Mental and physical health in service member and veteran students who identify as American Indians and Alaskan natives

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore (a) current utilization rates of university mental health services among American Indian/Alaskan Native/Native Hawaiian (AI/AN/NH) student veterans and (b) predictors of mental health service utilization among AI/AN student veterans. Participants: Data for this cross-sectional study were obtained from the American College Health Association (ACHA)'s 2011-2014 National College Health Assessment II (n = 103). Methods: University mental health service utilization rates were calculated as a percentage for AI/AN/NH student veterans. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine predictors of mental health service utilization. Results: Results showed that 14% of AI/AN/NH student veterans have used university mental health services. Predictors of mental health service utilization in this population included financial stress, lack of deployment during service, suicidal ideation, and a diagnosis of depression, model ${\chi }^2$ (13) = 162. 128, p < 0.001, Nagelkerke R² = 0.130. Conclusion: This research identified gaps in service provision for AI/AN service member and veteran students on college campuses and provided possible models for intervention development.

Keywords: AI/AN; college; mental health; student veteran; substance use.