BEHAVIORAL RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS OF VETERANS’ OUTCOMES
NIAA R01 AA031037 (PIs Davis & Pedersen)
The purpose of this study is to examine how experiences of discrimination and violence impact behavioral health and access to care among veterans, including symptoms like depression, PTSD, and alcohol use. In particular, we are interested in understanding how direct and indirect experiences of discrimination, racism, sexism, military sexual trauma or other experiences of sexual violence might affect behavioral health symptoms (like depression, post-traumatic stress, and alcohol use) and receipt of behavioral health care.
Addressing Increasing Diversity: The study is being conducted to understand and address the unique behavioral health needs of the increasingly diverse veteran population, particularly racial/ethnic minorities and women, who are underrepresented in research.
Overcoming Barriers to Care: The research seeks to uncover and address the barriers that prevent these veterans from accessing and utilizing behavioral health services, such as discrimination, longer wait times, lack of knowledge about benefits, and mistrust of providers.
Informing Policy and Intervention: By providing a comprehensive analysis of the factors contributing to behavioral health disparities, the study aims to inform targeted outreach, interventions, and policy efforts to improve behavioral health outcomes for racial/ethnic minority and women veterans.