Stigma and Barriers to Mental Health Care in Deployed Canadian Forces Personnel |
| |
| Authors: | Kerry Sudom Mark Zamorski Bryan Garber |
| |
| Institution: | 1. Defence Research and Development Canada, Department of National Defence , Ottawa , Ontario , Canada kerry.sudom@forces.gc.ca;3. Canadian Forces Health Services Group Headquarters, Department of National Defence , Ottawa , Ontario , Canada |
| |
| Abstract: | Mental disorders are prevalent on deployed operations, but only a small fraction of those with problems access care due to a range of barriers. A survey measuring need for care, perceived barriers, and care-seeking propensity was administered to Canadian Forces personnel during deployment in Afghanistan. Complex characteristics of barriers to care on deployment were found: stigma had no association with care-seeking propensity; perceived structural barriers were associated with greater care-seeking propensity; and perceived structural barriers were greater in more isolated locations. Only negative attitudes toward care had the expected negative association with care-seeking propensity. Research and practical considerations are discussed. |
| |
| Keywords: | |
|
|
