Reducing barriers to post-9/11 veterans’ use of programs and services as they transition to civilian life

Abstract

Background: Numerous programs exist to support veterans in their transitions to civilian life. Programs are offered by a host of governmental and non-governmental stakeholders. Veterans report encountering many barriers to program participation. This study identified barrier reduction strategies offered by programs that new post-9/11 veterans reported using, determined which strategies veterans use and value, and examined veteran characteristics that impact their odds of using programs that offer barrier reduction strategies. Method: This study reflects findings from the first wave of data collection of The Veterans Metrics Initiative (TVMI), a longitudinal study examining the military-to-civilian reintegration of new post-9/11 veterans. The websites of programs used by respondents were coded for barrier reduction components. Veterans also indicated which barrier reduction components they found most helpful in meeting their reintegration goals. Results: Of 9566 veterans who participated in Wave 1 data collection, 84% reported using a program that offered at least one barrier reduction component. Barrier reduction components included tangible supports (e.g., scholarships, cash), increased access to programs, decreased stigma, and encouraged motivation to change. Although only 4% of programs that were used by veterans focused on helping them obtain Veterans Administration benefits, nearly 60% of veterans reported that this component was helpful in reaching their goals. Access assistance to other resources and supports was also reported as a helpful barrier reduction component. For instance, approximately 20% of veterans nominated programs that offered transportation. The study also found evidence of a misalignment between the kinds of barrier reduction components veterans valued and those which programs offered. Veterans from the most junior enlisted ranks, who are at most risk, were less likely than those from other ranks to use barrier reduction components. Study limitations and ideas for future research are discussed.

Reducing veterans’ risk for suicidal behaviors: a qualitative study to inform development of the RECLAIM health promotion program

“…As such, the findings from this study regarding the use of the word lifestyle and the negative feelings it elicited among our participants forced us to consider alternate wording (i.e., holistic health promotion program) to provide a clear and more positive perception of RECLAIM to veterans. Providing clear explanations is consistent with recommendations from a previous study to reduce lack of understanding as a barrier to participation [25]. Additionally, being transparent with messaging and purpose has been suggested for trauma survivors, such as veterans [26].…”

“…While efforts have been made to prevent and reduce veteran suicide, the rate of suicide among post-9/11 veterans (ages [18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34] remains the highest of all veteran cohorts and has increased by 76% from 2005 to 2017 [6], indicating that more work is needed to effectively reduce the rate of suicide among this veteran cohort. Current suicide reduction and prevention strategies often narrowly focus on extreme psychopathology (e.g., post-traumatic stress disorder) and are frequently directed at veterans who have already indicated intent to harm [7,8].…”

Reducing veterans' risk for suicidal behaviors: A qualitative study to inform development of the RECLAIM health promotion program

“…Providing clear explanations is consistent with recommendations from a previous study to reduce lack of understanding as a barrier to participation. 25 Additionally, being transparent with messaging and purpose has been suggested for trauma survivors, such as veterans. 26 Considering the possibility of having combat veterans who have experienced trauma as participants in RECLAIM, this recommendation is important to incorporate within promotional items and program content.…”

“…While efforts have been made to prevent and reduce veteran suicide, the rate of suicide among post-9/11 veterans (ages [18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34] remains the highest of all veteran cohorts and has increased by 76% from 2005-2017, 6 indicating that more work is needed to effectively reduce the rate of suicide among this veteran cohort. Current suicide reduction and prevention strategies often narrowly focus on extreme psychopathology (e.g., post-traumatic stress disorder) and are frequently directed at veterans who have already indicated intent to harm.…”

Reducing veterans' risk for suicidal behaviors: A qualitative study to inform development of the RECLAIM health promotion program

“…24,30 Unfortunately, previous research has found that most veterandirected programs do not include components to assist veterans with accessing their bene ts. 25 Bene ts that veterans may be eligible for can play an important role in long-term health and wellness. For instance, education bene ts can enable veterans or their family members to achieve a higher level of education.…”