The long-term implications of war captivity for mortality and health

摘要: The current study aims to (1) assess the long-term impact of war captivity on mortality and various health aspects (2) evaluate potential mediating role posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) depressive symptoms. Israeli ex-prisoners (ex-POWs) (N = 154) a matched control group combat veterans (N = 161) were assessed conditions self-rated 18 years post-war (1991: T1). whole population ex-POWs, T1 sample controls then contacted 35 years after (2008: T2), invited participate in second wave measurement (ex-POWs: N = 171; controls: N = 116) Captivity was implicated premature mortality, more health-related worse health. PTSD symptoms mediated relationship between health, partially conditions, these effects amplified with age. Aging ex-POWs who develop psychiatric symptomatology should be considered high-risk entering period life cycle. It is important monitor provide them appropriate medical psychological treatment as they