Psychosocial and Health Factors Associated With Functional Difficulties Among Older U.S. Veterans With Cardiovascular Disease

ObjectivesOlder U.S. military veterans with cardiovascular disease (CVD) are at elevated risk for functional decline. This study examined sociodemographic, health, and psychosocial correlates of overall and domain-specific functioning in this population.MethodsData were drawn from 757 veterans aged ≥60 years with CVD who participated in the National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study. Bivariate, multivariable, and relative importance analyses were used to identify key correlates of functioning.ResultsPoorer overall functioning was most strongly associated with major depressive disorder (MDD), somatic, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, and medical comorbidities, whereas greater resilience and positive expectations about aging were associated with better functioning. Domain-specific analyses revealed distinct correlates. Relative importance analyses indicated that MDD, somatic, and PTSD symptoms, resilience, and medical comorbidities accounted for most of the explained variance in overall functioning.ConclusionsFindings underscore the importance of integrated care to preserve functioning among older veterans with CVD.