Understanding the Mental Health Needs of a Community-Sample of UK Women Veterans

Hendrikx, Laura Josephine; Williamson, Charlotte; Baumann, Julia; Murphy, Dominic

doi:10.1177/10541373211070487

Cited by 9 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 67 publications

(78 reference statements)

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“…Participants of the current study were sampled from a wider cohort study that explored the health and wellbeing of UK female veterans (Hendrikx et al, 2021). The initial wider study used closed questions to explore barriers to seeking support for mental health difficulties during and after military service.…”

Section: Methods Participants and Settingmentioning

confidence: 99%

Exploring Barriers to Mental Health Treatment in the Female Veteran Population: A Qualitative Study

Graham

Murphy

Hendrikx

2022

Journal of Veterans Studies

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Although female veterans are a growing population, there remains limited research on their unique experiences specifically within the United Kingdom (UK). The limited data available indicates that female veterans are at increased risk of developing mental health disorders following their discharge from the military. However, female veterans make up a small proportion of those seeking mental health treatment. This study is the first qualitative study to explore the barriers faced by UK female veterans in accessing mental health treatment. The sample of the present study took part in a larger cohort study investigating the mental health needs of female veterans. A total of 61 female veterans responded to a qualitative item on the online survey that was investigating barriers they experienced in accessing mental health treatment compared to their male peers. Responses were analysed using thematic analysis to identify key themes in the data. Five key themes were identified: access barriers, lack of understanding from professionals, gender-related discrimination, mental health stigma, and sexual orientation-related discrimination. The current findings suggested that in addition to treatment-seeking barriers experienced more generally in the military, female veterans may face unique barriers to seeking support. With little veteran research focusing solely on the needs of women, further research is needed to better understand the barriers women face in seeking support. Further attention is also required to ensure such findings are practically implemented within veteran-specific and general mental health services.

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Section: Methods Participants and Settingmentioning

confidence: 99%

Exploring Barriers to Mental Health Treatment in the Female Veteran Population: A Qualitative Study

Graham

Murphy

Hendrikx

2022

Journal of Veterans Studies

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“…Eleven percent of the UK veteran population are of female sex and their military traumas can be different in origin [21]. Of these, 11% have PTSD with their traumas being different in origin from those of male veterans [22,23]. We aimed to determine whether our research protocol would also attract female participants to progress equality, diversity, and inclusion.…”

Section: Randomisation Stratification and Allocation Concealmentmentioning

confidence: 99%

Reconsolidation of traumatic memories protocol compared to trauma-focussed cognitive behaviour therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder in UK military veterans: a randomised controlled feasibility trial

Sturt,

Rogers,

Armour

et al. 2023

Pilot Feasibility Stud

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Background Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) occurs more commonly in military veterans than the general population. Whilst current therapies are effective, up to half of veterans commencing treatment do not complete it. Reconsolidation of Traumatic Memories (RTM) protocol is a novel, easy to train, talking therapy with promising findings. We examine the feasibility of undertaking an efficacy trial of RTM in veterans. Methods A parallel group, single-centre randomised controlled feasibility trial with a post-completion qualitative interview study. Sixty military veterans were randomised 2:1 to RTM (n = 35) or Trauma Focussed Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) (n = 25). We aimed to determine the rate of recruitment and retention, understand reasons for attrition, determine data quality and size of efficacy signal. We explored veterans’ perceptions of experiences of joining the trial, the research procedures and therapy, and design improvements for future veteran studies. Military veterans with a diagnosis of PTSD or complex PTSD, and clinically significant symptoms, were recruited between January 2020 and June 2021. Primary outcome was feasibility using pre-determined progression criteria alongside PTSD symptoms, with depression, recovery, and rehabilitation as secondary outcomes. Data were collected at baseline, 6, 12, and 20 weeks. Interviews (n = 15) were conducted after 20 weeks. Both therapies were delivered by trained charity sector provider therapists. Results Participants’ mean age was 53 years, the mean baseline PTSD symptoms score assessed by the Post-traumatic Stress Checklist (PCL-5) was 57 (range 0–80). Fifty had complex PTSD and 39 had experienced ≥ 4 traumas. Data were analysed at 20 weeks for feasibility outcomes (n = 60) and mental health outcomes (n = 45). Seven of eight progression criteria were met. The RTM group experienced a mean 18-point reduction on the PCL-5. TFCBT group participants experienced a mean reduction of eight points. Forty-eight percent of the RTM group no longer met diagnostic criteria for PTSD compared to 16% in the TFCBT group. All veterans reported largely positive experiences of the therapy and research procedures and ways to improve them. Conclusion RTM therapy remains a promising psychological intervention for the treatment of PTSD, including complex PTSD, in military veterans. With specific strengthening, the research protocol is fit for purpose in delivering an efficacy trial. Trial registration ISRCTN registration no 10314773 on 01.10.2019. Full trial protocol: available on request or downloadable at ISRCTN reg. no. 10314773.

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“…Data were collected as part of a wider study exploring the unique needs of female Veterans. 28 Troughout this article, the authors refer to female gender and not sex because, during data collection, participants were only asked to self-defne their gender. Ethical approval was granted by the Combat Stress ethics committee.…”

Section: Secondary Outcome: Physical and Mental Health Outcome Datamentioning

confidence: 99%

Exploring the impact of gender-specific challenges during and after military service on female UK Veterans

Baumann

Williamson

Murphy

2022

Journal of Military, Veteran and Family Health

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LAY SUMMARY Currently, research on the experiences and challenges of being female in the UK Armed Forces is lacking. The current study aimed to explore some of the challenges and obstacles women have experienced both during their military service and as Veterans. In total, 750 female Veterans from the army were surveyed on their experiences during their military service and as Veterans and on their current physical and mental health problems. The results indicate that women experience several gender-based challenges, such as sexism and discrimination, during military service and as Veterans, and these challenges are linked to current physical and mental health difficulties.

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Understanding the Mental Health Needs of a Community-Sample of UK Women Veterans

Cited by 9 publications

References 67 publications

Exploring Barriers to Mental Health Treatment in the Female Veteran Population: A Qualitative Study

Exploring Barriers to Mental Health Treatment in the Female Veteran Population: A Qualitative Study

Reconsolidation of traumatic memories protocol compared to trauma-focussed cognitive behaviour therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder in UK military veterans: a randomised controlled feasibility trial

Exploring the impact of gender-specific challenges during and after military service on female UK Veterans

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