Bridging Disciplinary Boundaries (January 11 - 14, 2007)

Introduction: There were unique challenges faced by Vietnam War veterans due to the controversy and divisiveness surrounding the war. That cohort of veterans, when compared to other war cohorts, is also more susceptible to poorer physical and psychological health. There are estimates that over 150,000 veterans of the Vietnam War having committed suicide since returning home, a figure that is almost three times the number killed in the war (Lester, 2005); suicide rates for Vietnam War veterans are also higher than cohorts from other wars (Baker, 1984). When compared to other war cohorts, Vietnam War veterans also fare worse in health status and functioning, reporting more difficulties with specific activities of dialing living and instrumental activities of daily living than any other era veterans (Villa et al., 2002). This cohort of veterans' perception of a lack of support and discrimination from others, such as their family, society, and most importantly, the Veterans Administration (VA), because of their Vietnam service are cited reasons for this poorer health status (Marshall et al., 1998).Methods:The purpose of this study is to qualitatively understand how Vietnam War veterans' unique experience while serving and upon returning to the United States has affected this cohort of veterans and their view of the VA. Guided by grounded theory, content analysis was used to categorize the main emerging themes. There were eight focus groups, two of each racial group (European American, African American, Asian American, and Hispanic), each with ten to fifteen participants. This study examines the experiences of Vietnam War veterans and their utilization of healthcare services. Additionally, there was an examination of differences between the four racial/ethnic groups. Results: The main findings included a) demoralization upon returning due to the politics associated with the war, b) avoidance of Veterans Administration (e.g. hospitals) because of wanting to disassociate with being a veteran, c) negative experiences with the healthcare treatment at the VA Hospitals, and d) anger towards the VA and their treatment of veterans, and e) experience of racism while serving. While participants did acknowledge some of the advantages to serving (e.g. entitlement to VA services, GI Bill), the majority of comments were negative. Still so many years after the war, many expressed continuing anger and frustration with their treatment while serving and upon returning. Conclusion: In addition to the implications for Vietnam War veterans, these findings have important implications for current Iraqi war veterans as well. Similarities in the social experiences of these two war cohorts are discussed. Policy and program recommendations include increasing outreach and education efforts regarding the availability of benefits and services, and reemphasizing the importance of patient care. This study has implications for a broad number of disciplines, including public health, gerontology, psychology and social work. Understanding the long-term consequences of being a veteran and the importance of affirming veterans' service upon return may help in educating others about the mental health consequences of war and the necessary development of services for this population.