Abstract
Little research has examined factors associated with the utilization of outpatient health care services related to sexual
assault experiences. The Veterans Health Administration provides free outpatient treatment services to veterans who report
military sexual trauma (MST); this system provides a unique opportunity to examine factors related to the utilization of mental
health and non-mental health outpatient services by patients with sexual trauma. The current study examined sociodemographic,
military service factors, and primary diagnoses related to utilization and utilization intensity of MST-related care among
4,458 Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom Veterans in a 1-year period after reporting an experience of MST.
Of the veterans who reported MST, 75.9% received MST-related care. The most notable factor that influenced receipt and intensity
of MST-related care was gender, where male veterans used less care than female veterans. These results have important treatment
implications for both veteran and civilian sexual trauma survivors.
assault experiences. The Veterans Health Administration provides free outpatient treatment services to veterans who report
military sexual trauma (MST); this system provides a unique opportunity to examine factors related to the utilization of mental
health and non-mental health outpatient services by patients with sexual trauma. The current study examined sociodemographic,
military service factors, and primary diagnoses related to utilization and utilization intensity of MST-related care among
4,458 Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom Veterans in a 1-year period after reporting an experience of MST.
Of the veterans who reported MST, 75.9% received MST-related care. The most notable factor that influenced receipt and intensity
of MST-related care was gender, where male veterans used less care than female veterans. These results have important treatment
implications for both veteran and civilian sexual trauma survivors.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-14
- DOI 10.1007/s11414-012-9272-4
- Authors
- Jessica A. Turchik, National Center for PTSD, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, 795 Willow Road, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA
- Joanne Pavao, National Center for PTSD, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, 795 Willow Road, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA
- Jenny Hyun, National Center for PTSD, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, 795 Willow Road, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA
- Hanna Mark, National Center for PTSD, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, 795 Willow Road, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA
- Rachel Kimerling, National Center for PTSD, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, 795 Willow Road, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA
- Journal The Journal of Behavioral Health Services and Research
- Online ISSN 1556-3308
- Print ISSN 1094-3412