Title: Reintegration Problems and Treatment Interests Among Iraq and Afghanistan Combat Veterans Receiving VA Medical Care
Url: http://psychservices.psychiatryonline.org/cgi/content/abstract/61/6/589
Creator: Nina A. Sayer, Siamak Noorbaloochi, Patricia Frazier, Kathleen Carlson, Amy Gravely, and Maureen Murdoch
Description: OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this study were to describe the prevalence and types of community reintegration problems among Iraq and Afghanistan combat veterans who receive U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical care, identify interests in interventions or information to promote readjustment to community life, and explore associations between probable posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and reintegration problems and treatment interests. METHODS: A national, stratified sample of Iraq-Afghanistan combat veterans receiving VA medical care responded to a mailed survey focused on community reintegration. Of 1,226 veterans surveyed, 754 (62%) responded. Prevalence and proportions were adjusted for potential nonresponse bias. RESULTS: An estimated 25% to 56% of combat veterans who use VA services reported "some" to "extreme" difficulty in social functioning, productivity, community involvement, and self-care domains. At least one-third reported divorce, dangerous driving, increased substance use, and increased anger control problems since deployment. Almost all (96%) expressed interest in services to help readjust to civilian life (95% confidence interval [CI]=93%–99%). The most commonly preferred ways to receive reintegration services or information were at a VA facility, through the mail, and over the Internet. An estimated 41% (95% CI=36%–46%) screened positive for PTSD, and probable PTSD was associated with reporting more readjustment difficulties and expressing interest in more types of services, including traditional mental health services. CONCLUSIONS: Iraq-Afghanistan combat veterans who already receive VA medical care reported multiple current reintegration problems and wanted services and information to help them readjust to community life. These concerns were particularly prevalent among those with probable PTSD. Research is needed to explore nontraditional modes of service delivery, including the Internet.
Author abstract.
Classification: Veterans (LCSH)
Treatment Resources -- Department of Veterans Affairs (LCSH)
Treatment Needs (LCSH)
Reintegration (LCSH)
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (LCSH)
Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom (LCSH)
Combat Operations (LCSH)
Date Issued: 2010-06-06
Resource Type: Journal Article (DCMI Type Vocabulary)
Format: pdf
Audience: Researchers/Academic
Policy Makers
Health Care and Service Providers: Military
Health Care and Service Providers: Civilian
Language: English
Rights: Copyright © 2010 American Psychiatric Association
Coverage: Reintegration Problems &Treatment Interests Among Iraq /Afghanistan Combat Vets Receiving VA MedCare
Source: Psychiatr Serv 61:589-597, June 2010
Email Address: patricia.martinez.ctr@usuhs.mil
Date Of Record Creation: 2010-06-04 13:34:19 (W3C-DTF)
Date Of Record Release: 2010-06-04 13:48:45 (W3C-DTF)
Date Record Checked: 2010-06-04 (W3C-DTF)
Date Last Modified: 2010-06-04 13:54:38 (W3C-DTF)

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