title: Unmet health services needs experienced by Puerto Rican OEF/OIF veterans and families post deployment.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study examined perceptions of unmet health services needs among native Puerto Rican Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF)/Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) Veterans and family members (FMs) post deployment.
  
  
  METHODS
  Investigators used qualitative methods to collect and analyze data from 8 veterans and 8 FMs (N = 16). All participants were native-born residents of Puerto Rico. Investigators conducted single, in-depth interviews with participants. They conducted 13/16 interviews in Spanish. Puerto Rican-Spanish speakers transcribed audio-taped interviews verbatim and then translated them into English for coding.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Veterans' unmet needs included psychological evaluations, mental health services, support groups, medical evaluations, and pain treatment. Denial and stigma emerged as factors that deter Veterans from seeking mental health treatment. The need for family support groups also emerged from the data.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Native Puerto Rican Veterans and FMs identified several gaps in health services. Findings suggest the need for studies comparing the health services needs of Puerto Rican versus mainland OEF/OIF Veterans and families.
authors.affiliation: Rehabilitation Outcomes Research Center Research Enhancement Award Program (REAP), 151-B, NF/SG VA Medical Center, 1601 SW Archer Road, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA.
authors.forename: Elizabeth M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Hannold
authors.forename: I Magaly
authors.initials: IM
authors.lastname: Freytes
authors.forename: Constance R
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Uphold
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D055826:Afghan Campaign 2001-; D005190:Family; D005260:Female; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D054542:Iraq War, 2003-2011; D008297:Male; D008605:Mental Health Services; D020380:Needs Assessment; D011647:Puerto Rico; D014728:Veterans