title: Predictors of barriers to mental health treatment for Kosovo and Bosnia peacekeepers: a preliminary report.
abstract: In this study, we assessed basic, physical, and mental health needs of peacekeepers; determined barriers to mental health treatment; and examined predictors of barriers to mental health care. Active duty peacekeepers were surveyed before and after their deployment to Kosovo (n = 203) concerning their stress symptoms and attitudes about seeking mental health care after peacekeeping. Sixty-five peacekeepers were evaluated before and after their peacekeeping deployment to Bosnia. Upon returning from their mission, between 5% and 9% of Kosovo and Bosnia peacekeepers reported needing help for anger or hostility, depression, or deployment-related stress. The most frequently endorsed barrier was concern about the personal cost of mental health care. Among Kosovo peacekeepers, pre- and postdeployment post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms were the most robust predictors of mental health treatment barriers. Peacekeepers report a number of treatment needs and barriers that could prevent them from receiving care. The soldiers most in need of services are also those who report the most barriers to care.
authors.affiliation: VA Boston Healthcare System, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130, USA. Shira.Maguen@va.gov
authors.forename: Shira
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Maguen
authors.forename: Brett T
authors.initials: BT
authors.lastname: Litz
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D017522:Bosnia and Herzegovina; D003625:Data Collection; D005260:Female; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008889:Military Personnel; D015022:Yugoslavia