Sexual and reproductive health in military settings: A qualitative study
Research Report:
Research SummaryAPA Citation:
Vargas, S. E., Thornton, K., Norris, C., Gist, G., Clark, M. F., Ramirez, L., …Landoll, R. R. (2024). Sexual and reproductive health in military settings: A qualitative study. Military Psychology. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1080/08995605.2024.2324644
Abstract Created by REACH:
Using data from a larger initiative aiming to reduce risky sexual behavior among Service members, this qualitative study explored individual, interpersonal, and institutional factors that contribute to Service members’ sexual and reproductive health. Service members (n = 25) and stakeholders (i.e., military healthcare providers, commanders, Defense Health Agency or senior service staff; n = 15) participated in semistructured interviews to discuss sexual norms, behaviors, and sexual and reproductive healthcare use in the military. Themes identified cultural norms and barriers to healthcare use that influence sexual and reproductive health among Service members.
Focus:
Youth
Physical health
Branch of Service:
Multiple branches
Army
Navy
Air Force
Marine Corps
Coast Guard
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Subject Affiliation:
Active duty service member
Military medical service providers
Military non-medical service providers
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
Methodology:
Qualitative Study
Cross-Sectional Study
Secondary Analysis
Authors:
Vargas, Sara E., Thornton, Kade, Norris, Colby, Gist, Galen, Clark, Madison F., Ramirez, Leslie, Guillen, Melissa, Guthrie, Kate M., Landoll, Ryan R.
Abstract:
Mission readiness is critical to the operational success of the United States (US) military and includes having a healthy and fit fighting force. Service members and their dependents have access to a wide range of sexual and reproductive health services with no out-of-pocket costs. Despite this access, negative outcomes such as sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancy persist. Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with service members and stakeholders (e.g. medical providers). Interviews explored the individual, interpersonal, organizational, and institutional factors that inform sexual norms, behaviors, and healthcare experiences in the US military. Interview transcripts were coded manually; data were summarized for themes related to unique aspects of military culture and healthcare affecting sexual and reproductive health. Twenty-five (25) service members and 15 stakeholders completed interviews. Four themes emerged: 1) despite free access, both general and military-specific barriers to sexual and reproductive healthcare persist; 2) general and military-specific cultural norms apply to sexual behavior and care seeking; 3) sexual and reproductive health-related norms can be perceived as confusing and contradictory within the military; and 4) resources addressing sexual assault are ubiquitous in military settings, but resources addressing prevention of STIs and unintended pregnancy are limited. Both general and military-specific norms, behavior, and healthcare experiences need to be considered in clinical care, public health campaigns, and other efforts to promote sexual and reproductive health in military settings.
Publication Type:
Article
REACH Publication
Keywords:
sexual health, reproductive health, military health system, qualitative interviews
REACH Publication Type:
Research Summary
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