Factors Associated with Sexual Dysfunction Symptoms among Veterans who Have Experienced Military Sexual Trauma

ABSTRACT

Although military sexual trauma (MST) has been found to be associated with sexual dysfunction (SD), there is limited information about the demographic, health, and traumatic experience factors related to SD symptoms among veterans who have experienced MST. The current study surveyed a national sample of 2,002 U.S. veterans who had screened positive for MST. Relationship status, overall health, and antidepressant use were significantly related to the presence of SD symptoms. Analyses examining SD types demonstrated that different factors may contribute to different SD symptoms. Potential implications of these findings for clinical practice and sexual health research among veterans are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• Sex abuse victims
• sexual dysfunction
• sexual harassment
• sexual trauma
• military

Acknowledgments

We would like to sincerely thank the following individuals for their assistance in collecting data and running the project: Sacha McBain, M.S., Tammy Torres, M.S., Sharfun Ghaus M.B.B.S., Laura Detweiler M.A., and Russell DuBois M.A. We would also like to acknowledge Rachel Kimerling, Ph.D. and the other members of Dr. Turchik's mentorship team for their input on the larger research project, as well as members of Dr. Garneau-Fournier's dissertation committee for their feedback on an earlier version of the current manuscript. The views and opinions of the authors expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of the Veterans Affairs or the U.S. Government.

Additional information

Funding

This study was funded by the VA Health Services Research & Development, Career Development Award (CDA 12-273) as well as by resources provided thorough the Center of Innovation to Implementation and the National Center of PTSD at VA Palo Alto Health Care System.