Transitioning from military to civilian life: The Ohio story

Abstract

AbstractVeterans often experience difficulties transitioning from military to civilian life. This secondary qualitative analysis explored Ohio Veterans' and Veterans' health stakeholders priorities (N = 41) for care when transitioning from military to civilian life. Ten, 90‐minute focus groups were conducted. Barriers to becoming a civilian included not being adequately prepared for transition and being unable to access resources (e.g., “They [the military] prepare you for combat. Nobody prepares you for discharge; nobody tells you how to get care.”). Barriers to physical health focused on gaps in care (e.g., “it took all day to get care”). Mental health barriers included stigma and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD; e.g., “When I say Veteran what do you think? 'Homeless Vet' or a 'Ticking Time Bomb'”; “PTSD… let's talk about what it really is and reduce stigma”). Financial/educational barriers included the inability to afford healthcare co‐payments, delayed receipt of service‐connected disability, and educational benefits, (e.g., “[Veterans] will stop taking medications … because they have a bill or co‐pay they need to pay”). Policy makers, community leaders, and healthcare professionals can use these data to enhance programmes that facilitate Veterans transitioning from military to civilian life.