Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 1, 2025
06:55
Inverse Probability of Treatment Weighting Propensity Score using the Military Health System Data Repository and National Death Index
Published on: January 8, 2020
14.5K
'One Is Too Many' preventing self-harm and suicide in military veterans: a quantitative evaluation
Alan Finnegan1, K Salem2, L Ainsworth-Moore2
1Westminster Centre for Research in Veterans, University of Chester, Chester, UK a.finnegan@chester.ac.uk.
BMJ Military Health
|March 5, 2024
Summary
This study shows that therapeutic and social prescribing interventions significantly reduced depression and anxiety in veterans. These programs helped veterans cope with trauma, improve social connections, and access vital support, potentially lowering suicide risk.
Area of Science:
- Military Health
- Psychiatry
- Public Health Interventions
Background:
- £2 million allocated by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust for suicide prevention programs.
- Programs involved psychotherapeutic interventions, group activities, social prescribing, peer support, life skills coaching, education, and practical assistance.
- Evaluation conducted from August 2021 to July 2023.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of suicide prevention programs for veterans.
- To assess changes in mental health, situational stressors, and social engagement.
- To identify effective intervention strategies for veteran support.
Main Methods:
- Survey administered to 503 participants at entry and 423 at exit.
- Collected data on demographics, military history, health, stressors, symptoms, help-seeking, social engagement, housing, and employment.
- Utilized validated psychometric questionnaires.
Main Results:
- Reductions observed in situational stressors, symptoms, and mental health illnesses.
- 76% of participants completed an Operational Tour; 77% experienced trauma during service.
- 49% delayed seeking help; 36% self-referred, highlighting the need for accessible options.
- Improvements noted in social networking, activities, club membership, and perceived social support.
- Low female participant representation (4%) indicates a need for targeted female veteran initiatives.
Conclusions:
- Interventions lowered depression, anxiety, and stressors, potentially reducing self-harm and suicide risk.
- Provided veterans and families with an additional support and care option.
- Established a foundation for collaborative partnerships between delivery organizations and authorities.
- Results offer pathways for prevention and intervention strategies for policymakers and healthcare professionals.
