3069 — The Impact of Military Sexual Trauma on Women's Needs and Perception of VAMC Care

Mengeling MA (Iowa City VAMC CRIISP), Sadler AG (Iowa City VAMC CRIISP), Booth BM (HSR&D Center for Mental Health Care Outcomes and Research), Syrop CH (University of Iowa), Cretzmeyer M (Iowa City VAMC CRIISP), Torner JC (University of Iowa)

Objectives:
To determine if there are differences in the needs and perceptions of VAMC care between women who have experienced military sexual trauma (MST) and those who have not.

Methods:
962 women participated in a retrospective cohort study of current health, health risk behaviors, and care utilization of women with and without lifetime sexual assault. Consenting women seeking care from 2 Midwestern VAMC and outlying clinics within the preceding 5 years ( < 51 years of age) completed a computer-assisted telephone interview.

Results:
Mean age of participants was 39 (SD- 8.4). Forty-two percent of participants reported one or more lifetime rapes with 33% (n=318) experiencing MST. Repeated occurrence of rape during military service was reported by 38%. Women experiencing MST were significantly more likely to report childhood rape (29% vs 16%) and rape following military service (13% vs 7%) (p < .001). In comparison to non-victimized peers, women reporting MST were significantly less likely to believe they can feel safe from sexual harassment at the VAMC (73% vs 83%), and more likely to indicate that it is important or a must have for: separate waiting areas for women (14% vs 7%), a female “chaperone” during a physical examination (51% vs 40%), health services specific to women's needs, and to have their choice of a male or female provider (92% vs 84%) (p < .001).

Implications:
Women who have experienced MST have specific environment of care concerns and needs.

Impacts:
To meet the needs of a priority care MST population, the VAMC needs to re-evaluate the environment and resources needed to provide optimal care for women veterans.