1
|
Bowdring MA, Macia KS, Shaffer PM, Smelson D, Blonigen DM. Criminogenic Needs and Legal Problem Severity Among Legal System Involved Veterans. Mil Med 2024; 189:e1544-e1551. [PMID: 38140960 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usad472] [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: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many veterans seeking behavioral health services have history of criminal-legal involvement. Research on criminogenic needs of legal system involved veterans is burgeoning. However, most research has relied on cross-sectional examinations and the vast majority of prior work has focused assessment on just one criminogenic need per study. METHODS The present study evaluated seven key criminogenic needs of legal system involved veterans (N = 341) enrolled in one of three U.S. Veterans Health Administration residential behavioral health treatment programs. Criminogenic needs and legal problem severity were assessed at baseline, and at 6 months and 12 months post-baseline. Directionality of associations between participants' criminogenic needs and legal problem severity was examined using latent change score models. RESULTS Results revealed having more antisocial associates at a previous timepoint was associated with greater subsequent improvements in legal problem severity ($\beta $=-0.01, P < 0.02) and greater improvements in legal problem severity predicted greater subsequent improvements in alcohol problem severity ($\beta $=0.13, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS In one of the most comprehensive single-study assessments of criminogenic needs among a sample of legal system involved veterans, results highlight links between antisocial associates and alcohol problem severity with legal problem severity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Molly A Bowdring
- Stanford Prevention Research Center, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Kathryn S Macia
- National Center for PTSD Dissemination and Training Division, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Paige M Shaffer
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
- VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA 01730, USA
| | - David Smelson
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
- VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA 01730, USA
| | - Daniel M Blonigen
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- HSR&D Center for Innovation to Implementation, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Alruwaili A, Khorram-Manesh A, Ratnayake A, Robinson Y, Goniewicz K. Supporting the Frontlines: A Scoping Review Addressing the Health Challenges of Military Personnel and Veterans. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:2870. [PMID: 37958012 PMCID: PMC10648823 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11212870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Military personnel and veterans meet unique health challenges that stem from the complex interplay of their service experiences, the nature of warfare, and their interactions with both military and civilian healthcare systems. This study aims to examine the myriad of injuries and medical conditions specific to this population, encompassing physical and psychological traumas. (2) Methods: A scoping review (systematic search and non-systematic review) was performed to evaluate the current landscape of military healthcare. (3) Results: A significant change in the injury profile over time is identified, linked to shifts in combat strategies and the integration of advanced technologies in warfare. Environmental exposures to diverse chemical or natural agents further complicate the health of service members. Additionally, the stressors they face, ranging from routine stress to traumatic experiences, lead to various mental health challenges. A major concern is the gap in healthcare accessibility and quality, worsened by challenges in the civilian healthcare system's capacity to address these unique needs and the military healthcare system's limitations. (4) Conclusions: This review underscores the need for holistic, integrated approaches to care, rigorous research, and targeted interventions to better serve the health needs of military personnel and veterans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah Alruwaili
- Department of Emergency Medical Services, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Al Ahsa 36428, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Al Ahsa 36428, Saudi Arabia
- Ministry of National Guard—Health Affairs, Al Ahsa 36428, Saudi Arabia
- School of Health, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2350, Australia
| | - Amir Khorram-Manesh
- Department of Surgery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 413 45 Goteborg, Sweden;
- Centre for Disaster Medicine, University of Gothenburg, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden;
- Gothenburg Emergency Medicine Research Group (GEMREG), Sahlgrenska University Hospital, 413 05 Goteborg, Sweden
| | - Amila Ratnayake
- Department of Surgery, Army Hospital Colombo, Colombo 00800, Sri Lanka;
| | - Yohan Robinson
- Centre for Disaster Medicine, University of Gothenburg, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden;
- Swedish Armed Forces Centre for Defence Medicine, 426 05 Västra Frölunda, Sweden
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Tao F, Lee CT, Castelan E, Cheney AM. Social determinants of health among noncitizen deported US veterans: A participatory action study. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0002190. [PMID: 37531350 PMCID: PMC10396001 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
This qualitative study examines the social determinants of health among noncitizen deported United States veterans. We utilized Photovoice, a participatory action research method used to inform structural level change, with 12 veterans. Audio-recorded semi-structured interviews explored photos and discussed deportation's effects on veteran health. We performed rapid template and matrix analysis of interview transcripts. Interviews were conducted in Tijuana, Mexico from December 2018 to January 2019. Study findings show that veterans prioritize returning to the United States to improve their quality of life. Analysis of photos and narrative text indicated that deportation caused social, economic, and political insecurities. Veterans struggled to maintain access to necessities post-deportation. Disrupted social networks compounded their situation, resulting in chronic stress and poor health outcomes. The findings from this study offer insight into the ways deportation acts as a social determinant of health. The findings suggest modifying veteran reintegration programs, as well as reforming criminal justice and immigration laws, such as creating more Veteran Treatment Courts and allowing immigration judges to consider military history during deportation proceedings involving noncitizen veterans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Frances Tao
- Department of Family Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Cassidy T Lee
- School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona, A.T. Still University, Mesa, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Edgar Castelan
- California State Senate, Office of State Senator Connie M. Leyva, San Bernardino, California, United States of America
| | - Ann Marie Cheney
- Department of Social Medicine Population and Public Health, School of Medicine, University of California Riverside, Riverside, California, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Using Veterans Socials to Build a Community: Feasibility of the VOICES Intervention. Community Ment Health J 2022; 58:1544-1553. [PMID: 35524906 PMCID: PMC9077030 DOI: 10.1007/s10597-022-00969-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Increasing social connection and access to care has been found to decrease the rate of suicide in U.S. veterans. The Veteran Outreach Into the Community to Expand Social Support (VOICES) is an intervention developed by Department Veteran Affairs (VA) staff to improve social connection and provide information about services by implementing community-based Veterans Socials. Seventy veterans at eight locations completed an anonymous cross-sectional survey. This evaluation examined three domains, acceptability (i.e., perceived value), demand (i.e., estimated or actual use), and expansion (i.e., sustainability and increase of Veterans Socials across time and locations). Findings indicated considerable levels of acceptability, demand for, and expansion of this intervention. Additionally, data suggested this intervention may increase social connection and utilization of VA services among attendees.
Collapse
|
5
|
Brown BA, Goodman FR, Pietrzak RH, Rottenberg J. Psychological well-being in US veterans with non-fatal suicide attempts: A multi-cohort population-based study. J Affect Disord 2022; 314:34-43. [PMID: 35803391 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most people who survive suicide attempts neither re-attempt suicide nor die by suicide. Research on suicide attempt survivors has primarily focused on negative endpoints (e.g., increased suicide risk) rather than positive outcomes. One important outcome is psychological well-being (PWB), defined as positive functioning across emotional, intrapersonal, and interpersonal domains. We compared PWB among US military veterans with (i.e., attempt survivors) and without (i.e., non-attempters) a history of suicide attempt(s) using data from three nationally representative cohorts. METHODS Each US veteran cohort (Cohort1: N = 3148; Cohort2: N = 1474; Cohort3: N = 4042) completed measures of suicidality (e.g., attempt history), character strengths (e.g., curiosity, optimism), psychological symptoms (e.g., depression), and indicators of PWB (e.g., happiness). t-Tests were conducted to examine group differences in PWB; hierarchical regressions were conducted to examine suicide attempt status as a predictor of PWB controlling for symptoms and demographics. Multivariable regressions were conducted to identify predictors of PWB among attempt survivors. RESULTS In each cohort, reported PWB was markedly lower among suicide attempt survivors than non-attempters (ds = 0.9-1.2), even after adjusting for mental health symptoms. Individual differences in PWB were observed, with a subset of suicide attempt survivors reporting higher PWB levels than non-attempters (1.4-7.4 %). Curiosity and optimism were positively associated with PWB among suicide attempt survivors (rs = 0.60-0.78). LIMITATIONS Data were cross-sectional, limiting inferences about causation and directionality of associations. CONCLUSIONS Findings highlight diminished PWB as an important and understudied concern among veteran attempt survivors. Collectively, our findings underscore the importance of considering PWB in the research, assessment, and treatment of suicidality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Robert H Pietrzak
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for PTSD, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Cacace S, Smith EJ, Cramer RJ, Meca A, Desmarais SL. Military self-stigma as a mediator of the link between military identity and suicide risk. MILITARY PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/08995605.2021.1994329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sam Cacace
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
| | - Emily J. Smith
- Center for Family and Community Engagement, NC State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Robert J. Cramer
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
| | - Alan Meca
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Angel CM, Woldetsadik MA, Armstrong NJ, Young BB, Linsner RK, Maury RV, Pinter JM. The Enriched Life Scale (ELS): Development, exploratory factor analysis, and preliminary construct validity for U.S. military veteran and civilian samples. Transl Behav Med 2021; 10:278-291. [PMID: 30590831 DOI: 10.1093/tbm/iby109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The U.S. military veteran serving nonprofit, Team Red, White & Blue (RWB), defined an "enriched life" as having physical, mental, and emotional health; supportive relationships; and a sense of purpose. Until now, no corresponding measure of an "enriched life" existed for the purposes of clinical assessment and research. The primary objective of this study was to explore the psychometric properties of the Enriched Life Scale (ELS) in veteran and civilian samples. Our secondary objective was to examine differences in ELS scores in subgroups of veterans who had combat deployments and service-related injuries. Veteran thought leaders working with social scientists developed the ELS and implemented exploratory factor analysis to determine the underlying dimensions of the "enriched life" construct. One thousand one hundred and eighty-seven veterans and 598 civilians participated in the study. This article describes the development of the ELS, reliability, exploratory factor analysis, and preliminary construct validity. The final ELS had 40 items and consisted of five constructs that were labeled "Genuine Relationships"; "Sense of Purpose"; "Engaged Citizenship"; "Mental Health"; and "Physical Health." Measures had high internal consistency (α = 0.82-0.94). Civilians scored higher than veterans on every ELS item, subscales, and total score, with small to large effect size differences noted between groups. In the veteran subsample, individuals with combat experience scored lower on every ELS subscale than those without combat experience (small effect sizes), as did veterans with service-related injuries in comparison to those without them (small to large effect sizes). This article establishes preliminary psychometric properties of the ELS-a promising instrument to measure an enriched life. Further study is currently underway to establish confirmatory factor analyses and explore extending its usage to diverse military and civilian samples.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caroline M Angel
- Team Red, White and Blue, Tampa, FL, USA.,Eagle Research and Innovation Center, Team Red, White and Blue, Tampa, FL, USA.,The Institute for Veterans and Military Families, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | | | - Nicholas J Armstrong
- The Institute for Veterans and Military Families, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Brandon B Young
- Team Red, White and Blue, Tampa, FL, USA.,Eagle Research and Innovation Center, Team Red, White and Blue, Tampa, FL, USA.,Tennyson Center for Children, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Rachel K Linsner
- The Institute for Veterans and Military Families, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Rosalinda V Maury
- The Institute for Veterans and Military Families, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Meca A, Park H, Higgins J, Hamrick H, Webb T, Davies R, Golembiewski L, Bravo AJ, Kelley ML. The role of United States identity in adjustment among Veterans. MILITARY PSYCHOLOGY 2020; 32:408-416. [PMID: 38536242 PMCID: PMC10013209 DOI: 10.1080/08995605.2020.1802400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Given over 2.77 million US service members have been deployed in the past 20 years and the intense process of reintegration to civilian life, understanding factors that contribute to Veterans' mental health and substance use is critical. This study sought to understand the effects of US identity exploration, US identity commitment, US identity affirmation, and US identity centrality on substance use and symptoms of depression and anxiety. The sample consisted of 195 US military Veterans (n = 184, 53.3% women; 73.3% White; Mage = 35.12 years, SD = 9.60 years). Bivariate correlations indicated US identity affirmation was negatively associated with substance use and symptoms of depression and anxiety whereas US identity centrality was positively correlated with alcohol use. Utilizing structural equation model, US identity affirmation and US identity centrality were, respectively, negatively and positively associated with alcohol use, substance use, and symptoms of depression and anxiety. Partially consistent with our hypothesis, US identity exploration was positively associated with symptoms of anxiety. In contrast to our hypothesis, US identity commitment was not significantly associated with any outcome. Results are discussed in terms of important directions for identity research in the transition to civilian life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alan Meca
- Department of Psychology, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia
| | - HyeJung Park
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
| | - Jennise Higgins
- Department of Psychology, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia
| | - Hannah Hamrick
- Department of Psychology, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia
| | - Taylor Webb
- Department of Psychology, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia
| | - Rachel Davies
- Department of Psychology, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia
| | | | - Adrian J. Bravo
- Psychological Sciences, William & Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Weiss EL, Kranke D, Barmak SA. Military Veterans Serving as Volunteers: What Social Workers Need to Know. SOCIAL WORK 2020; 65:299-301. [PMID: 32710118 DOI: 10.1093/sw/swaa023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Revised: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Eugenia L Weiss
- is clinical professor of social work, Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California, 669 West 34th Street, MRF 201, Los Angeles, CA 90089
| | - Derrick Kranke
- is health science specialist, Veterans Emergency Management Evaluation Center (VEMEC), U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, North Hills, CA
| | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Whitworth J, Smet B, Anderson B. Reconceptualizing the U.S. Military’s Transition Assistance Program: The Success in Transition Model. JOURNAL OF VETERANS STUDIES 2020. [DOI: 10.21061/jvs.v6i1.144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
|
11
|
Angel CM, Woldetsadik MA, McDaniel JT, Armstrong NJ, Young BB, Linsner RK, Pinter JM. Confirmatory Factor Analysis of the Enriched Life Scale Among US Military Veterans. Front Psychol 2019; 10:2181. [PMID: 31681061 PMCID: PMC6797816 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The Enriched Life Scale (ELS) is a 40-item measure developed by the military veteran service organization, Team Red, White & Blue (RWB), to systematically capture and quantify the lived experiences of military veterans transitioning to civilian life. As Team RWB's mission is to "enrich veterans' lives," veterans who conceived of and co-developed the ELS as a psychometric instrument defined what an "enriched life" would entail. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) of the ELS revealed a five-factor structure capturing the domains of: physical health, mental health, genuine relationships, sense of purpose, and engaged citizenship. The goal of the current study was to use confirmatory factor analysis to validate the factor structure of the ELS in a sample of veterans not affiliated with Team RWB. We also sought to explore convergent validity with the Military to Civilian Questionnaire, a measure of military to civilian reintegration challenges. Five hundred and twenty-nine veterans participated in the study. We estimated three models, one-factor, four-factor, and five-factor model via maximum likelihood estimation with robust Huber-White standard errors. The five-factor model showed the best fit to the data (RMSEA = 0.05, CFI = 0.90, TLI = 0.90, SRMR = 0.06). Additionally, the five-factor model demonstrated convergent and discriminant validity, as well as internal consistency reliability (genuine relationships, α = 0.90; sense of purpose, α = 0.93; engaged citizenship, α = 0.89; mental health, α = 0.88; and physical health, α = 0.78). Overall, the ELS is a valid and reliable measure of veteran enrichment and could potentially be used in conjunction with diagnostic instruments that capture strain-related transition challenges (to include mental health disorders) to capture post-military service wellbeing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caroline M. Angel
- Team Red, White & Blue, Alexandria, VA, United States
- Reintegrative Health Initiative, Westfield, NJ, United States
- Institute for Veterans and Military Families, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, United States
| | | | - Justin T. McDaniel
- Department of Public Health and Recreation Professions, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, United States
| | - Nicholas J. Armstrong
- Institute for Veterans and Military Families, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, United States
| | - Brandon B. Young
- Team Red, White & Blue, Alexandria, VA, United States
- Reintegrative Health Initiative, Westfield, NJ, United States
- Tennyson Center for Children, Denver, CO, United States
| | - Rachel K. Linsner
- Institute for Veterans and Military Families, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, United States
| | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Matthieu MM, Meissen M, Scheinberg A, Dunn EM. Reasons Why Post–9/11 Era Veterans Continue to Volunteer After Their Military Service. JOURNAL OF HUMANISTIC PSYCHOLOGY 2019. [DOI: 10.1177/0022167819840850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
A myriad reasons exist as to why individuals volunteer to serve in the U.S. military. However, less is known about why these same veterans who have returned home choose to serve again in their communities. We aim to describe the lived experience of post–9/11 era veterans who shared their reasons for joining a civic service program after the completion of their military service. Narrative data from an observationally designed study of veterans ( N = 346) who completed a leadership and civic service program administered by a national nonprofit, was qualitatively analyzed. Findings reveal 15 distinct personal and professional reasons why veterans engage in civic service following the completion of their military service, with 84% of the veteran sample reporting wanting to continue to serve while 41% reporting that participating would aid in their employment transition from military to civilian life. Other personal reasons include wanting a sense of purpose (20%) and wanting to integrate and participate in a community (20%). The motivation to continue to serve is strong among those who have served in the military and offers implications for conducting research with community-based and federal programs for veterans, military service members, and their communities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monica M. Matthieu
- School of Social Work, College for Public Health and Social Justice, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Molly Meissen
- School of Social Work, College for Public Health and Social Justice, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Aaron Scheinberg
- School of Social Work, College for Public Health and Social Justice, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Elizabeth M. Dunn
- School of Social Work, College for Public Health and Social Justice, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
McDaniel JT, Thomas KH, Angel CM, Erwin MS, Nemec LP, Young BB, Armstrong NJ, Smith BP, Pinter JM. Regional differences in BMI, obesity, and exercise frequency in a large veteran service organization: A secondary analysis of new veteran member surveys from Team Red, White & Blue. Prev Med Rep 2018; 12:116-121. [PMID: 30233999 PMCID: PMC6140822 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2018.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Revised: 08/31/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of the present study was to examine regional differences in average self-reported BMI, obesity prevalence, and frequent exercise (FE) among members of Team Red, White, and Blue (Team RWB) – a military veteran service organization founded to increase physical activity in veterans. A total of 10,015 military veterans participated in a needs assessment conducted by Team RWB between December 2014 and August 2016. Multivariate regression analysis with bootstrapped coefficients revealed that: BMI was highest in the Midwest region (M = 28.282) of the United States, F(20, 9882) = 105.560, p < 0.001; obesity prevalence was highest in the Southcentral (32.300%) and Southeast (32.200%) regions, x2(9731) = 10,850, p < 0.001; and FE was most prevalent in the Mid-Atlantic region (67.3%), x2(9882) = 11,291, p < 0.001.The results of this study closely mirror results found in studies of the general population. A better understanding of the geographic distribution of these outcomes could guide the targeting of sub-populations for public health programs. In particular, Team Red, White & Blue community growth and other fitness based public health programs could be expanded to reach more veterans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Justin T. McDaniel
- College of Education and Human Services, Department of Public Health and Recreation Professions, Southern Illinois University, 475 Clocktower Drive, Mailcode 4632, Carbondale, IL 62901, United States of America
- Corresponding author.
| | - Kate H. Thomas
- College of Health Sciences, 9200 University Blvd., Charleston, SC 29406, United States of America
| | - Caroline M. Angel
- Team Red, White, and Blue, Institute for Veterans and Military Families, Syracuse University, 1110 W. Platt Street, Tampa, FL 33606, United States of America
| | - Michael S. Erwin
- Team Red, White, and Blue, The Positivity Project, Pinehurst, NC 28374, United States of America
| | - Louis P. Nemec
- Team Red, White & Blue, 1110 W. Platt Street, Tampa, FL 33606, United States of America
| | - Brandon B. Young
- Team Red, White & Blue, The Tennyson Center for Children, 2950 Tennyson Street, Denver, CO 80212, United States of America
| | - Nicholas J. Armstrong
- The Institute for Veterans and Military Families, Syracuse University, 150 Crouse Drive, Syracuse, NY 13244, United States of America
| | - Blayne P. Smith
- Team Red, White, and Blue, 1110 W. Platt St., Tampa, FL 33606, United States of America
| | - John M. Pinter
- Team Red, White, and Blue, 1110 W. Platt Street, Tampa, FL 33606, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|