Examining Sex-Based Delays in Utilizing Advocacy Support Services Among Australian Military Veterans

Implications for Health Care Access and Suicide Prevention

Datos Bibliográficos

ID15465697
AutoresAndrew Prevett (0000-0002-5822-2939, Flinders University, autor de correspondencia), Martin Short (0000-0003-2764-8037, Charles Sturt University), Monica Short, M Morrissey (0000-0002-8864-1632, Charles Sturt University), Ben Wadham (0000-0003-1340-3485, Flinders University)
Año2024
Volumen21
Número11
Páginas1467-1467
Fecha de publicación2024-11-03
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 1661-7827 • E-ISSN: 1660-4601
EditorialMultidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3390/ijerph21111467
PMID39595734
OpenAlexW4404048305
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas1
Referencias citadas22

This study explores the impact of sex on delays experienced by Australian military veterans in accessing advocacy support services within the veterans' non-profit sector. A detailed analysis of intake records from 150 injured veterans who entered the Returned and Services League of Australia's advocacy program in 2021 reveals significant disparities between male and female veterans in seeking assistance. On average, male veterans delay accessing support by 20.4 years post-service, compared to 9.1 years for female veterans. These prolonged delays hinder veterans' ability to secure financial and medical support from the Department of Veterans' Affairs, limiting timely access to essential healthcare services. As a result, delays can exacerbate physical and psychological symptoms, impede recovery, and increase the risk of suicide. The findings provide valuable insights for international healthcare professionals on the influence of military culture and traditional masculine norms in shaping veterans' help-seeking behaviors. By understanding these dynamics, healthcare practitioners can develop targeted, sex-sensitive interventions that address specific barriers faced by male and female veterans. Ensuring timely access to advocacy support is crucial for improving health outcomes and reducing suicide risk in this vulnerable population

Health care · Injury prevention · Medical emergency · Occupational safety and health · Poison control · Political science · Psychiatry · Suicide prevention · Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health · Food Security and Health in Diverse Populations · Human Factors and Ergonomics · Medicine · Psychology · Suicide and Self-Harm Studies