The effects of combat zones on mental health among civilian contractors

ABSTRACT

As the number of suicides among the military and veteran population continue to increase each year, concern has generated program and research development. The Department of Defense (2017) discovered 71% of suicides in the military among all service branches, active and reserve components, were in the age range of 17 and 24. They also reported that among military members, 48.5% had a mental health diagnosis, 21.7% had a history of substance abuse or addiction, and approximately 10% reported a history of self-harm. Another population with similar combat experiences to military members and veterans are civilian contractors. Although they have similar jobs and experiences overseas, civilian contractors do not receive the same quality of healthcare. Civilian contractors are entitled to receive care covered by the Defense Base Act (DBA) and War Hazards Compensation Act (WHCA). With similar combat experience, it was expected in this case study of four civilian contractors to see reports from civilian contractors of mental health struggles. Results along with other contractors’ experience demonstrate these laws are not enough and need to be updated.

KEYWORDS:

• Civilian contractors
• suicide
• mental health

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes

1. As per the PCL-5, this is defined as an event in which actual death, serious injury, or sexual violence was witnessed.

2. As per the PCL-5, this is defined as an event in which actual death, serious injury, or sexual violence was witnessed.

3. As per the PCL-5, this is defined as an event in which actual death, serious injury, or sexual violence was witnessed.

4. Data is skewed as all participants identified as male and Caucasian.