Publication

Understanding Women's Transitions from Military to Department of Veterans Affairs Care

Mattocks, Kristin M
Shenette, Lisa L
Walker, Lorrie
Maher, Nancy
Haskell, Sally
Citations
Altmetric:
Student Authors
Faculty Advisor
Academic Program
Document Type
Journal Article
Publication Date
2024-06-05
Subject Area
Embargo Expiration Date
Abstract

Background: Over the past two decades, increasing numbers of women have served in the military, with women now comprising 17.3% of active-duty personnel and 21.4% of National Guard and reserves. During military service, women often incur painful musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries related to carrying heavy loads and wearing ill-fitting gear. While women may receive initial care for these injuries under the auspices of the Department of Defense (DoD), these injuries often linger and further treatment in required as women transition to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) care. However, little is known about this transition process, and whether women are given adequate information and support regarding how to access VA care after their military service has ended. Research Design: To better understand these issues, we interviewed 65 women veterans with military service-related MSK injuries about their transition from DoD to VA care. Results: Six major themes emerged from the interviews. Those themes were: (1) Military injuries are often related to ill-fitting gear or carrying heavy loads; (2) Stigma/discrimination related to military injuries; (3) Limited assistance with transition between DoD and VA to manage ongoing injuries and pain; (4) Women have a difficult time managing perceptions and expectations of their weight after military service; (5) Childcare is a substantial burden for veterans in self-care; and (6) veterans desire peer-support services to help them stay healthy. Conclusions: Based on these findings, DoD and VA should continue to work together to develop programs to educate and support women as they transition from military to VA care. Furthermore, VA should consider developing peer support programs for women Veterans who may require additional support to maintain health, especially among Veteran mothers who have complex family responsibilities that may limit their ability to focus on their own health.

Source

Mattocks KM, Shenette LL, Walker L, Maher N, Haskell S. Understanding Women's Transitions from Military to Department of Veterans Affairs Care. J Womens Health (Larchmt). 2024 Sep;33(9):1185-1197. doi: 10.1089/jwh.2024.0022. Epub 2024 Jun 5. PMID: 38836756.

Year of Medical School at Time of Visit
Sponsors
Dates of Travel
DOI
10.1089/jwh.2024.0022
PubMed ID
38836756
Other Identifiers
Notes
Funding and Acknowledgements
Corresponding Author
Related Resources
Related Resources
Repository Citation
Rights
Copyright 2024, Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers.
Distribution License