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Adverse Occupational Outcomes Among US Service Members With Sexual Health Difficulties: Findings From the Millennium
Judith Harbertson1, Claire A Kolaja, Christian Helms
1From the Deployment Health Research Department, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, California (J.H., C.A.K., V.A.S., K.A.W., C.A.L.); Leidos, Inc., San Diego, California (J.H., C.A.K., K.A.W., C.A.W.); Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, California (J.H.); and Centre for Military Mental Health, German Armed Forces Hospital Berlin, Berlin, Germany (C.H.).
Sexual health difficulties (SHD) were independently linked to worse job performance and financial problems in service members, even after accounting for mental health conditions. Improving sexual health services is crucial for military personnel.
Area of Science:
- Military Health
- Sexual Health
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Sexual health difficulties (SHD) are prevalent and can impact overall well-being.
- Understanding the link between SHD and occupational outcomes is vital for service members.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively examine the independent associations between SHD and occupational outcomes.
- To assess these associations among service members, controlling for PTSD and/or depression.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal data from the Millennium Cohort study (2014-2021) were analyzed.
- SHD included low sexual desire/pleasure or pain during sex.
- Occupational outcomes included lost workdays, work limitations, and financial problems.
Main Results:
- 7.2% of 24,761 service members reported SHD.
- SHD were independently associated with all six adverse occupational outcomes.
- These associations persisted after adjusting for demographic, military, and psychosocial factors.
Conclusions:
- SHD are significantly linked to negative occupational outcomes in service members.
- Healthcare services and treatment for SHD require expansion within the military.
- Addressing SHD can improve service members' work performance and financial stability.
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