https://aub.ie/MilitaryREACH-Musilli2024

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

This qualitative study explored the lived experiences of 31 military-affiliated individuals, mostly active-duty Service members, who received perinatal care within the Military Health System. A social determinants of health lens was used to identify factors associated with military culture and the military lifestyle (e.g., health care access, deployment) that affected participants’ pregnancy and birth experiences. The 3 themes that emerged revealed the unique military factors – including military requirements, sociocultural considerations, and challenges navigating healthcare – that can affect women’s perinatal experiences.

https://doi.org/10.1093/milmed/usae238

Programming

Air Force
Army
Navy
Multiple branches

Active Duty

Active duty service member
Military families

Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)

Qualitative Study

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.

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.

Article
REACH Publication

pregnancy, military personnel, perception, privacy, postpartum period, reproductive physiological process, parenting behavior, prenatal care, child health, Friendship, transfer technique, military health

https://academic.oup.com/milmed/advance-article/doi/10.1093/milmed/usae238/7680453

Research Summary

  September 2024