Evaluating PTSD prevalence and resilience factors in a predominantly Asian American and Pacific Islander sample of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans

BackgroundThis study examined the prevalence, and risk and resilience correlates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in ethno-racially diverse Operation Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, and New Dawn (OEF/OIF/OND) Veterans in Hawai'i.MethodsA total of 236 OEF/OIF/OND Veterans residing in Hawai'i completed a mail survey.ResultsThe majority of Veterans identified themselves as Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (34.6%), Asian American (29.3%), or European American (24.5%). Asian American Veterans were significantly less likely to screen positive for PTSD than Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islanders and European Americans (16.4% vs. 44.4% and 39.2%, respectively). Results of hierarchical logistic regression analyses indicated that greater scores on measures of psychological resilience and social support were negatively associated with a positive screen for PTSD in the full sample and in the subsample of European Americans. However, only disclosure norms were associated with PTSD among Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Veterans, and none of the variables assessed were associated with PTSD in Asian Americans.LimitationsAll results are correlational and based on self-report measures; causal inferences cannot be made.ConclusionsCulturally distinctive mechanisms likely underlie risk and resilience correlates of PTSD. Understanding these factors will help improve our ability to ameliorate the impact of PTSD, both within and across diverse groups of Veterans.