We’re Stronger Together: A Collaboration to Support Military Families During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Author:

Urbieta Dehussa A1,Akin Jennifer L2,Hamilton Wendy M3,Brock Whitney W1,Yablonsky Abigail Marter1

Affiliation:

1. Directorate for Professional Education, Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command San Diego, San Diego, CA 92134, USA

2. Applied Research Team, Blue Star Families, Encinitas, CA 92023, USA

3. Department of Inpatient Services, Evans Community Army Hospital, Fort Carson, CO 80913, USA

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic has created challenges for every segment of the U.S. population, including military personnel and their families. The TriService Nursing Research Program’s Military Family Research Interest Group (FIG) formed a collaboration with Blue Star Families, a civilian non-profit organization, to identify potential issues faced by military families during the pandemic. Data Collection Methods The Pain Points Poll was introduced online by Blue Star Families, and findings were aggregated weekly between March 18 and May 26, 2020. Volunteer poll respondents were mainly recruited through social media outreach. FIG-informed questions were incorporated in week 4 of polling and focused on workplace environment, financial health, social support, physical and mental health, child behavior, utilization of family care plans, and general well-being. Data were collected to gain real-time insights into the major challenges posed by the pandemic. Findings from FIG-informed questions were collaboratively reviewed and analyzed by FIG and BSF teams. Data-driven recommendations were made to stakeholders to improve processes and reprioritize investments for services that aim to alleviate the impact of COVID-19 on military families. Findings A total of 2,895 military family units (i.e., service members and spouses) responded to the poll, a majority of which (88%) represented active duty family units. Although the majority of families (range: 59%-69%) noted no impact to their finances, approximately one in five families endorsed dipping into their savings during the pandemic. A majority of respondents (69.5%) reported taking active measures to support their mental health, endorsing various strategies. Among parents of special needs children, 45% of active duty families and 60% of single-parent service members reported the inability to maintain continued services for their children. A majority of parents with school-aged children (65%) reported child behavioral changes due to their child’s inability to socialize with peers. Among military service members, 41% were concerned about obtaining fair performance evaluations during the crisis. Conclusions The COVID-19 pandemic produced significant challenges for military families. Collaboration between military and civilian partners can inform policies and appropriate strategies to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 for military families. The findings presented here provide insight into areas where military families can be supported for optimal outcomes during unprecedented times.

Funder

Booz Allen Hamilton

United Services Automobile Association

Publisher

Oxford University Press (OUP)

Subject

Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health,General Medicine

Reference38 articles.

1. 2019 military family lifestyle survey comprehensive report;Blue Star Families

2. Department of Defense guidance on the use of cloth face coverings;Secretary of Defense,2020

3. Department of Defense travel restrictions for DoD components in response to coronavirus disease 2019;Secretary of Defense,2020

4. Pain Points Poll qualitative report: impact of stop movement order on PCS moves;COVID-19 Military Support Initiative,2020

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