PTSD and Metabolic Syndrome in Veterans
Author Information
Author(s): Heppner Pia S, Crawford Eric F, Haji Uzair A, Afari Niloofar, Hauger Richard L, Dashevsky Boris A, Horn Paul S, Nunnink Sarah E, Baker Dewleen G
Primary Institution: Veterans Affairs San Diego Health Care System
Hypothesis
Greater severity of PTSD would be associated with a higher likelihood of metabolic syndrome.
Conclusion
Higher severity of PTSD is linked to increased health risks represented by metabolic syndrome in veterans.
Supporting Evidence
- 40% of the sample met criteria for metabolic syndrome.
- 43% of veterans with PTSD met criteria for metabolic syndrome.
- The model predicted metabolic syndrome well with a chi-squared value of 23.731.
Takeaway
This study found that veterans with more severe PTSD are more likely to have health problems related to metabolic syndrome, which can make them sick.
Methodology
The study analyzed clinical data from veterans, measuring factors linked to metabolic syndrome and using logistic regression to assess the impact of PTSD.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the exclusion of veterans with extreme laboratory values.
Limitations
The study had an under-representation of women and minority groups and was cross-sectional, limiting causal inferences.
Participant Demographics
The sample was primarily male (92%) and white (76.3%), with an average age of 52 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.005
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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