The Unique Health Needs of Post-9/11 U.S. Veterans

Abstract

This article applies a hazard-based approach to the identification of physical, mental, and psychosocial health needs of post-9/11 veterans. The weaponry, survival, and population of servicemen and women by the military have evolved over time, particularly during the post-9/11 era. It is evident that military hazards and potential exposures vary depending on not only the deployment era but also the specific location and role. Many individual factors may affect the development of health problems. Recent evidence-based literature about post-9/11 veterans' long-term complex health issues is summarized, so occupational health nurses can advocate for the provision of veteran-sensitive care.

Implementing eScreening for suicide prevention in VA post-9/11 transition programs using a stepped-wedge, mixed-method, hybrid type-II implementation trial: a study protocol

“…Programs vary based on the needs of the system and range in size from 1 to over 20 staff and average 30-375 newly enrolling veterans per month. Veterans seen in these programs have a median age of 35 and over 30% are women [51,52]. They are the most diverse group of veterans with 20.5% non-White and 12% Hispanic [49,50].…”

One Health and veterans’ post‐deployment health

“…dust, sand, smoke), facing gastrointestinal or respiratory infections or wound infections, experiencing extreme heat or cold temperatures and living in environments with mosquitoes or ticks 9 . Table 1 presents selected categories and examples of potential environmental exposures encountered during historic or recent military training and deployment 10–12 . By understanding the known sequela of certain environmental exposures during military service, health professionals will be prepared to examine potential links of exposure to the specific health outcome, such as prostate cancer (e.g.…”

“…Second, veterans can face multiple invisible war wounds such as mental health and substance use disorders 5,12 . Higher suicide risk has been reported in US military service members, both with and without prior deployments, when compared with the US general population 13 .…”

“…9 Second, veterans can face multiple invisible war wounds such as mental health and substance use disorders. 5,12 Higher suicide risk has been reported in US military service members, both with and without prior deployments, when compared with the US general population. 13 Non-pathological post-deployment transition symptoms can describe veterans' decreased concentration and focus, sleep irregularities, mood irritability and irregular emotional responses (e.g.…”

WIP: Transdisciplinary Design Education in Biomedical Engineering and Industrial Design Towards Identifying Unmet Needs of U.S. Veterans and their Healthcare Teams

“…Additionally, collaborating with DoD and VA clinics gives students an opportunity to learn about the unique needs of active-duty Service Members and Veterans. This is a growing area of emphasis in healthcare professional development curricula [1,2].…”