The Lived Experience of Female Veterans Deployed to the Gulf War II

Conard, Patricia L.; Tilley, Donna Scott

doi:10.1111/nuf.12097

Cited by 5 publications

(15 citation statements)

References 42 publications

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“…An additional commonality between all studies was the report of military sexual trauma. The women in these studies who experienced PTSD symptoms were more likely to have also suffered from military sexual trauma 34 35 37 39…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 91%

“…The concept of ‘bringing the war home’, as articulated by Conard and Tilley,34 was evident in seven of the papers reviewed. Although this is also pervasive to many of the themes below, this is summarised here as trauma-related difficulties.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Three studies used phenomenological approaches34 35 37 where the emphasis was on describing the lived experiences of female veterans and how they made sense of their transitions, adjustments and psychological well-being post forces. Grounded Theory analysis was adopted for another three studies31 38 39 where the findings offered more of an insight into the coping strategies and reconstructions of self, enhancing understanding of female veterans’ experiences and providing a meaningful guide to future research and implementation.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In particular, PTSD symptoms such as hypervigilance/hyperarousal, depression and, less prevalent, anger were reported. These came alongside the experience of living in constant fear of harm’s way or being ‘triggered’ into traumatic response in front of, or by, particular family members 34. An additional commonality between all studies was the report of military sexual trauma.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Many female veterans were concerned about their career prospects post forces 34. What once was a structured routine job in the military was now a mundane way of employability where neither gratification nor reward was anticipated by the female veterans 36.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 4 more Smart Citations

The psychological health and well-being experiences of female military veterans: a systematic review of the qualitative literature

Jones

Hanley²

2017

J R Army Med Corps

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 91%

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 3 more Smart Citations

The psychological health and well-being experiences of female military veterans: a systematic review of the qualitative literature

Jones

Hanley²

2017

J R Army Med Corps

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Women of the Gulf War: Understanding Their Military and Health Experiences Over 30 Years

et al. 2022

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Introduction Women Veterans of the Persian Gulf War (GW) expanded the military roles they had filled in previous military eras, with some women engaging in direct combat for the first time. Many GW service members, including women, had unique combat exposures to hazardous agents during deployment, which might have contributed to the development of chronic health problems. This study aims to understand the experiences of women GW Veterans (GWVs) as it is related to their military service and subsequent health in order to better inform and improve their clinical care. Materials and Methods We conducted in-depth interviews with 10 women GWVs to understand their experiences and perspectives about how their military service in the Gulf has impacted their lives and health. We used an integrated approach of content analysis and inductive thematic analysis to interpret interview data. Results Besides having many of the same war-related exposures as men, women faced additional challenges in a military that was inadequately prepared to accommodate them, and they felt disadvantaged as women within the military and local culture. After service, participants had emergent physical and mental health concerns, which they described as developing into chronic and complex conditions, affecting their relationships and careers. While seeking care and service connection at Veterans Health Administration (VA), women voiced frustration over claim denials and feeling dismissed. They provided suggestions of how VA services could be improved for women and GWVs. Participants found some nonpharmacological approaches for symptom management and coping strategies to be helpful. Conclusions Women in the GW encountered challenges in military and healthcare systems that were inadequately prepared to address their needs. Women faced chronic health conditions common to GWV and voiced the desire to be understood as a cohort with unique needs. There is an ongoing need to expand services within the VA for women GWVs, particularly involving psychosocial support and management of chronic illness. While the small sample size can limit generalizability, the nature of these in-depth, minimally guided interviews provides a rich narrative of the women GWVs in this geographically diverse sample.

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Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study of Military Nursing Officers

2019

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Background Nurses working in military trauma teams often work in hostile and remote locations. They are faced with the burden of carrying out their duties while ensuring the safety of their patients and themselves in areas of conflict and humanitarian crisis. The stories and experiences of military nurses often go untold. In a phenomenological study, six Australian Defence Force Nursing Officers share their stories of working as members of military trauma teams. Objectives The aim of this study was to gain an understanding of the lived experiences of nursing officers when working as a member of a military trauma team. Methods A hermeneutic phenomenological approach was used to conduct this research. In-depth interviews were conducted with six participants. Results The following themes were identified: telling their stories; the role—who we are and what we do; the environment—it is so different; training—will it ever fully prepare you; working in teams—there’s no “I” in team; and leadership—will the real leader please stand up! Discussion This study has provided an insight into the experiences of six Australian military nurses working in trauma teams—experiences that were rarely given voice outside the military. Central to this experience is the need to have these stories told.

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The Lived Experience of Female Veterans Deployed to the Gulf War II

Abstract: Early detection and assessment is crucial to providing interventions to military veterans to reduce the invisible wound of war, posttraumatic stress disorder, and ultimately increase the quality of life.

Cited by 5 publications

References 42 publications

The psychological health and well-being experiences of female military veterans: a systematic review of the qualitative literature

The psychological health and well-being experiences of female military veterans: a systematic review of the qualitative literature

Women of the Gulf War: Understanding Their Military and Health Experiences Over 30 Years

Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study of Military Nursing Officers

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