Examining Sex-Based Delays in Utilizing Advocacy Support Services Among Australian Military Veterans: Implications for Health Care Access and Suicide Prevention

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�...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of environmental research and public health 2024-11, Vol.21 (11), p.1467
Main Authors: Prevett, Andrew, Short, Monica, Morrissey, Maxwell, Wadham, Ben
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Advocacy
Australia
Female
Females
Health care access
Health Services Accessibility - statistics & numerical data
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Sex Factors
Suicidal ideation
Suicide Prevention
Suicides & suicide attempts
Veterans
Veterans - psychology
Veterans - statistics & numerical data
Citations: Items that this one cites
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Summary: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.
ISSN:1660-4601
1661-7827
1660-4601
DOI:10.3390/ijerph21111467