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Hannold EM, Freytes IM, Bober J, Uphold CR. Post-Deployment Readjustment Needs of Puerto Rican OEF/OIF Veterans & Families. Paper presented at: AcademyHealth Annual Research Meeting; 2008 Jun 8; Washington, DC.
Research Objective: The objective of this study was to identify barriers that interfere with post-deployment readjustment, using the perspectives of Puerto Rican OEF/OIF veterans and their family. Furthermore, few studies have examined how families experience the readjustment process or how readjustment may differ across cultures. Puerto Rico has a military related community in excess of 100,000 adults. The needs of Puerto Rican veterans and families as they readjust within their homes and communities post-deployment are therefore highly relevant to VA care. Study Design: Qualitative methods were used to collect and analyze data from 17 participants (9 veterans, 8 family members). Data were obtained from single, in-depth interviews. Interviews were conducted in Spanish and were audio-taped. Interviews were transcribed verbatim in Spanish and then translated to English. All translated interviews were verified by another Spanish-speaking translator. Population Studied: The population studied was native-born Puerto Rican veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom and their family members. All participants were living in Puerto Rico before and after deployment. Principal Findings: Unmet needs related to psychological services and benefits/compensation programs were prominent themes to emerge from the data. A primary theme was access to readjustment counseling services and a need for immediate psychological evaluations for soldiers post-deployment. Data also indicated the need for greater frequency of counseling sessions, and services offered in 3 formats -- individual and couples counseling, and support groups for veterans/families. Barriers to counseling services included costs for veterans/families living outside San Juan, and the culturally influenced stigma surrounding mental illness. Data also indicated the need for improved education regarding VA benefits/compensation programs, processes and regulations, including the assignment of service-connected disability. Conclusions: Findings support the need for comprehensive transition programs/services to facilitate the post-deployment readjustment of veterans/families living in Puerto Rico. Specifically, increased access to readjustment counseling services outside San Juan, and increased education regarding VA benefits/compensation programs are indicated. Implications for Policy, Delivery, or Practice: Findings will lead to culturally appropriate interventions and programs to assist veterans/families with home and community readjustment post-deployment. Findings led to another funded study in which readjustment-related education materials in Spanish were developed for Puerto Rican veterans/families.
