Norwegian male military veterans show low levels of mental health problems four years after deployment in Afghanistan

Abstract

Background: Deployment of soldiers is associated with considerable rates of mental disorders after redeployment. Aims: The aim of this study was to identity prevalence of probable mental disorders and associated factors among male Norwegian soldiers at a mean of 4 years following deployment to Afghanistan in 2001–2011.

Methods: The retrospective questionnaire-based study invited all Norwegian veterans deployed to Afghanistan from 2001–2011 to participate. The response rate was 59%, but only the 3403 men (47.5%) who completed all items of the four different screening instruments were used to define cases with mental health problems were included. Independent variables covered deployment and post-deployment issues.

Results: The prevalence of subjects with mental health problems was 5.1% (95% CI = 4.4–5.9%) of the sample. Among deployment-related factors, physical and mental problems during deployment were most strongly associated with mental health problems after deployment. Among post-deployment factors high neuroticism and limitations in work, social, and family functions showed the strongest associations. In multivariable analysis, younger age at first deployment (OR = 0.95), neuroticism (OR = 6.40), increased current alcohol intake (OR = 3.08), impaired family function (OR = 1.91), more sleep problems (OR =1.13), and increased negative civilian life events (OR = 1.39) remained significantly associated with probable mental disorders.

Conclusions: Among male Norwegian veterans from Afghanistan, the prevalence of mental health problems was low, and mainly associated with post-deployment factors. Veterans complaining of mental symptoms should be diagnosed, treated, and examined for other problems of life.

Keywords:

• Deployment
• epidemiology
• mental health problems
• military combat
• veterans

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.