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Postdeployment, Self‐Reporting of Mental Health Problems, and Barriers to Care
Author(s) -
Visco Rosanne
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
perspectives in psychiatric care
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.538
H-Index - 35
eISSN - 1744-6163
pISSN - 0031-5990
DOI - 10.1111/j.1744-6163.2009.00227.x
Subject(s) - active duty , mental health , outreach , psychiatry , duty , psychology , medicine , military personnel , philosophy , theology , political science , law
PURPOSE. This study explored the relationship between self‐reported mental health symptoms and help‐seeking behaviors of active‐duty Air Force members. DESIGN AND METHODS. Mixed‐methods approach reviewed 200 postdeployment surveys from active‐duty members assigned to Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, USA. Chi‐square analysis examined significance between self‐reporting mental health problems and accessing treatment. FINDINGS. As the rate of self‐reported mental health symptoms increased, active‐duty members were less inclined to seek help. There were inconsistencies among gender for self‐reporting and accessing services. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS. Air Force psychiatric nurses need to be at the forefront of outreach services when treating combat‐stressed troops.