Changes in pain among housed and unhoused U.S. veterans after receiving battlefield acupuncture at one medical center
APA Citation:
Flike, K., St. Pierre, C., Howard, A., & Tsai, J. (2024). Changes in pain among housed and unhoused U.S. veterans after receiving battlefield acupuncture at one medical center. Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine, 30(3), 306-309. https://doi.org/10.1089/jicm.2023.0131
Focus:
Veterans
Physical health
Branch of Service:
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Veteran
Subject Affiliation:
Veteran
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
Authors:
Flike, Kimberlee, St. Pierre, Cathy, Howard, Alexandra, Tsai, Jack
Abstract:
This study reports on 54 homeless and 53 stably housed veterans who received battlefield acupuncture (BFA) between September 2018 and October 2022. Linear mixed-effects regressions were used to examine change in overall pain score and how pain impacted four areas: (1) activity, (2) sleep, (3) mood, and (4) stress over the course of 8 weeks from the baseline visit at one BFA clinic. Results indicated significant reductions in the impact of pain on activity, sleep, and stress among both homeless and housed veterans. Although overall pain levels were not significantly impacted, further research on the impact of BFA on homeless populations is warranted.
Publication Type:
Article
Keywords:
veteran, chronic pain, homeless, battlefield acupuncture, complementary therapy