patients who were admitted between 2014 and 2015 at Christiana Care Health System and delivered singleton birth were included in the analyses ( N = 11,020). Participant demographic information, pregnancy comorbidities, self-reported substance use, and birth outcomes were retrieved from electronic medical records. Detailed descriptive analyses of prenatal substance use were conducted, and logistic models were evaluated for the associations between substance use and each birth outcome (preterm birth, low birth weight, neonatal intensive care unit admission). Results The average maternal age was 30 years (standard deviation: 6), 37% receiving Medicaid. Over 58% were White, 26% were Black, and 13% were Hispanic. Cigarette smoking only showed the highest prevalence among substance users (53%). Self-reported cigarette smoking and illicit drug use other than marijuana significantly predicted all three adverse birth outcomes (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] range: 1.33 (95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.08–1.64)–3.09 (95% CI: 2.03–4.67)). Nonresponders to the cigarette smoking question also significantly predicted two adverse birth outcomes of preterm birth delivery (AOR: 4.16; 95% CI: 1.27–14.71) and having low birth weight babies (AOR: 3.50; 95% CI: 1.04–12.61). Conclusions/Importance: Prenatal cigarette smoking only had the highest prevalence, and co-use with illicit drugs was also high, leading to significant associations with adverse birth outcomes. The study findings indicate that the self-report measurement is a useful tool to identify prenatal substance use and predict resulting adverse birth outcomes.

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