Date of Conferral

2023

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Policy and Administration

Advisor

Steven Matarelli

Abstract

Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is a theoretical concept that intertwines physical, mental, emotional, and social functioning, with a focus on the impact that health status has on quality of life. Although sociodemographic factors are associated with lower HRQoL, how these factors influence HRQoL in military veterans is less understood. The study’s purpose was to examine the relationships between sociodemographic characteristics (gender, military pay grade, military branch, and geographic location) and perceived HRQoL measured by the SF-8 survey among veterans living in a metropolitan community in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. A cross-sectional recruitment study design yielded 90 participants. Linear regression was used to assess the predictive relationship between veterans’ sociodemographic characteristics and their self-reported HRQoL. An analysis of variance showed that the effect was not significantly different, R2 = .061, F(4, 81) =1.32, p = .270, 95% CI [-.263, .038]. Post hoc analyses indicated a trend toward significance for military pay grade (p =.094) and a significant predictive relationship for the Air Force military branch (p = .020) and HRQoL. Although this study identified relationships between the variables studied, there is much more to learn about how military service affects veterans' HRQoL. Positive social change may occur through the institution of (a) policy initiatives to capture HRQoL data during all veteran health encounters and (b) health initiatives to increase quality of life. By taking these actions, policy makers may be able to achieve the goals of greater health equity and improvements in veterans’ health status ascribed in the Healthy People 2030 initiatives and the Veterans Health Administration Health Equity Action Plan.

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