Factors that influence health care–seeking behavior and health information disclosure among U.S. Air Force pilots
Research Report:
Research SummaryAPA 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
Abstract Created by REACH:
This qualitative study explored the barriers and facilitators of aeromedical healthcare utilization among U.S. Air Force pilots. 21 active-duty pilots completed semi-structured interviews that focused on what prevents and encourages the use of healthcare services for physical and mental health. Concerns about removal of one’s flying status and mental health stigma were the most frequently cited barriers to healthcare utilization, but good relationships with unit-embedded services may mitigate concerns. Recommendations to improve healthcare utilization were also provided.
Focus:
Programming
Branch of Service:
Air Force
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Subject Affiliation:
Active duty service member
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
Methodology:
Qualitative Study
Authors:
Goodman, Tanya M., Martinez, Rachael N., Giarrusso, Nicole L., Thompson, Christopher, Hoffman, William R.
Abstract:
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.
Publication Type:
Article
REACH Publication
Featured Research
Keywords:
health care-seeking, Air Force pilots, health care disclosure
REACH Publication Type:
Research Summary
REACH Newsletter: