Associations between PTSD and protective behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic: Results from the Mind Your Heart Study

Abstract

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been linked with increased risk for hospitalization and death following COVID-19 infection, underscoring the importance of prevention in this population. Prior studies of pandemic-related behaviors in patients with PTSD have yielded mixed results. The present study used cross-sectional data from the Mind Your Heart Study to examine the association between PTSD and engagement in protective behaviors in a sample of 231 older Veterans assessed between July and October 2020 and to explore the role of perceived threat of COVID-19 in any observed associations. In adjusted analyses, probable PTSD was associated with greater engagement in protective behaviors (i.e. social distancing, disinfecting, protective equipment/medication, and health information behaviors), which was partially explained by greater perceived threat. PTSD may facilitate engagement in protective health behaviors, but some protective behaviors (i.e. social distancing) may have adverse implications for mental health.