Predictors of psychiatric hospitalization in the Navy.

Mental disorders represent an important source of morbidity among U.S. military personnel and are a common reason for early separation from the military. The objective of this study was to identify factors predictive of hospitalization for mental health disorders in a large sample of enlisted Navy personnel. Demographic variables and a variety of psychosocial variables assessed on the Sailors' Health Inventory Program questionnaire were studied as predictors of psychiatric hospitalization. Three psychiatric categories were examined: adjustment reaction, personality disorder, and all other mental health disorders. Several variables were significantly predictive of all three categories of psychiatric hospitalization: female gender, low education level, history of abuse (physical, emotional, or sexual), and tobacco smoking. The results of this study support efforts to develop better psychological screening methods and potential interventions aimed at helping recruits adapt to military life.