Health-related characteristics and dietary intakes of male veterans and non-veterans in the Multiethnic Cohort Study (United States).

This study examined the prevalence of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression (CES-D) depressive symptoms, their association with previously untested supportive resources such as Buddhist religious activities, Buddhist bodhipuja rituals and horoscope readings for 45 recently wounded veterans in Sri Lanka. The results revealed an 85.4% prevalence rate of clinical levels of CES-D depression and a 42.2% prevalence rate of clinical levels of PTSD. The results of this study provide unique evidence for the significant role of Buddhist religious activities, the cultural activity of horoscope reading, and the support of family and friends in reducing the depressive symptoms in disabled veterans. Moreover, with the present study we were able to conclude that the support of family and friends reduced both perceived depressive symptoms and the PTSD symptoms of wounded veterans.