The following is a summary of “Veterans in Northern Ireland: Evaluation of chronic pain experience, service type, and physical and mental health functioning,” published in the October 2024 issue of Pain by Vowles et al. 

Chronic pain was commonly linked to reduced QoL and psychosocial disruptions, particularly among veterans, with most data derived from the United States Veterans Affairs System, leaving limited knowledge about veterans in other regions.  

Researchers conducted a retrospective study to assess the veterans living in Northern Ireland, a region with a history of high rates of chronic pain and psychosocial difficulties associated with the decades-long conflict, focusing on the unique experience of Home Service battalions comprised of local recruits.  

They assessed 722 veterans residing in Northern Ireland and gathered the information on service type (Home Service vs other service), current health conditions, including chronic pain, and psychosocial functioning such as physical and mental health QoL, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms.  

The results showed that individuals with chronic pain experienced lower QoL and higher anxiety, depression, and PTSD levels and were more likely to have served in the Home Services, be unemployed, and receive disability payments. However, no significant interaction was found between chronic pain and service type, contrary to the initial hypotheses.  

They concluded the findings expand previous research with veterans to the unique context of a post-conflict military that operated within its own country, emphasizing the need for coordinated, effective interventions to address co-morbid chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and PTSD. 

Source: journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/20494637241291954