Does body mass index moderate the association between posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms and suicidal ideation in Iraq/Afghanistan veterans?

Journal Article (Journal Article)

Suicide, PTSD, and obesity co-occur at high rates among returning veterans, yet limited research exists regarding the relationship among these variables. Self-report and diagnostic interview data from a longitudinal study of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans (N=130) enrolled in VA healthcare examined these inter-relations. As hypothesized, body mass index (BMI) significantly moderated the association between PTSD and suicidal ideation such that the association between PTSD and suicidal ideation was strongest among individuals with a high BMI. Programs that focus on health promotion, trauma treatment, and weight management should continue to monitor suicide risk.

Full Text

Duke Authors

Cited Authors

  • Kittel, JA; DeBeer, BB; Kimbrel, NA; Matthieu, MM; Meyer, EC; Gulliver, SB; Morissette, SB

Published Date

  • October 30, 2016

Published In

Volume / Issue

  • 244 /

Start / End Page

  • 123 - 129

PubMed ID

  • 27479102

Pubmed Central ID

  • PMC5556387

Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)

  • 1872-7123

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1016/j.psychres.2016.07.039

Language

  • eng

Conference Location

  • Ireland