Date of Conferral

2022

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Health

Advisor

Joseph Robare

Abstract

Texas veterans transitioning to civilian life have experienced health issues after discharge. There are processes to follow before seeking treatment or diagnosis for any health issue prior to military discharge. Given the gaps in the literature on veteran health, quality of life and transition to civilian life, scholars lack understanding of the transitional events that take place. Veteran health issues are impacted by medical appointment wait-times, day to day life events, and this can lead to decreased quality of life. The purpose of this mixed-methods study (N=36) was to evaluate veterans’ health related quality of life who had transitioned from military to civilian life. The environmental stress theory and the concurrent transformative design were used for this study. Data for this study were collected by using an online survey. Descriptive statistics and chi-square test were used to analyze quantitative data and qualitative data were analyzed thematically. Quantitative results indicated there is no significant difference in the relationship with transitioning from military service to civilian life with respect to the overall health-related quality of life (length of service in the military and general health). However, qualitative results indicated that veterans have concerns with transitioning from military service to civilian life. Findings indicated that adjustment to the norms of civilian life was hard for participants which affected their socialization within communities where transitioning grows more difficult. The results of this research can promote social change by informing agencies and government systems, such as postsecondary schools and the VA System, to better assist veterans as they transition from military service to civilian life to ensure a better quality of life.

Download

Share

 
COinS