Relationship satisfaction change among UK service personnel: Associations with socio-demographics, military factors, and mental health
Abstract: The unique demands of military life can adversely impact romantic relationships; however, research has mainly focused on these adverse outcomes at one-time point, overlooking changes over time or potential positive outcomes. Using a subsample of 3,845 male and female military personnel and veterans from a large UK dataset, this study examined positive and negative changes in relationship satisfaction between two-time points (2007–2009; 2014–2016). Most participants reported no change in their relationship satisfaction, suggesting stability − 8% reported a positive change and 10% a negative change. Positive change was associated with being in a long-term relationship, alcohol misuse remission, and persistent alcohol misuse. Negative change was associated with the onset of mental health problems (probable PTSD, CMD, or alcohol misuse) and having children under 18. Some factors, like increasing age, childhood family relationship adversity, and mental health problems, were associated with both positive and negative changes in relationship satisfaction. This study highlights the complexity of factors associated with relationship satisfaction among military personnel and veterans, with some experiencing positive changes, as well as negative changes over time.
Abstract: Background: Due to marginalization, transgender and people of color living in the United States (U.S.) experience disparities in social determinants of health and mental health outcomes. Evidence suggests that applying an intersectional analysis among U.S. transgender Veterans of color would reveal disparities in social stressors and alcohol use outcomes. Objective: This project sought to examine patterns of social stressors and alcohol use among ethnoracial groups of transgender Veterans receiving care in the Veterans Health Administration (VA). Methods: Data from electronic health records of transgender Veterans receiving VA care from October 1, 2009 to July 31, 2017 were used to estimate prevalence of social stressors and patterns of unhealthy alcohol use for 6 ethnoracial groups. Additionally, we tested whether the number of social stressors mediated differences in diagnosed alcohol use disorder (AUD) among Black versus White transgender Veterans. Results: Transgender Veterans of color had higher prevalence of social stressors and unhealthy alcohol use as compared to White transgender Veterans. For instance, 14.5% of Black transgender Veterans had diagnosed AUD compared to 7.8% of White transgender Veterans. Black transgender Veterans’ greater exposure to social stressors partially explained their higher rates of AUD when compared with White transgender Veterans. Conclusion: Our findings highlight the impact of social stressors on unhealthy alcohol use among transgender Veterans of color. They also suggest the need to monitor and address social stressors given the changing political environment in the U.S.