Going it alone: Post-9/11 veteran nonuse of healthcare and social service programs during their early transition to civilian life
Research Report:
Research SummaryAPA Citation:
Aronson, K. R., Perkins, D. F., Morgan, N., Bleser, J., Vogt, D., Davenport, K., Copeland… Gilman, C. L. (2019). Going it alone: Post-9/11 veteran nonuse of healthcare and social service programs during their early transition to civilian life. Journal of Social Service Research, 45(5), 634-647. https://doi.org/10.1080/01488376.2018.1493410
Abstract Created by REACH:
Although many veterans smoothly reintegrate into civilian life, some veterans have trouble in four broad areas: 1) employment and education; 2) legal, financial, and housing; 3) mental and/or physical health difficulties; and 4) social and interpersonal relational challenges. Evidence suggests that many veteran resources and programs are underutilized. However, it is unclear how many veterans are choosing not to utilize the various services and reintegration programs available. This study analyzed data from 8,237 veterans who recently left active duty service (3 months prior to the study) to examine rates of program nonuse, characteristics of persons who did not use programs, and possible reasons for nonuse. While some veterans reported that they did not use some services because they did not need them, results suggest that minority service members (e.g., non-white, women) often do not use programs due to lack of information about their availability or eligibility.
Focus:
Programming
Veterans
Branch of Service:
Air Force
Army
Marine Corps
Multiple branches
Navy
Military Affiliation:
Veteran
Subject Affiliation:
Veteran
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Methodology:
Quantitative Study
Cross-Sectional Study
Primary data analysis
Authors:
Aronson, Keith R., Perkins, Daniel F., Morgan, Nicole, Bleser, Julia, Davenport, Katie, Vougt, Dawne, Copeland, Laurel A., Finley, Erin P., Gilman, Cynthia L.
Abstract:
Transitioning from military to civilian life is challenging for a substantial number of veterans. Successful transitions require veterans to function well in various well-being domains including employment, education, financial, health, and social relationships. There are many programs and services designed to assist veterans transition to civilian life. However, veterans rarely avail themselves of supportive resources. This study examined veteran nonuse of programs and services within the first three months of their transition to civilian life. Results revealed that male veterans often reported that they did not need programs. Female veterans and veterans from the lowest enlisted ranks were more likely to report that they did not know if they were eligible for support programs. A small percentage of veterans indicated they had not found the right program or did not know where to go to get help. Veterans need clear information about available programs, eligibility requirements, where to locate them, and how to identify which programs will benefit them. Future research should focus on what predicts veteran use of programs and services, how use changes over time, and how programs and services should be advertised/marketed to different veteran populations, particularly those at risk for poor transition outcomes.
Publisher/Sponsoring Organization:
Taylor & Francis
Publication Type:
Article
REACH Publication
Author Affiliation:
Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness, Penn State University, KRA
Social Science Research Institute, Penn State University, KRA
Department of Biobehavioral Health, Penn State University, KRA
Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness, Penn State University, DFP
Social Science Research Institute, Penn State University, DFP
Department of Agricultural Economics, Sociology and Education, Penn State University, DFP
Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness, Penn State University, NM
Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness, Penn State University, JB
Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness, Penn State University, KD
Women’s Health Sciences Division, National Center for PTSD, VA Boston Healthcare System, DV
Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, DV
VA Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare System, LAC
Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Medical School, LAC
Department of Psychiatry, UT Health San Antonio, LAC
Department of Psychiatry, UT Health San Antonio, EPF
South Texas Veterans Health Care System, Veterans Evidence-based Research Dissemination and Implementation Center, EPF
Department of Medicine, UT Health San Antonio, EPF
The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc, CLG
Keywords:
veterans, veterans administration, healthcare utilization, veteran transitions, program use, veteran readjustment
REACH Publication Type:
Research Summary
Sponsors:
Bob Woodruff Foundation, Health Net Federal Services, The Heinz Endowments, HJF, Lockheed Martin Corporation, May and Stanley Smith Charitable Trust National Endowment for the Humanities, Northrop Grumman, Philip and Marge Odeen, Prudential, Robert R. McCormick Foundation, Rumsfeld Foundation, Schultz Family Foundation: Onward Fund, Walmart Foundation, Wounded Warrior Project, Inc., and the Veterans Health Administration Health Services Research and Development Service. Funding for the study was received by Dr. Perkins under research contract No. 2957
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