Introduction
The veteran community in the United States is a distinct demographic with specific healthcare needs shaped by their time in the armed forces. Various factors, including physical, mental, and service accessibility challenges, influence these needs. Veterans’ interactions with the healthcare system are greatly influenced by their culture, customs, and unique healthcare views and practices. Understanding these elements is crucial for providing effective and comprehensive care to this population.
Culture and Traditions
The veteran community’s culture is deeply influenced by the values and traditions instilled during military service, like discipline, loyalty, and honor. Important events, such as Veterans Day celebrations, and customs, such as saluting, are significant in their lives, helping them maintain a strong sense of identity even after leaving the service (Balmer et al., 2021). Studies indicate that these shared experiences create a tight-knit community among veterans, fostering a sense of belonging (Balmer et al., 2021). This sense of unity often extends to veteran organizations such as the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (Betancourt et al., 2021). They offer support networks and constantly advocate for veteran-related issues.
Specific Healthcare Beliefs and Practices
Veterans often carry with them healthcare beliefs and practices shaped by their military service. One prominent belief is the importance of resilience and self-reliance, which stem from the rigorous training and demands of military life. While this can be a strength, it may also lead to reluctance to seek medical help, as veterans might prioritize mission completion over personal health (Randles & Finnegan, 2022).
Another significant aspect is the acceptance of routine medical examinations and vaccinations, a practice ingrained during their service. However, there is also a notable mistrust of the healthcare system, particularly among older veterans who may have experienced subpar care in the past (Randles & Finnegan, 2022). This mistrust can be a barrier to accessing necessary healthcare services.
Unique Healthcare Needs
The healthcare requirements of veterans are diverse and distinctive. They often necessitate specialized care due to the physical and psychological tolls of military service. Notably, veterans exhibit a heightened prevalence of mental health concerns, particularly Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) (Randles & Finnegan, 2022). Factors such as exposure to combat, traumatic incidents, and the strains of military life can significantly exacerbate these issues.
Benedict et al. (2020) suggest that roughly 10-17% of veterans who have experienced combat deployments display symptoms of PTSD. Furthermore, many veterans grapple with injuries stemming from their service, encompassing musculoskeletal disorders, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), and persistent pain (Balmer et al., 2021). These health challenges are often a result of the physical demands of training and combat, coupled with exposure to hazardous environments.
As a result of their physical and mental state, substance abuse, particularly alcohol and prescription medications, is prevalent among veterans. This is often a coping mechanism for dealing with physical pain and psychological distress. In this context, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) developed various substance abuse treatment programs tailored to veterans (Randles & Finnegan, 2022).
Unfortunately, despite the availability of VA healthcare services, access remains a significant issue. Veterans in rural areas face challenges in accessing VA facilities, and lengthy appointment wait times can impede timely medical care (Randles & Finnegan, 2022). Although telehealth services are utilized to bridge this gap, more efforts are needed to ensure comprehensive access.
Conclusion
The healthcare needs of the veteran population are unique and thus demand a customized approach. Understanding veterans’ culture and customs, as well as their distinctive healthcare beliefs and practices, is critical for providing successful treatment. It is imperative to address the distinct psychological, physiological, and healthcare-access-related obstacles veterans face to enhance their overall health and well-being. One can more effectively support the veteran population in achieving optimal health outcomes by creating a hospital environment that honors their service and addresses their specific needs.
References
Balmer, B. R., Sippola, J., & Beehler, S. (2021). Processes and outcomes of a communalization of trauma approach: Vets & Friends community‐based support groups. Journal of Community Psychology, 49(7), 2764-2780.
Benedict, T. M., Keenan, P. G., Nitz, A. J., & Moeller-Bertram, T. (2020). Post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms contribute to worse pain and health outcomes in veterans with PTSD compared to those without: A systematic review with meta-analysis. Military Medicine, 185(9-10).
Betancourt, J. A., Granados, P. S., Pacheco, G. J., Reagan, J., Shanmugam, R., Topinka, J. B., & Fulton, L. V. (2021). Exploring health outcomes for US veterans compared to non-veterans from 2003 to 2019. Healthcare, 9(5), 1-17.
Randles, R., & Finnegan, A. (2022). Veteran help-seeking behaviour for mental health issues: A systematic review. BMJ Mil Health, 168(1), 99-104.