A computerized, tailored intervention to address behaviors associated with PTSD in veterans: rationale and design of STR(2)IVE.
Combat exposure among military personnel results in increased risk of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depression, substance use, and related health risks. PTSD symptoms require innovative approaches to promote effective coping postdeployment. PTSD's nature and scope requires an approach capable of integrating multiple health risks while reaching large populations. This article provides the rationale and approach to adapt and evaluate a Pro-Change computerized tailored intervention (CTI) targeted at behavioral sequelae (i.e., smoking, stress, and depression) for veterans with or at risk for PTSD. The three-phase approach includes: 1) focus groups to review and, subsequently, adapt content of the existing CTI programs; 2) usability testing; and 3) feasibility testing using a three-month pre-postdesign. Effective, theory-based, real-time, multiple behavior interventions targeting veterans' readiness to quit smoking, manage stress, and depression are warranted to provide potential health impact, opportunities for learning veteran-specific issues, and advance multiple health behavior change knowledge.
Pacific Health Research & Education Institute, 3375 Koapaka Street, Suite I-540, Honolulu, HI 96819 USA ; Department of Public Health Sciences, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, 1960 East-West Road, Honolulu, HI 96822 USA.
Patricia J
PJ
Jordan
Kerry E
KE
Evers
Katherine Y M
KY
Burke
Laurel A
LA
King
Claudio R
CR
Nigg
Computerized tailored interventions; Posttraumatic stress disorder; Transtheoretical model; Veterans