Chronic pain: The canadian armed forces members and veterans mental health follow-up survey

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic pain, a widespread public health concern in Canada, can signifi cantly impact an individu- al's physical and mental health. Compared to the general population in Canada, Veterans have a higher prevalence of chronic pain. Research is needed that directly assesses the prevalence and correlates of chronic pain conditions among both serving personnel and those who release from service. Th e aim of this research was to compare the prev- alence of chronic pain conditions between serving Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members and Veterans, as well as socio-demographic, military demographic, and mental disorder correlates of these conditions. Methods: A sample of 2,941 serving members and Veterans was used from the 2018 CAF Members and Veterans Mental Health Follow-up Survey. Chronic pain conditions included were back problems, migraine headaches, arthritis, and gastrointestinal dis- orders. Results: Findings reveal that CAF members who released from service had signifi cantly higher rates of chronic pain conditions (67.1%) than those who remained in service (50.6%) over a 16-year follow-up. Some socio-demographic and military correlates of chronic pain diff ered between Veterans and serving members. Mental disorders were strongly associated with higher prevalence of chronic pain among both serving members and Veterans; however, a diff erential relationship was noted for posttraumatic stress disorder and social anxiety disorder. Discussion: Enhanced knowledge of the onset of chronic pain conditions and its correlates will be useful for designing supports for CAF members in service and during transition to post-service life.