Further support for the families of Australia's war veterans requires a broad research strategy.
Vietnam veterans reported a high prevalence of health problems among their partners and children in a 1998 survey. Data about the effect of our veterans' war service on the health of their families are quite limited. These data are mainly from the Vietnam and Gulf Wars; cover veterans, partners and children independently; and largely focus on the individuals' medical conditions and risk factors. Australia should develop a broad research strategy that uses a wider definition of health, looks at veterans' families as a whole, and does so from a range of perspectives, including sociological, life-course and trans-generation perspectives. Preventive research should be emphasised, especially into enhancing resilience of veterans' families. The use and usefulness of current services should be evaluated, including whether they need to be more family-inclusive.
Peach
Hedley G
HG
Ballarat Base Hospital, PO Box 577, Ballarat, VIC 3353. hedleyp@bhs.grampianshealth.org.au
D000328:Adult; D001315:Australia; D002648:Child; D005190:Family; D006291:Health Policy / Q000639:trends; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000639:trends; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand / Q000706:statistics & numerical data* / Q000639:trends; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008603:Mental Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011314:Preventive Health Services / Q000639:trends; D012106:Research / Q000639:trends*; D014728:Veterans / Q000706:statistics & numerical data