Exploring occupational experiences, stress, and mental health in the Canadian Armed Forces using sex-stratified approaches

Co-leads

Kate St. Cyr, Postdoctoral Researcher, School of Nursing, Queen’s University

Alyson Mahar, Assistant Professor, School of Nursing, Queen’s University

Study Co-investigators

Heidi Cramm, Professor, School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Queen’s University

Knowledge Users

Directorate of Women and Diversity Health, National Defence/Government of Canada

What? This study uses cross-sectional, self-reported data from the 2019 Canadian Armed Forces Health Survey (CAFHS) to explore stress among Regular and Reserve Force members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). We will use multivariable modeling to investigate the association between sociodemographic and military-related variables, occupational experiences, and sources of stress (including work-related stress) and three outcomes: 1) mental health outcomes, 2) past-year mental health service use, and 3) adherence to health screening guidelines among CAF members. We will conduct sex-stratified analyses with a focus on better understanding the unique occupational experiences and mental health outcomes of female CAF members. This work will be guided by the input of an advisory committee of female and gender-diverse CAF members.

Why? The mental health and well-being of members of the CAF is topic of national importance. Female CAF members may have different occupational exposures and subsequently, different health outcomes than their male counterparts. However, female CAF members and Veterans have historically been under-represented in health outcomes research. By investigating sex-based differences in occupational exposures and workplace demands, we aim to foster a better understanding of how occupational experiences influence health outcomes.

How? We will use data from the 2019 CAFHS to describe the sociodemographic and military-related characteristics of the survey respondents, overall and by sex. We will describe differences in occupational experiences and stressors by sex and, where appropriate, by Regular vs. Reserve Force status. We will use multivariable regression models stratified by sex to explore the association between occupational exposures and workplace stress on 1) mental health outcomes, 2) past-year mental health service use, and 3) adherence to health screening guidelines.

Impact of findings: This research will contribute to our understanding of how female CAF members experience workplace and day-to-day stressors, relative to their male counterparts. It will also help researchers and policymakers better understand the association between military occupational experiences and day-to-day stress on mental health outcomes and adherence to healthcare screening guidelines.

Photo credit: Corporal Eric Chaput, Canadian Armed Forces.

Funded By

Joint Federal Research Funding for Military Personnel and Veterans