Exploring veteran identity and health services use among Native American veterans.
Mil Med
; 170(9): 782-6, 2005 Sep.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-16261984
ABSTRACT
The objectives of this study were to describe the military experiences of Native American veterans and to explore how factors related to veteran identity influence their use of health services. Study participants completed a demographic and health questionnaire, followed by participation in a focus group session. The findings revealed that, despite their negative experiences during military service, most participants had a positive veteran identity. Almost 46% of participants reported having a service-related illness or injury. Almost one-third (28.2%) used the Indian Health Service (IHS) exclusively for their health care, followed by those who used both IHS and Veterans Affairs (VA) services (23.5%), followed by VA-only users (21.2%). We conclude that Native American veterans highly identify with their military service but may turn to IHS for their medical care. The data support the current VA policy of strengthening coordination with the IHS to ensure that the medical needs of Native American veterans are addressed.
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Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Social Identification
/
Veterans
/
Indians, North American
/
Health Services
/
Military Medicine
/
Military Personnel
Type of study:
Prognostic_studies
/
Qualitative_research
Aspects:
Determinantes_sociais_saude
/
Patient_preference
Limits:
Aged
/
Humans
/
Middle aged
Country/Region as subject:
America do norte
Language:
En
Journal:
Mil Med
Year:
2005
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
United States