Postdeployment health care for returning OEF/OIF military personnel and their social networks: a qualitative approach

Mil Med. 2010 Dec;175(12):953-7. doi: 10.7205/milmed-d-10-00040.

Abstract

Little is known regarding the health care needs of Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF) deployed veterans seeking care outside of Veterans Affairs facilities. Responding to this gap, we conducted a mixed methods study of postdeployment health among veterans and members of their social networks in six community-based primary care clinics. A total of 347 patients completed a survey dealing with deployment to Iraq/Afghanistan (whether their own or that of a family member, friend, or coworker), and subsequent psychosocial and health problems. A subset of 52 participants responded to an open-ended question requesting additional information about experiences during and postdeployment. Content analysis of these responses revealed five overarching themes: connectedness, perceptions of conflict, consequences of deployment, health and treatment concerns, and respect and concern for service members/veterans. These data point to significant deployment-related disruptions in the well-being of service members and those in their broader social networks, with implications for defining service needs in community health settings.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Afghan Campaign 2001-
  • Community Health Services / organization & administration*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Iraq War, 2003-2011
  • Male
  • Mental Health Services
  • Middle Aged
  • Military Personnel
  • Needs Assessment
  • Pilot Projects
  • Primary Health Care / organization & administration*
  • Qualitative Research
  • Social Support
  • United States
  • Veterans Health*
  • Veterans*