The effect of deployment, distress, and perceived social support on Army spouses' weight status

This study examined the relationship between deployment status, psychological distress, perceived social support, age, rank, and gender with Army spouses' (N=1863) weight status. We posited that spouses of deployed Soldiers have a higher body mass index (BMI) than spouses of nondeployed Soldiers; spouses with higher psychological distress scores have a higher BMI than those with lower distress scores; and spouses with low social support scores have higher BMIs than those with higher social support scores.

Secondary analysis of data from the 2008 Active Duty Spouse Survey was used to examine the relationship between weight status (health versus overweight or obese) and Army spouses' deployment status, demographic characteristics, psychological distress, and perceived social support.

Deployment status and weight status were not related (P=.097). Male spouses were significantly more likely than female spouses to be overweight or obese. Psychological distress increased in direct correlation with increased age, and as perceived social support decreased, the incidents of being overweight or obese increased.

Findings suggest several risk factors are associated with being overweight or obese: male spouse, noncommissioned officers in the ranks of E5 through E9, older age, higher psychological distress scores, and lower perceived social support scores. The risk factors support the use of the Army Surgeon General's Performance Triad of sleep, activity, and nutrition as a tool to assist Army personnel and Department of the Army civilians in teaching spouses awareness and methods of changing behaviors that may result in choosing healthy options.