Persistent inequities exist in obstetric and neonatal outcomes in military families despite universal health care coverage. Though the exact underlying cause has not been identified, social determinants of health may uniquely impact military families. The purpose of this study was to qualitatively investigate the potential impact of social determinants of health and the lived experiences of military individuals seeking maternity care in the Military Health System.This was an Institutional Review Board-approved protocol. Nine providers conducted 31 semi-structured interviews with individuals who delivered within the last 5 years in the direct or purchased care market. Participants were recruited through social media blasts and clinic flyers with both maximum variation and homogenous sampling to ensure participation of diverse individuals. Data were coded and themes were identified using inductive qualitative research methods.Three main themes were identified: Requirements of Military Life (with subthemes of pregnancy notification and privacy during care, role of pregnancy instructions and policies, and role of command support), Sociocultural Aspects of the Military Experience (with subthemes of pregnancy as a burden on colleagues and a career detractor, postpartum adjustment, balancing personal and professional requirements, pregnancy timing and parenting challenges, and importance of friendship and camaraderie in pregnancy), and Navigating the Healthcare Experience (including subthemes of transfer between military and civilian care and TRICARE challenges, perception of military care as inferior to civilian, and remote duty stations and international care).The unique stressors of military life act synergistically with the existing health care challenges, presenting opportunities for improvements in care. Such opportunities may include increased consistency of policies across services and commands. Increased access to group prenatal care and support groups, and increased assistance with navigating the health care system to improve care transitions were frequently requested changes by participants.
Search Results
Library (12)
Showing library results for: September 2024
1 - 12 of 12
Qualitative analysis of the lived experience of reproductive and pediatric health care in the Military Health Care System
APA Citation:
Musilli, M. G., Fuller, S. M., Wyatt, B., Ryals, T. R., Haischer-Rollo, G., Drumm, C. M., Vereen, R. J., Plowden, T. C., Blevins, E. M., Spalding, C. N., Konopasky, A., & Lutgendorf, M. A. (2024). Qualitative analysis of the lived experience of reproductive and pediatric health care in the Military Health Care System. Military Medicine, Article usae238. https://doi.org/10.1093/milmed/usae238
Focus:
Programming
Branch of Service:
Air Force
Army
Navy
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Share the article
Research & Summary
Musilli, Megan G.; Fuller, Shara M.; Wyatt, Brelahn; Ryals, Teri R.; Haischer-Rollo, Gayle; Drumm, Caitlin M.; Vereen, Rasheda J.; Plowden, Torie C.; Blevins, Erin M.; Spalding, Carmen N.; Konopasky, Abigail; Lutgendorf, Monica A.
2024
Cost removed! Do different factors influence motivation for vasectomy reversal when cost is not an issue?
APA Citation:
Maloney, T. J., Swargaloganathan, P., & Hawksworth, D. J. (2024). Cost removed! Do different factors influence motivation for vasectomy reversal when cost is not an issue? Military Medicine, Article usae312. https://doi.org/10.1093/milmed/usae312
Focus:
Programming
Other
Branch of Service:
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Share the article
Research & Summary
Maloney, Trevor J.; Swargaloganathan, Piragash; Hawksworth, Dorota J.
2024
Vasectomy is a relatively common procedure performed for the purposes of sterilization; however, up to 6% of men that undergo vasectomy wish for its reversal at some point. Few studies have examined the motivation behind vasectomy reversal (VR), especially within special populations, such as the U.S. Military. The aim of this study was to examine the motivations of U.S. Military service members (SMs) who opted for VR surgery, considering their unique access to free health care.We conducted a retrospective record review of microsurgical VRs performed by a single surgeon (DJH) between January 2020 and May 2023. We evaluated patient’s age at which vasectomy was performed, age at VR, reasons for seeking VR surgical care, number of children fathered before the vasectomy, and the age of the current partner.A total of 106 patients underwent VR during the study period, and 102 of them had their medical records available for review. The average age at the time of vasectomy was 31.3 years, while the average age at VR was 40.2 years. The average spousal age at the time of seeking VR was 34.8 years. Before undergoing vasectomy, the men had fathered an average of 2.7 children. Most men were enlisted members of the military (68) and of all service branches, Army represented the greatest number (50). The vast majority of men (76) cited having a new partner after divorce as the primary motivation for seeking VR. Within this group, 57 were remarried, 15 were in a new relationship, 3 were newly engaged, and 1 desired fertility for future relationships. Additionally, 21 sought VR to have more children with the same spouse. Among them, motivating factors included changes to financial status and improvement in partner’s health condition. A minority of patients (2) desired VR due to post vasectomy pain syndrome or religious beliefs.Our study demonstrates that the primary driver for seeking VR surgical care among SMs was the desire for fertility with a new partner, which correlates with trends in the civilian sector. Approximately 20% of the men cited the wish to have more children with the same partner as their motivation. Non-fertility reasons, such as religious beliefs and post vasectomy pain syndrome, were also observed, albeit less frequently.
3 The association between food insecurity and intimate partner violence among U.S. Army soldiers
The association between food insecurity and intimate partner violence among U.S. Army soldiers
APA Citation:
Beymer, M. R., & Rabbitt, M. P. (2024). The association between food insecurity and intimate partner violence among U.S. Army soldiers. Journal of Interpersonal Violence. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1177/08862605241253024
Focus:
Trauma
Couples
Other
Branch of Service:
Army
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
Share the article
Research & Summary
Beymer, Matthew R.; Rabbitt, Matthew P.
2024
Food insecurity in the military ranges between 25% and 33%, significantly higher than the 10.5% for civilians reported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The primary objective of this study is to analyze the association between food insecurity and intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization among U.S. Army Soldiers. The secondary objective is to determine if there are any moderating effects in the relationship between food insecurity and IPV victimization by demographic, financial, and mental health covariates. A cross-sectional, online survey was administered by the U.S. Army Public Health Center at an Army installation in 2019; 56% of respondents reported that they were married or in a relationship (n = 2,740). The main predictor was the two-item food insecurity screener (Hunger Vital Signs), which measures marginal food insecurity (encompassing marginal, low, and very low food security). The main outcome was IPV victimization as measured by the Hurt, Insult, Threaten, Scream scale. Multiple logistic regression was used to assess the association between marginal food insecurity and IPV victimization, controlling for demographic, financial, and mental health covariates. In a multivariable model, marginally food insecure respondents had 2.05-fold greater adjusted odds of reporting any IPV victimization when compared to highly food secure respondents (95% confidence interval [1.40, 3.00]). The only interaction that was statistically significant was between anxiety and food insecurity on IPV victimization (p = .0034). Interactions by soldier’s military rank, birth sex, and race and ethnicity were not statistically significant. IPV has implications for the emotional and physical health of survivors. In addition, service members who are food insecure may experience similar decrements in emotional and physical health due to suboptimal nutrient intake. By addressing both food insecurity and IPV, the military has the potential to increase the overall well-being of its service members and their dependents.
Unveiling the influence of competitive sports on the sense of self and identity of disabled veterans: A systematic review and mixed-methods synthesis
APA Citation:
Hendrick, A., Binks, E., Ferguson, N., & Di Lemma, L. (2024). Unveiling the influence of competitive sports on the sense of self and identity of disabled veterans: A systematic review and mixed-methods synthesis. Identity, 24(3), 194-212. https://doi.org/10.1080/15283488.2024.2346257
Focus:
Physical health
Mental health
Programming
Veterans
Branch of Service:
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Veteran
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
Share the article
Research & Summary
Hendrick, Anna; Binks, Eve; Ferguson, Neil; Di Lemma, Lisa
2024
Veterans can encounter identity struggles upon departure from the military which are intensified if veterans have sustained a disability or life altering injury. Physical activity has been shown to empower disabled veterans to cultivate a positive post injury identity. The purpose of this systematic review was to synthesize the evidence available on disabled veterans’ experience participating in competitive sport and explore the impact competing has on their self-identity. Studies were eligible if they were: 1) Published in English between 2012–2023 in a peer reviewed journal; 2) included veterans with a disability who participated in competitive sports; 3) explored veterans’ self-identity. Searches were conducted in four databases: SportDiscus; PsycInfo; Psycharticles; EBSCO. Nine articles met the eligibility criteria. Studies were assessed and a convergent integrated mixed methods synthesis was carried out. Findings were aggregated into three themes: 1) The importance of social connections for self-identity; 2) Self-views and quality of life; 3) Sport and the establishment of a new self. Competitive sport enables disabled veterans to cultivate a positive post-injury identity, whilst also restoring an affiliation with their previous military identity. Findings suggest that competing in sports positively impacts disabled veterans’ identity recovery.
Do couples who play together stay together? A longitudinal dyadic examination of shared leisure, financial distress, and relationship outcomes
APA Citation:
Totenhagen, C. J., Li, X., Wilmarth, M. J., Archuleta, K. L., & Yorgason, J. B. (2024). Do couples who play together stay together? A longitudinal dyadic examination of shared leisure, financial distress, and relationship outcomes. Family Process, 63, 210-227. https://doi.org/10.1111/famp.12869
Focus:
Couples
Mental health
Other
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Share the article
Research & Summary
Totenhagen, Casey J.; Li, Xiaomin; Wilmarth, Melissa J.; Archuleta, Kristy L.; Yorgason, Jeremy B.
2024
We examined whether shared leisure offers protection against negative associations between financial distress and relationship quality (satisfaction and commitment) for lower- and higher-income couples. We expected husbands' and wives' reports of shared leisure would be protective of the effects of financial distress (Time 2) on relationship satisfaction (Time 3) and commitment (Time 4) for higher-income couples (but not lower-income couples). Participants were drawn from a nationally representative, longitudinal study of US newly married couples. The analytic sample included both members of 1382 different-gender couples with data across the three sampled waves of data collection. Shared leisure was largely protective of the effects of financial distress on husbands' commitment for higher-income couples. For lower-income couples, higher shared leisure exacerbated this effect. These effects were only found at extreme levels of household income and shared leisure. When considering if couples who play together stay together, our findings suggest that it can, but it is critical to understand the financial situation of the couple and the resources they may have to support shared leisure activities. Professionals working with couples should consider their financial situation when making recommendation to engage in shared leisure, such as going out for recreation.
Examining veterans’ preferences for how to deliver couples-based treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder: Home-based telehealth or in-person?
APA Citation:
Wells, S. Y., Knopp, K., Ponzini, G. T., Kehle-Forbes, S. M., Gomez, R. M., Morland, L. A., Dedert, E., Jackson, G. L., & Grubbs, K. M. (2024). Examining veterans’ preferences for how to deliver couples-based treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder: Home-based telehealth or in-person? Psychological Services. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1037/ser0000836
Focus:
Couples
Mental health
Programming
Branch of Service:
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Veteran
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
Share the article
Research & Summary
Wells, Stephanie Y.; Knopp, Kayla; Ponzini, Gabriella T.; Kehle-Forbes, Shannon M.; Gomez, Rosalba M.; Morland, Leslie A.; Dedert, Eric; Jackson, George L.; Grubbs, Kathleen M.
2024
Understanding the modality by which veterans prefer to receive couples-based posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatment (i.e., home-based telehealth, in-person) may increase engagement in PTSD psychotherapy. This study aimed to understand veterans’ preferred modality for couples-based PTSD treatments, individual factors associated with preference, and reasons for their preference. One hundred sixty-six veterans completed a baseline assessment as part of a clinical trial. Measures included a closed- and open-ended treatment preference questionnaire, as well as demographics, clinical symptoms, functioning, and relational measures, such as relationship satisfaction. Descriptive statistics and correlations examined factors associated with preference. An open-ended question querying veterans’ reasons for their preferred modality was coded to identify themes. Though veterans as a group had no clear modality preference (51% preferring home-based telehealth and 49% preferring in-person treatment), veterans consistently expressed high levels of preference strength in the modality they chose. The presence of children in the home was associated with stronger preference for home-based telehealth. Veterans who preferred in-person care found it to be more credible and had more positive treatment expectancies. Veterans who preferred home-based telehealth believed it was flexible and increased access to care. For both preference groups, veterans’ preferred modality was viewed as facilitating interpersonal relations and being more comfortable than the alternative modality. Veterans expressed strong preference for receiving their desired treatment modality for couples-based PTSD treatment. Results suggest that it is important to offer multiple treatment delivery options in couples-based PTSD treatment and matching couples to their preferred modality supports individualized, patient-centered care.
Paternal PTSD or depression, adolescent mental health, and family functioning: A study of UK military families
APA Citation:
Wickersham, A., Leightley, D., Baig, B., Chesnokov, M., Stein, A., Ramchandani, P., Downs, J., Parnell, N., Rye, K., Verey, A., & Fear, N. T. (2024). Paternal PTSD or depression, adolescent mental health, and family functioning: A study of UK military families. Journal of Military, Veteran and Family Health, 10(2), 63-78. https://doi.org/10.3138/jmvfh-2023-0071
Focus:
Parents
Children
Youth
Mental health
Veterans
Branch of Service:
International Military
Military Affiliation:
Veteran
Population:
Childhood (birth - 12 yrs)
Adolescence (13 - 17 yrs)
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
Share the article
Research & Summary
Wickersham, Alice; Leightley, Daniel; Baig, Benjamin; Chesnokov, Melanie; Stein, Alan; Ramchandani, Paul; Downs, Johnny; Parnell, Nathan; Rye, Kristy; Verey, Anna; Fear, Nicola T.
2024
Limited research has explored the relationships between paternal mental health, adolescent offspring mental health, and family functioning in United Kingdom military populations. The authors investigated this in a study of 105 serving and ex-serving members of the United Kingdom Armed Forces, with adolescent offspring ages 11 to 17 years. It was found military fathers with symptoms of PTSD or depression had more family difficulties, particularly around communication. Their adolescent offspring were also more likely to meet criteria for mental health disorders. These findings demonstrate the importance of supporting military fathers and their families with mental health and well-being.
A mixed-methods study to evaluate family planning desires and barriers to building families among gay, bisexual, and lesbian cisgender military service members
APA Citation:
Boedeker, D., Hunkler, K., Lindner, P., Phillips, K., Hill, M., Plowden, T., & Cole, R. (2024). A mixed-methods study to evaluate family planning desires and barriers to building families among gay, bisexual, and lesbian cisgender military service members. Military Medicine, Article usae327. https://doi.org/10.1093/milmed/usae327
Focus:
Mental health
Physical health
Programming
Other
Branch of Service:
Air Force
Army
Navy
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
Share the article
Research & Summary
Boedeker, David; Hunkler, Kiley; Lindner, Peter; Phillips, Keeley; Hill, Micah; Plowden, Torie; Cole, Rebekah
2024
Barriers to seeking infertility care for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer/questioning, and asexual (LGBTIQA+) individuals are well documented in the literature. However, little is known about military LGBTIQA+ service members seeking infertility care within the Military Health System. Approximately 6.1% of active duty U.S. service members across all branches identify as LGBTIQA+, which underscores the need for a deeper understanding of the needs of this community to support and retain service members. We therefore sought to describe the lived experiences of lesbian and gay cisgender service members in building their families in order to understand their family-building desires and potential barriers to seeking infertility care.We developed a survey to investigate the impact of military service on family planning. After Institutional Review Board approval, we distributed the survey throughout Walter Reed National Military Medical Center’s obstetrics and gynecology clinic and posted the survey on multiple open and closed social media pages for LGBTIQA+ service members. We reported descriptive statistics of our survey and compared binary variables using the Fisher exact test. Following completion of this survey, participants could self-select to participate in semi-structured interviews.Sixty-eight respondents completed our survey and self-identified as either cis-male (n = 28) or cis-female (n = 40). Most respondents (67.9% cis-males, 92.5% cis-females) plan to build their families during their military commitment; however, approximately half (50.0% cis-male, 42.5% cis-female) reported a lack of support in this endeavor. Many respondents were unaware of resources that would assist in the pursuit of donor egg, donor sperm, or surrogacy (78.6% cis-males, 50.0% cis-females). Thirty-six participants elected to complete a follow-up interview. After coding the interviews, 5 themes emerged: (1) barriers to initiating care; (2) institutional barriers within the military; (3) political barriers; (4) knowledge sharing; and (5) implicit and explicit bias.Our results suggest significant barriers to LGBTIQA+ service members seeking infertility care. Overall, LGBTIQA+ service members did not feel supported by the military in building their families. Although the military has expanded access to infertility services, efforts to raise awareness and build support for LGBTIQA+ service members are warranted.
A randomized controlled trial of surf and hike therapy for U.S. active duty service members with major depressive disorder
APA Citation:
Walter, K. H., Otis, N. P., Ray, T. N., Glassman, L. H., Beltran, J. L., … Michalewicz-Kragh, B. (2023). A randomized controlled trial of surf and hike therapy for U.S. active duty service members with major depressive disorder. BMC Psychiatry, 23, Article 109. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-022-04452-7
Focus:
Mental health
Programming
Trauma
Branch of Service:
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
Share the article
Research & Summary
Walter, Kristen H.; Otis, Nicholas P.; Ray, Travis N.; Glassman, Lisa H.; Beltran, Jessica L.; Kobayashi Elliott, Kim T.; Michalewicz-Kragh, Betty
2023
Background Major depressive disorder (MDD) is the most prevalent mental health disorder worldwide, including among U.S. service members. In addition to evidence-based treatments, activity-based approaches have been shown to effectively treat depressive symptoms, particularly when they occur in the natural environment. Methods This study compared two activity-based interventions, Surf Therapy and Hike Therapy, on depression outcomes among 96 active duty service members with MDD. Participants were randomized to 6 weeks of Surf or Hike Therapy. Clinician-administered and self-report measures were completed at preprogram, postprogram, and 3-month follow-up. A brief depression/anxiety measure was completed before and after each activity session. Results Multilevel modeling results showed that continuous depression outcomes changed significantly over time (ps < .001). Although service members in Hike Therapy reported higher average depression scores than those in Surf Therapy, the trajectory of symptom improvement did not significantly differ between groups. Regarding MDD diagnostic status, there were no significant differences between the groups at postprogram (p = .401), but Surf Therapy participants were more likely to remit from MDD than were those in Hike Therapy at the 3-month follow-up (p = .015). Limitations The sample consisted of service members, so results may not generalize to other populations. Most participants received concurrent psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy, and, although statistically accounted for, results should be interpreted in this context. Conclusions Both Surf and Hike Therapies appear to be effective adjunctive interventions for service members with MDD. Research is needed to examine the effectiveness of these therapies as standalone interventions.
10 Mental health treatment rates during pregnancy and post partum in US military service members
Mental health treatment rates during pregnancy and post partum in US military service members
APA Citation:
Heissel, J. A., & Healy, O. J. (2024). Mental health treatment rates during pregnancy and post partum in US military service members. JAMA Network Open, 7(5), Article e2413884. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.13884
Focus:
Mental health
Physical health
Programming
Branch of Service:
Multiple branches
Army
Navy
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Share the article
Research & Summary
Heissel, Jennifer A.; Healy, Olivia J.
2024
Although new parents’ mental health is known to decline, less is known about changes in therapy attendance, especially among military service members.To investigate changes in therapy attendance among new parents and by parental leave length.This cohort study of US Army and Navy service members from January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2019, compared parents’ monthly therapy attendance with matched nonparents’ across childbirth and compared mothers’ weekly therapy attendance before vs after returning to work. Eligible monthly sample members included service members with first births from January 1, 2014, to December 31, 2017, and 12 months of data before to 24 months after birth and nonparents with 36 months of data. Eligible weekly sample members included mothers with first births from January 1, 2013, to June 30, 2019, and data from 12 months before to 6 months after birth and nonparents with 18 months of data. Data analysis was performed from July 1, 2023, to January 15, 2024.Those exposed to parenthood had no prior children, acquired a dependent younger than 1 year, and, for mothers, had an inpatient birth. Unexposed matches did not add a dependent younger than 1 year.Monthly counts of mental health therapy sessions and any therapy sessions (weekly).The monthly sample included 15 554 193 person-month observations, representing 321 200 parents and matches, including 10 193 mothers (3.2%; mean [SD] age, 25.0 [4.9] years), 50 865 nonmother matches (15.8%; mean [SD] age, 25.0 [5.0] years), 43 365 fathers (13.5%; mean [SD] age, 26.4 [4.8] years), and 216 777 nonfather matches (67.5%; mean [SD] age, 26.4 [4.8] years). The weekly sample included 17 464 mothers. Mothers went to 0.0712 fewer sessions at 1 month post partum (95% CI, −0.0846 to −0.0579) compared with 10 months before birth. Fathers went to 0.0154 fewer sessions in the month of birth (95% CI, −0.0194 to −0.0114) compared with 10 months before. Parents with preexisting treatment needs had larger decreases in treatment. Weekly therapy attendance increased by 0.555 percentage points (95% CI, 0.257-0.852) when mothers returned to work from 6 weeks of leave and 0.953 percentage points (95% CI, 0.610-1.297) after 12 weeks of leave.In this cohort study of new parents, therapy attendance decreased around childbirth, especially among parents with prior mental health needs and mothers with longer maternity leaves. These findings suggest that more accessible treatment, including home visits or telehealth appointments, is needed.
Factors that influence health care–seeking behavior and health information disclosure among U.S. Air Force pilots
APA Citation:
Goodman, T. M., Martinez, R. N., Giarrusso, N. L., Thompson, C., & Hoffman, W. R. (2024). Factors that influence health care-seeking behavior and health information disclosure among U.S. Air Force pilots. Military Medicine, usae310. https://doi.org/10.1093/milmed/usae310
Focus:
Programming
Branch of Service:
Air Force
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
Share the article
Research & Summary
Goodman, Tanya M.; Martinez, Rachael N.; Giarrusso, Nicole L.; Thompson, Christopher; Hoffman, William R.
2024
The reality of pilot health care avoidance behavior is often common knowledge to both pilots and aeromedical physicians, but the underlying factors leading to this behavior are less understood. In the current study, we conducted a qualitative assessment of a sample of U.S. Air Force (USAF) pilots to gather firsthand perceptions of the factors that encourage and discourage disclosure during aeromedical screening and use of mental and physical health care services, as well as recommendations to improve the USAF aeromedical health care system.We conducted interviews with 21 USAF pilots on their perceptions of seeking medical care to identify factors that uniquely discourage or encourage disclosure and health care utilization to understand factors that aid the aeromedical provider/aviator relationship and to elicit interventions that could be prospectively researched. This work was reviewed by the Air Force Research Laboratory Institutional Review Board at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and designated as exempt research, FWR20220103E.The most reported factors that discourage military pilot health care disclosure and health care utilization overall were medical revocation, stigma, and lack of trust in providers. Unit-embedded services, ease of access, and severity of condition were the most reported factors encouraging disclosure and utilization. Factor descriptions and exemplary quotes from pilots and pilot recommendations to encourage health care utilization and disclosure are provided.Results from firsthand interviews with pilots provide valuable information for flight surgeons to focus on building trust with their pilots to reduce health care avoidance.
12 Narrating the sociocultural experience and management of stigma related to military caregiving
Narrating the sociocultural experience and management of stigma related to military caregiving
APA Citation:
Roscoe, R. A. (2024). Narrating the sociocultural experience and management of stigma related to military caregiving. Health Communication. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1080/10410236.2024.2360177
Focus:
Mental health
Physical health
Veterans
Other
Branch of Service:
Multiple branches
Army
Navy
Marine Corps
Coast Guard
Military Affiliation:
Veteran
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
Share the article
Research & Summary
Roscoe, Rikki A.
2024
Despite accelerating the recovery and rehabilitation of wounded veterans and saving the U.S. substantial sums in avoided long-term care costs, military caregivers (MCs) are an underserved community lacking resources and support. On top of managing a variety of emotional, physical, relational, and occupational challenges, MCs experience stigma. Indeed, caregiving can be a stigmatized task, especially for military-affiliated individuals who may be expected to adhere to cultural norms of personal sacrifice and resilience in the face of adversity. The current study uses narrative inquiry to better understand the unique experiences and characteristics of MCs providing care for veterans experiencing posttraumatic stress. Specifically, this study examined MCs’ narratives to uncover the sociocultural experience and management of stigma related to military caregiving. Interviews with 15 military caregivers of veterans experiencing PTS demonstrated that military caregivers experienced stigma for 1) staying in the relationship, 2) enabling the veteran, 3) mismanaging the condition, and 4) flaking on plans and relationships. In response to stigma, MCs often challenged stigma through strategies of denial or evasion of responsibility. This study contributes to communication scholarship by introducing co-stigma management and further interrogating processes related to stigma management communication. In addition, the results can inform Veteran Affairs (VA) healthcare, caregiver assistance programs, health practices, and support-seeking behaviors.
