U.S. Naval and Marine Corps Occupations, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Depression Risk, and Absenteeism

Little is known of the association between military occupation and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or depression and the relations between these conditions and lost workdays. The objective of this study was to determine if military occupation is associated with PTSD or depression. A secondary objective was to determine if PTSD or depression was associated with lost workdays. Occupations for U.S. Navy and Marine Corps personnel were classified according to Department of Defense definitions. The 17-item PTSD Checklist-Civilian version was used to assess PTSD, whereas depression status was assessed using the nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire. Navy personnel in service and supply occupations were at greater odds of reporting PTSD, whereas those serving in health care were at greater odds of reporting depression. Individuals reporting new-onset or persistent PTSD or depression had about twice the odds of reporting lost workdays. PTSD and depression were positively associated with lost workdays, suggesting that early identification and management of these conditions may improve readiness.