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Reed ND, Bull S, Shrestha U, Sarche M, Kaufman CE. Combating Fraudulent Participation in Urban American Indian and Alaska Native Virtual Health Research: Protocol for Increasing Data Integrity in Online Research (PRIOR). JMIR Res Protoc 2024; 13:e52281. [PMID: 38869930 PMCID: PMC11211704 DOI: 10.2196/52281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While the advantages of using the internet and social media for research recruitment are well documented, the evolving online environment also enhances motivations for misrepresentation to receive incentives or to "troll" research studies. Such fraudulent assaults can compromise data integrity, with substantial losses in project time; money; and especially for vulnerable populations, research trust. With the rapid advent of new technology and ever-evolving social media platforms, it has become easier for misrepresentation to occur within online data collection. This perpetuation can occur by bots or individuals with malintent, but careful planning can help aid in filtering out fraudulent data. OBJECTIVE Using an example with urban American Indian and Alaska Native young women, this paper aims to describe PRIOR (Protocol for Increasing Data Integrity in Online Research), which is a 2-step integration protocol for combating fraudulent participation in online survey research. METHODS From February 2019 to August 2020, we recruited participants for formative research preparatory to an online randomized control trial of a preconceptual health program. First, we described our initial protocol for preventing fraudulent participation, which proved to be unsuccessful. Then, we described modifications we made in May 2020 to improve the protocol performance and the creation of PRIOR. Changes included transferring data collection platforms, collecting embedded geospatial variables, enabling timing features within the screening survey, creating URL links for each method or platform of data collection, and manually confirming potentially eligible participants' identifying information. RESULTS Before the implementation of PRIOR, the project experienced substantial fraudulent attempts at study enrollment, with less than 1% (n=6) of 1300 screened participants being identified as truly eligible. With the modified protocol, of the 461 individuals who completed a screening survey, 381 did not meet the eligibility criteria assessed on the survey. Of the 80 that did, 25 (31%) were identified as ineligible via PRIOR. A total of 55 (69%) were identified as eligible and verified in the protocol and were enrolled in the formative study. CONCLUSIONS Fraudulent surveys compromise study integrity, validity of the data, and trust among participant populations. They also deplete scarce research resources including respondent compensation and personnel time. Our approach of PRIOR to prevent online misrepresentation in data was successful. This paper reviews key elements regarding fraudulent data participation in online research and demonstrates why enhanced protocols to prevent fraudulent data collection are crucial for building trust with vulnerable populations. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04376346; https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04376346. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/52281.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole D Reed
- Centers for American Indian and Alaska Native Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
- Community and Behavioral Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Sheana Bull
- Community and Behavioral Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Umit Shrestha
- Colorado School of Public Health, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Michelle Sarche
- Centers for American Indian and Alaska Native Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
- Community and Behavioral Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Carol E Kaufman
- Centers for American Indian and Alaska Native Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
- Community and Behavioral Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
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Mengeling MA, Torner JC, Smith JL, Cook BL, Sadler AG. Online Screening and Personalized Education to Identify Post-Deployment Mental Health Need and Facilitate Access to Care. Mil Med 2024; 189:1045-1054. [PMID: 36510670 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usac379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Reserve and National Guard (RNG) service members face increased risks for psychological and behavioral problems and are unlikely to seek mental health (MH) care after returning from military deployments. This article examines an online intervention (Web-Ed) with regard to participation, screening results, satisfaction, and intent to seek follow-up MH care, with comparisons by gender and post-deployment MH care receipt. MATERIALS AND METHODS This was a cross-sectional study of 414 RNG service members (214 women and 200 men), who returned from deployments to or in support of the Iraq or Afghanistan wars within the prior 36 months. Participants completed Web-Ed, which includes screening, personalized education, and links to Veterans Health Administration health care. RESULTS Positive post-deployment screening proportions, Web-Ed satisfaction, and intent to seek follow-up care were similar for men and women. Few had received MH care (33% women; 24% men), yet most screened positive on at least one screen (69% women; 72% men). Most indicated that they would recommend Web-Ed to other veterans (71% women; 67% men) and that they received useful information they may not have received otherwise (52% women; 53% men) regardless of gender or prior MH care. Almost half (40% women; 48% men) planned to seek further assessment from a health care provider as a direct result of Web-Ed. CONCLUSIONS Efforts to facilitate access to MH care among post-deployed RNG veterans should be ongoing, regardless of the length of time since deployment, Veterans Affairs enrollment status, prior MH care receipt, or gender. Online screening and personalized education engage veterans who have not sought MH care and provide new information to those who have.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle A Mengeling
- Center for Access & Delivery Research and Evaluation (CADRE), Iowa City VA Health Care System, Iowa City, IA 52246, USA
- VA Office of Rural Health (ORH), Veterans Rural Health Resource Center-Iowa City (VRHRC-IC), Iowa City VA Health Care System, Iowa City, IA 52246, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - James C Torner
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Iowa College of Public Health, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery and Surgery, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52242-1089, USA
| | - Jeffrey L Smith
- VA Behavioral Health Quality Enhancement Research Initiative (QUERI), Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, Little Rock, AR 72205-5446, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Brian L Cook
- Center for Access & Delivery Research and Evaluation (CADRE), Iowa City VA Health Care System, Iowa City, IA 52246, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Anne G Sadler
- Center for Access & Delivery Research and Evaluation (CADRE), Iowa City VA Health Care System, Iowa City, IA 52246, USA
- VA Office of Rural Health (ORH), Veterans Rural Health Resource Center-Iowa City (VRHRC-IC), Iowa City VA Health Care System, Iowa City, IA 52246, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
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Sugarman DE, Meyer LE, Reilly ME, Greenfield SF. Feasibility and Acceptability of a Web-Based, Gender-Specific Intervention for Women with Substance Use Disorders. J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2020; 29:636-646. [DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2018.7519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Dawn E. Sugarman
- Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse, McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts
- Division of Women's Mental Health, McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Laurel E. Meyer
- Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse, McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts
- Division of Women's Mental Health, McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts
| | - Meghan E. Reilly
- Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse, McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts
- Division of Women's Mental Health, McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts
| | - Shelly F. Greenfield
- Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse, McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts
- Division of Women's Mental Health, McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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Adolescent Self-Screening for Mental Health Problems; Demonstration of an Internet-Based Approach. Acad Pediatr 2018; 18:59-65. [PMID: 28870650 DOI: 10.1016/j.acap.2017.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2017] [Revised: 08/10/2017] [Accepted: 08/26/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the prevalence of positive screening scores, construct validity, and opportunities for follow-up in a large sample of adolescents who chose to fill out the Pediatric Symptom Checklist-Youth Form (PSC-Y) through the Mental Health America (MHA) Web site. METHODS MHA sent researchers a deidentified data set of all PSC-Y data submitted to MHA from May 15, 2015 to May 14, 2016. The analytic data set contained 29,886 PSC-Y forms from youth aged 11 to 17 years who sought out the Web site and chose to fill out the PSC-Y anonymously and independently online. The prevalence of impairment on the PSC-Y was calculated overall and for various subgroups. Next steps reported by at-risk youth were also examined. RESULTS Of all respondents, 77.4% of youth screened positive on the PSC-Y. Significant associations between positive screening and self-ratings of a need for help, previous history of mental health treatment, and low family income provided construct validation for the online PSC-Y. Almost two-thirds of positively screened youth stated that they planned to get some kind of help in the future and 10% indicated that they planned to seek professional treatment. CONCLUSIONS The large number of respondents suggested that many adolescents use the Internet to learn about mental health and that a very high percentage of them might be at risk. The availability of brief, free Internet-based psychosocial screens might offer a viable way to identify at-risk youth and provide them with pathways to additional support and/or treatment.
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Pedersen ER, Parast L, Marshall GN, Schell TL, Neighbors C. A randomized controlled trial of a web-based, personalized normative feedback alcohol intervention for young-adult veterans. J Consult Clin Psychol 2017; 85:459-470. [PMID: 28287799 PMCID: PMC5398915 DOI: 10.1037/ccp0000187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Young-adult American veterans are at risk for problematic alcohol use. However, they are unlikely to seek care and may drop out from lengthy, multicomponent treatments when they do get care. This randomized controlled trial tested a very brief alcohol intervention delivered over the Internet to reach the population of young-adult veterans to help reduce their drinking. METHOD Veterans (N = 784) were recruited from Facebook and randomized to either a control condition or a personalized normative feedback (PNF) intervention seeking to correct drinking perceptions of gender-specific veteran peers. RESULTS At immediate postintervention, PNF participants reported greater reductions in their perceptions of peer drinking and intentions to drink over the next month, compared with control participants. At 1-month follow-up, PNF participants reduced their drinking behavior and related consequences to a significantly greater extent than controls. Specifically, PNF participants drank 3.4 fewer drinks per week, consumed 0.4 fewer drinks per occasion, binge drank on 1.0 fewer days, and experienced about 1.0 fewer consequences than control participants in the month after the intervention. Intervention effects for drinks per occasion were most pronounced among more problematic drinkers. Changes in perceived norms from baseline to 1-month follow-up mediated intervention efficacy. CONCLUSION Though effects were assessed after only 1 month, findings have potential to inform broader, population-level programs designed for young veterans to prevent escalation of drinking and development of long-term alcohol problems. Given the simplicity of the PNF approach and ease of administration, this intervention has the potential for a substantial impact on public health. (PsycINFO Database Record
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Pedersen ER, Naranjo D, Marshall GN. Recruitment and retention of young adult veteran drinkers using Facebook. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0172972. [PMID: 28249027 PMCID: PMC5332067 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0172972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2016] [Accepted: 02/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to describe the feasibility of using Facebook as a platform to recruit and retain young adult veteran drinkers into an online-alcohol use intervention study. Facebook's wide accessibility and popularity among the age group that comprises the majority of veterans from the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan make it a compelling resource through which research can extend its reach to this otherwise hard-to-reach group. We developed a series of Facebook advertisement campaigns to reach veteran drinkers not specifically searching for alcohol treatment. In doing so, we recruited 793 valid veteran participants in approximately two weeks for an advertising cost of $4.53 per obtained participant. The study sample consisted primarily of male veterans, between 19 and 34 years of age, who were drinking at moderate to heavy levels. Although about half of the sample reported mental health comorbidity, few had received any mental health or substance use treatment in the past year. Facebook appears to be a valuable mechanism through which to recruit young veterans with unmet behavioral health needs, although more specific efforts may be needed to engage certain types of veterans after initial study enrollment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric R. Pedersen
- RAND Corporation, Department of Behavioral and Policy Sciences, Santa Monica, CA, United States of America
| | - Diana Naranjo
- RAND Corporation, Department of Behavioral and Policy Sciences, Santa Monica, CA, United States of America
| | - Grant N. Marshall
- RAND Corporation, Department of Behavioral and Policy Sciences, Santa Monica, CA, United States of America
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Hom MA, Stanley IH, Schneider ME, Joiner TE. A systematic review of help-seeking and mental health service utilization among military service members. Clin Psychol Rev 2017; 53:59-78. [PMID: 28214634 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2017.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2015] [Revised: 11/10/2016] [Accepted: 01/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Research has demonstrated that military service members are at elevated risk for a range of psychiatric problems, and mental health services use is a conduit to symptom reduction and remission. Nonetheless, there is a notable underutilization of mental health services in this population. This systematic review aimed to identify and critically examine: (1) rates of service use; (2) barriers and facilitators to care; and (3) programs and interventions designed to enhance willingness to seek care and increase help-seeking behaviors among current military personnel (e.g., active duty, National Guard, Reserve). Overall, 111 peer-reviewed articles were identified for inclusion. Across studies, the rate of past-year service use among service members with mental health problems during the same time frame was 29.3% based on weighted averages. Studies identified common barriers to care (e.g., concerns regarding stigma, career impact) and facilitators to care (e.g., positive attitudes toward treatment, family/friend support, military leadership support) among this population. Although programs (e.g., screening, gatekeeper training) have been developed to reduce these barriers, leverage facilitators, and encourage service use, further research is needed to empirically test the effectiveness of these interventions in increasing rates of service utilization. Critical areas for future research on treatment engagement among this high-risk population are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie A Hom
- Department of Psychology, Florida State University, 1107 West Call Street, Tallahassee, FL 32306, United States.
| | - Ian H Stanley
- Department of Psychology, Florida State University, 1107 West Call Street, Tallahassee, FL 32306, United States
| | - Matthew E Schneider
- Department of Psychology, Florida State University, 1107 West Call Street, Tallahassee, FL 32306, United States
| | - Thomas E Joiner
- Department of Psychology, Florida State University, 1107 West Call Street, Tallahassee, FL 32306, United States
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Interian A, Kline A, Perlick D, Dixon L, Feder A, Weiner MD, Goldstein MF, Hennessy K, St Hill L, Losonczy M. Randomized controlled trial of a brief Internet-based intervention for families of Veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder. JOURNAL OF REHABILITATION RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT 2016; 53:629-640. [PMID: 27898154 DOI: 10.1682/jrrd.2014.10.0257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2014] [Revised: 10/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and their families require resources to cope with postdeployment readjustment. Responding to this need, the current study examined a brief Internet-based intervention that provided Veterans' families with psychoeducation on postdeployment readjustment. Participants were 103 dyads of Veterans with probable PTSD and a designated family member/partner. Dyads were randomized to an intervention group, in which the family member completed the intervention, or to a control group with no intervention. Each member of the dyad completed surveys at baseline and 2 mo follow-up. Family member surveys focused on perceived empowerment, efficacy to provide support, and communication (perceived criticism and reactivity to criticism). Veteran surveys assessed perceived family support and communication. Results showed that Veterans in the intervention group reported decreases in reactivity to criticism but also decreased perceived family support. No significant differences were observed in outcomes reported by family members. This preliminary study provides an early understanding of this novel outreach program, as well as the challenges inherent with a very brief intervention. Future research can build on the current study by more closely evaluating the communication changes that occur with this form of intervention and whether greater intervention intensity is needed. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinical Trials Identifier: NCT01554839.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Interian
- Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) New Jersey Health Care System, Lyons, NJ; and Department of Psychiatry, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ
| | - Anna Kline
- Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) New Jersey Health Care System, Lyons, NJ; and Department of Psychiatry, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ
| | - Deborah Perlick
- VA Veterans Integrated Service Network 3, Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Bronx, NY.,Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Lisa Dixon
- VA Veterans Integrated Service Network 3, Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Bronx, NY.,Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Ann Feder
- VA Veterans Integrated Service Network 3, Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Bronx, NY
| | | | - Marjorie F Goldstein
- Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ
| | - Kerry Hennessy
- National Development and Research Institutes Inc, New York, NY
| | | | - Miklos Losonczy
- National Development and Research Institutes Inc, New York, NY
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Pedersen ER, Marshall GN, Schell TL. Study protocol for a web-based personalized normative feedback alcohol intervention for young adult veterans. Addict Sci Clin Pract 2016; 11:6. [PMID: 27036408 PMCID: PMC4815135 DOI: 10.1186/s13722-016-0055-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2015] [Accepted: 03/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Young adult veterans from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan represent a population at-risk for heavy and problematic alcohol use. Unfortunately, few seek treatment for alcohol concerns and those that do seek care may drop out from lengthy multicomponent treatments. Additionally, veterans who live in rural areas and those who are not engaged in the Veterans Affairs Healthcare System are often overlooked, difficult to engage in treatment, and may not be actively seeking treatment for heavy patterns of use that may develop into an alcohol use disorder. The objective of this proposed randomized controlled trial is to develop and pilot test a brief, stand-alone Internet-based alcohol intervention with young adult veterans to help them reduce their drinking and prevent the development of problematic alcohol use. METHODS/DESIGN Recruitment and intervention is delivered entirely over the Internet to address barriers to seeking care among this at-risk group. The online intervention consists of an assessment followed by a single module of personalized normative feedback (PNF), which provides individuals with accurate information to reduce misperceptions regarding the frequency and acceptability of risky peer behavior. PNF has established efficacy as included within multicomponent interventions targeting military populations or as a stand-alone intervention with young adult college students, but has not yet been empirically supported for the at-risk veteran population. This paper describes the development of the PNF intervention content and details the protocol for the intervention study, which will utilize a sample of 600 young adult veterans to examine the efficacy of the brief PNF intervention targeted toward reducing perceived norms, intentions to drink, actual drinking behavior, and consequences. Specific subpopulations of this veteran population, including those with mental health concerns and those differentiated by level of drinking problems, reasons for drinking, and connection to peers, will be examined to support generalizability of the intervention. DISCUSSION This intervention has the potential to improve veteran health care by utilizing a novel approach to increase access to care, assist with drinking reductions, and prevent alcohol-related problems. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT02187887.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric R Pedersen
- RAND Corporation, 1776 Main Street, PO Box 2138, Santa Monica, CA, 90407-2138, USA.
| | - Grant N Marshall
- RAND Corporation, 1776 Main Street, PO Box 2138, Santa Monica, CA, 90407-2138, USA
| | - Terry L Schell
- RAND Corporation, 1776 Main Street, PO Box 2138, Santa Monica, CA, 90407-2138, USA
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Misra-Hebert AD, Santurri L, DeChant R, Watts B, Rothberg M, Sehgal AR, Aron DC. Understanding the Health Needs and Barriers to Seeking Health Care of Veteran Students in the Community. South Med J 2015; 108:488-93. [PMID: 26280777 PMCID: PMC4544768 DOI: 10.14423/smj.0000000000000326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Access to care at Veterans Affairs facilities may be limited by long wait times; however, additional barriers may prevent US military veterans from seeking help at all. We sought to understand the health needs of veterans in the community to identify possible barriers to health-seeking behavior. METHODS Focus groups were conducted with veteran students at a community college until thematic saturation was reached. Qualitative data analysis involved both an inductive content analysis approach and deductive elements. RESULTS A total of 17 veteran students participated in 6 separate focus groups. Health needs affecting health-seeking behavior were identified. Themes included lack of motivation to improve health, concern about social exclusion and stigma, social interactions and behavior, limited access to affordable and convenient health care, unmet basic needs for self and family, and academics competing with health needs. CONCLUSIONS Veterans face a range of personal, societal, and logistical barriers to accessing care. In addition to decreasing wait times for appointments, efforts to improve the transition to civilian life; reduce stigma; and offer assistance related to work, housing, and convenient access to health care may improve health in veteran students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita D Misra-Hebert
- From the Center for Value Based Care Research, Medicine Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, the Department of Health Promotion and Human Performance, Jerry & Vickie Moyes College of Education, Weber State University, Ogden, Utah, Veterans Services and Programs, Cuyahoga Community College, Cleveland, Ohio, the Department of Medicine, Louis Stokes Cleveland Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, and the Center for Reducing Health Disparities, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Laura Santurri
- From the Center for Value Based Care Research, Medicine Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, the Department of Health Promotion and Human Performance, Jerry & Vickie Moyes College of Education, Weber State University, Ogden, Utah, Veterans Services and Programs, Cuyahoga Community College, Cleveland, Ohio, the Department of Medicine, Louis Stokes Cleveland Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, and the Center for Reducing Health Disparities, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Richard DeChant
- From the Center for Value Based Care Research, Medicine Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, the Department of Health Promotion and Human Performance, Jerry & Vickie Moyes College of Education, Weber State University, Ogden, Utah, Veterans Services and Programs, Cuyahoga Community College, Cleveland, Ohio, the Department of Medicine, Louis Stokes Cleveland Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, and the Center for Reducing Health Disparities, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Brook Watts
- From the Center for Value Based Care Research, Medicine Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, the Department of Health Promotion and Human Performance, Jerry & Vickie Moyes College of Education, Weber State University, Ogden, Utah, Veterans Services and Programs, Cuyahoga Community College, Cleveland, Ohio, the Department of Medicine, Louis Stokes Cleveland Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, and the Center for Reducing Health Disparities, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Michael Rothberg
- From the Center for Value Based Care Research, Medicine Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, the Department of Health Promotion and Human Performance, Jerry & Vickie Moyes College of Education, Weber State University, Ogden, Utah, Veterans Services and Programs, Cuyahoga Community College, Cleveland, Ohio, the Department of Medicine, Louis Stokes Cleveland Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, and the Center for Reducing Health Disparities, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Ashwini R Sehgal
- From the Center for Value Based Care Research, Medicine Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, the Department of Health Promotion and Human Performance, Jerry & Vickie Moyes College of Education, Weber State University, Ogden, Utah, Veterans Services and Programs, Cuyahoga Community College, Cleveland, Ohio, the Department of Medicine, Louis Stokes Cleveland Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, and the Center for Reducing Health Disparities, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - David C Aron
- From the Center for Value Based Care Research, Medicine Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, the Department of Health Promotion and Human Performance, Jerry & Vickie Moyes College of Education, Weber State University, Ogden, Utah, Veterans Services and Programs, Cuyahoga Community College, Cleveland, Ohio, the Department of Medicine, Louis Stokes Cleveland Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, and the Center for Reducing Health Disparities, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
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Pedersen ER, Helmuth ED, Marshall GN, Schell TL, PunKay M, Kurz J. Using facebook to recruit young adult veterans: online mental health research. JMIR Res Protoc 2015; 4:e63. [PMID: 26033209 PMCID: PMC4526897 DOI: 10.2196/resprot.3996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2014] [Revised: 03/09/2015] [Accepted: 03/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Veteran research has primarily been conducted with clinical samples and those already involved in health care systems, but much is to be learned about veterans in the community. Facebook is a novel yet largely unexplored avenue for recruiting veteran participants for epidemiological and clinical studies. OBJECTIVE In this study, we utilized Facebook to recruit a sample of young adult veterans for the first phase of an online alcohol intervention study. We describe the successful Facebook recruitment process, including data collection from over 1000 veteran participants in approximately 3 weeks, procedures to verify participation eligibility, and comparison of our sample with nationally available norms. METHODS Participants were young adult veterans aged 18-34 recruited through Facebook as part of a large study to document normative drinking behavior among a large community sample of veterans. Facebook ads were targeted toward young veterans to collect information on demographics and military characteristics, health behaviors, mental health, and health care utilization. RESULTS We obtained a sample of 1023 verified veteran participants over a period of 24 days for the advertising price of approximately US $7.05 per verified veteran participant. Our recruitment strategy yielded a sample similar to the US population of young adult veterans in most demographic areas except for race/ethnicity and previous branch of service, which when we weighted the sample on race/ethnicity and branch a sample better matched with the population data was obtained. The Facebook sample recruited veterans who were engaged in a variety of risky health behaviors such as binge drinking and marijuana use. One fourth of veterans had never since discharge been to an appointment for physical health care and about half had attended an appointment for service compensation review. Only half had attended any appointment for a mental health concern at any clinic or hospital. Despite more than half screening positive for current probable mental health disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, only about 1 in 3 received mental health care in the past year and only 1 in 50 received such care within the past month. CONCLUSIONS This work expands on the work of other studies that have examined clinical samples of veterans only and suggests Facebook can be an adequate method of obtaining samples of veterans in need of care. TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02187887; http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02187887 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6YiUKRsXY).
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric R Pedersen
- RAND, Department of Behavioral and Policy Sciences, Santa Monica, CA, United States.
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Schreiber M, McEnany GP. Stigma, American military personnel and mental health care: challenges from Iraq and Afghanistan. J Ment Health 2015; 24:54-9. [DOI: 10.3109/09638237.2014.971147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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