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Military service members and veterans (SMVs) are at risk for self-directed violence, including nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI). While NSSI is an important construct worthy of independent study, it is understudied among SMVs and, when included in research, typically examined in the context of suicide risk. Consequently, lifetime prevalence rate estimates of NSSI among SMVs vary. This Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses systematic review and meta-analysis estimated the average lifetime NSSI prevalence among SMVs and explored demographic and methodological factors that may account for observed variability. Based on a search of Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, and Web of Science, 47 samples from 42 articles across five countries met inclusion criteria. Results revealed an average NSSI lifetime prevalence rate of 15.76% among SMVs. Significantly higher prevalence rates were observed among clinical (28.14%) versus community (11.28%) samples and studies using interviews to assess NSSI (23.56%) versus self-report (13.44%) or chart review (7.84%). Lifetime prevalence increased as publication year increased and decreased as sample size increased. In contrast to prior literature, prevalence rates were comparable between active-duty SMVs, and studies collecting data anonymously versus those that did not. Lifetime prevalence was not moderated by age, gender, race, country, primary research focus, quality of NSSI operationalization, or whether NSSI methods were assessed. Findings suggest NSSI is a pervasive problem among military personnel, particularly within clinical settings, highlighting the need for systematic assessment of this important but understudied clinical phenomenon among SMVs. Further research is necessary to elucidate additional risk factors for NSSI among SMVs, including trauma exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using data from the 2016 Survey of Prison Inmates, this study used latent class analysis to examine patterns of mental health comorbidity within a large, nationally-representative sample of incarcerated adults (N = 24,848), including 7.6% with prior military service. Classes were compared on Veteran status, military service-related variables, and treatment-related variables. Results suggest four latent mental health patterns—"Low Psychopathology" (70% of the total sample), "Internalizing + Thought Disorder" (8%), "Internalizing" (14%), and "High Psychopathology" (8%). The High Psychopathology class had the highest rates of prior psychiatric/psychological treatment. Incarcerated Veterans were more likely to be in the Internalizing class, and rates of combat exposure, military service-related injury, and less-than-honorable military discharge were highest in Internalizing and High Psychopathology classes. Results attest to the importance of person-centered mental health care within correctional settings and suggest a "treatment track" or "step-based" approach may best address the needs of individuals in these settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]