Creating a culture of equity for female veterans' mental health: Policy, programming, research, and practice considerations

Background/Significance

In the U.S., the female veteran population is expected to grow exponentially in forthcoming years, suggesting a greater demand on health systems to develop equitable approaches to address their needs. Despite increases in female veteran support services, they are confronted with challenges.  Female veterans are more likely to develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) than male veterans and are four times more likely to experience long-lasting PTSD than their male counterparts.  

Objective/Purpose

This presentation will summarize findings captured from a year-long study that evaluated challenges and identifed solutions to improve mental health and well-being for veteran subpopulations who experience vulnerabilities upon transitioning to civilian life.  Program and policy examples from mental health and transitional support sectors will be described. By the end of the session, participants will be able to identify opportunities to improve equitable mental health outcomes for female veterans based on recommended policy and program change strategies.

Methods

Information was gathered through a literature/media scan; key informant interviews; an advisory convening; attendance at local and national meetings; female veteran focus groups; and a national survey.

Results

Scan findings suggest that many female veterans are not finding sufficient gender-appropriate services and do not self-dentify as a veteran. A theme of bonding and connection was echoed by focus group participants even when the group experienced challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated occupation.

Discussion/Conclusions

Greater attention is needed to generate a national dialogue that engages female veterans, their families, military leaders, service-organizations, and policymakers to create the culture change needed to achieve greater equity for female veterans’ mental health.