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Online Interventions to Promote PTSD Treatment Engagement for a Community Sample of OEF/OIF/OND Reserve/National Guard and Active Component Servicewomen

Sadler AG, Mengeling M, Torner J, Booth B. Online Interventions to Promote PTSD Treatment Engagement for a Community Sample of OEF/OIF/OND Reserve/National Guard and Active Component Servicewomen. Paper presented at: International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies Annual Symposium; 2016 Nov 10; Dallas, TX.




Abstract:

This study explored whether online screening and tailored education (WEB-ED) about post-deployment mental health (MH) and readjustment conditions increases care activation in servicewomen. Participants included a community sample of 852 Operation Enduring Freedom/Iraqi Freedom/New Dawn (OEF/OIF/OND) active component (AC, n = 273) and Reserve and National Guard (RNG, n = 577) servicewomen returning from Iraq/Afghanistan deployment(s) within the preceding 3 years. Education was unique to each screener, e.g., what is PTSD, treatment options, resource links, and points-of-contact to their closest/preferred VA. Most (74%) experienced combat. Compared to RNG, AC more frequently acknowledged MST, PTSD, anger, IPV, family-readjustment, and prescription misuse but had similar rates of TBI and substance use disorder. "As a direct result of WEB-ED," 26% reported they would follow -up with a VA provider and 21% with a non-VA/DOD provider. Many (41%) indicated WEB-ED furnished new information and 39% believed their results printout made it easier to seek care. No differences in care activation or WEB-ED satisfaction were found by service-type. Online interventions show promise as accessible, cost-effective means of identifying post-deployment care needs, preferences, and barriers of servicewomen and in activating them to seek care. Baseline and 6 month follow-up data will be presented.





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