Relationship Factors Contributing to the Progression of Combat Related PTSD and Suicidality over Time.

摘要

The RAMP project is designed to examine the key social context of intimate romantic relationships of active duty Army soldiers, and how interpersonal processes in this type of relationship can affect psychological functioning over time. The ultimate goal of this knowledge will be to enhance existing programs and therapies for military couples. This study will consist of online surveys to be completed by active duty Army males recently returned from an OEF deployment, along with their significant romantic partner. A total of 5 surveys across a two year period will be administered. In this report period, the study team obtained and maintained all relevant approvals from University of Colorado Institutional Review Board (COMIRB), US Army Medical Research & Materiel Command (USAMRMC) Human Research Protection Office (HRPO), and NIMH Certificate of Confidentiality (COC) program. We have launched the study; recruitment materials direct potential participants to a website where they can learn more about the study and complete an online screening survey. Most individuals who begin our online screening do not complete the screening or fail the screening. Some of these fails represent fraud and we maintain vigilance in fraud detection. Thus far, we have invited 250 couples (500 individuals) into the first survey. Thus far, approximately 95% of those invited complete Survey 1 in the allotted time (one month). Thus far, approximately 45% of couples completing Survey 1 are eligible for invitation into Survey 2. Of couples invited into Survey 2, thus far approximately 99% complete in the allotted time (two months). The study team has put in extensive efforts for recruitment, as recruiting has proved much more difficult than initially anticipated. We have used a variety of low cost or free strategies to spread the word about the study, and continue to receive consultation on this issue and expand our strategies.