Exploring the importance of predisposing, enabling, and need factors for promoting Veteran engagement in mental health therapy for post-traumatic stress: A multiple methods study
Research Report:
Research SummaryAPA Citation:
Shepherd-Banigan, M., Shapiro, A., Stechuchak, K. M., Sheahan, K. L., Ackland, P. E., Smith, V. A., …Van Houtven, C. H. (2023). Exploring the importance of predisposing, enabling, and need factors for promoting veteran engagement in mental health therapy for post-traumatic stress: A multiple methods study. BMC Psychiatry, 23, Article 372. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-023-04840-7
Abstract Created by REACH:
This mixed-methods study sought to identify the salient factors that contribute to Veterans’ engagement in therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), using the Andersen behavioral model of health service utilization as a guiding framework. 1,237 Veterans’ predisposing characteristics (e.g., gender, race), enabling resources (e.g., financial resources, marital status), and need factors (e.g., comorbid diagnoses) were examined in relation to the Veterans’ engagement with PTSD treatment. Data from Veterans Affairs (VA) health records, as well as surveys completed by a support partner of the Veteran (i.e., family member or friend) were used. A separate sample of Veterans (n = 18) and their support partners (n = 13) were interviewed for additional insights. Overall, Veterans’ need for services, attitudes toward treatment, and social support drove their engagement in therapy.
Focus:
Mental health
Veterans
Branch of Service:
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Veteran
Subject Affiliation:
Veteran
Spouse of service member or veteran
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
Methodology:
Qualitative Study
Authors:
Shepherd-Banigan, Megan, Shapiro, Abigail, Stechuchak, Karen M., Sheahan, Kate L., Ackland, Princess E., Smith, Valerie A., Bokhour, Barbara G., Glynn, Shirley M., Calhoun, Patrick S., Edelman, David, Weidenbacher, Hollis J., Eldridge, Madeleine R., Van Houtven, Courtney H.
Abstract:
This study explored Veteran and family member perspectives on factors that drive post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) therapy engagement within constructs of the Andersen model of behavioral health service utilization. Despite efforts by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to increase mental health care access, the proportion of Veterans with PTSD who engage in PTSD therapy remains low. Support for therapy from family members and friends could improve Veteran therapy use.
Publication Type:
Article
REACH Publication
Keywords:
PTSD, care utilization, family support, multiple methods
REACH Publication Type:
Research Summary
REACH Newsletter: