(PS10-63) Military Sexual Trauma and Motherhood: Examining the Relation Between MST, Rurality, and Depressive Symptoms in a Sample of Perinatal Veterans

Abstract Text: One in three female Veterans experience military sexual trauma (MST). MST is a risk factor for depression, among other adverse outcomes. Less is known regarding the association between MST and perinatal depression among childbearing Veterans, but literature has suggested that MST may elevate risk. Veterans have been found to have higher rates of perinatal depression (11-26%) than the general population (13%). There is evidence that a history of interpersonal trauma is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, including depression. Further, given the overrepresentation of Veterans in rural areas, it is important to characterize the role that rurality plays in the association between MST and perinatal depression. Women who have experienced sexual trauma benefit from trauma-informed care throughout pregnancy, such as the ability to choose their provider and where they will give birth. Rural Veterans may be less likely to have these choices. The present study sought to determine how MST and rurality relate to depressive symptom severity among perinatal Veterans. We examined the relations between MST, rurality, and depression utilizing a Veteran Health Administration validated screener for MST, Rural-Urban Commuting Area Codes, and the Inventory for Depression and Anxiety Symptoms, expanded version, a validated and normed measure of depressive symptom severity. Veterans aged 18-55 years nationwide were recruited following record of pregnancy or delivery for a perinatal depression intervention study between March 2021-September 2023. Rural Veterans were overrecruited. Data presented herein include Veterans that consented and completed the baseline questionnaire. Regression analyses will be utilized prior to the convention to examine how MST and rurality relate to depressive symptom severity among perinatal Veterans (N = 51). Preliminary analyses to characterize the sample have been conducted. The mean age of participants was 33.47 years, and 47% of the sample were rural dwelling. The sample was 100% female, majority White (70.58%), with 17.4% identifying as Black or African American, and 13.72% identifying as Hispanic/Latina. The majority (76.4%) of the sample endorsed MST. Depressive symptom T-scores were on average over 3 standard deviations above the normative mean (M = 88.11, Median = 91, SD = 10.95). The results of this study will inform future research regarding interventions for depression, particularly with Veterans, by providing information on the relations between experience of MST, rurality, and perinatal depression. Due to the large proportion of female Veterans that experience MST, this research is essential for Veterans and their families during a critical period of familial development. With more women serving in the military than ever before, it is imperative to better understand and support childbearing Veterans.