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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Among U.S. Army Drone Operators
Aerospace Medicine and Human Performance
|July 21, 2022
Summary
Enlisted U.S. Army drone operators show a lower risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This study found drone operators had a decreased likelihood of PTSD screening and diagnosis compared to other service members.
Area of Science:
- Military medicine
- Occupational health
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Traumatic event exposure can elevate post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) risk.
- Limited research exists on PTSD risk specifically for enlisted U.S. Army drone operators.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between U.S. Army drone operator service and PTSD indicators.
- To determine if drone operators have a higher risk of PTSD compared to other enlisted personnel.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a longitudinal dataset combining medical and administrative records.
- Examined PTSD screening, PTSD Checklist - Civilian (PCL-C) scores, and PTSD diagnoses.
- Employed multivariable survival regression and ordinary least squares models for adjusted associations.
Main Results:
- The study analyzed 1.68 million person-years from 678,548 individuals (2,856 drone operators).
- Drone operators had a 35% lower adjusted likelihood of PTSD screening.
- A 34% lower adjusted hazard for PTSD diagnosis was observed in drone operators.
Conclusions:
- Findings suggest enlisted U.S. Army drone operators are not at increased risk for PTSD.
- Further research is warranted to explore mechanisms behind reduced PTSD risk and other potential mental health concerns.
