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Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the current state of postsecondary educational settings' outreach to military women who become students postservice. Participants: Data for the present cross-sectional study were obtained from the American College Health Association's (ACHA) 2011-2014 National College Health Assessment II (NCHA). Methods: Demographic characteristics of the study sample were explored by calculating frequencies and percentages by military service status. Research questions were explored with Fisher's exact test, maximum likelihood multiple logistic regression, as appropriate. Results: Women service member and veteran students received health information from their university/college less often than women students with no military experience on the following topics: alcohol and other drug use, depression and anxiety, sexual assault and relationship violence prevention, and stress reduction. Conclusions: The findings of this research identified clear gaps in service provision for women student veterans on college campuses and provided some possible models for intervention development.

As mental health issues in the military-connected community continue to command attention within the social work and public health communities, the question of faith's role in reintegration and readiness is highly relevant. The practical issue is whether resilient traits can be cultivated through spiritual fitness practices. This review discusses the biopsychosocial benefits of religiosity for military personnel in transition by employing both personal narrative and research. The mental health protective effects offered by spirituality and religiosity are very powerful; both statistically and practically they are even more powerful than many of the behavioral health practices in which the military currently invests. People who identify as possessing high levels of subjective religiosity enjoy a number of benefits at the psychological and neurological levels. These health benefits are amplified and extended when faith is practiced in ritualized fashion within social community groups. Researchers have found strong correlations between the practice of prayer and physiological changes, including lowered blood cortisol levels and increased cognitive capabilities. Because the brain influences bodily functions like heart rate, blood pressure, and the immune system, shifting that neurological activity through spiritual practice can have significant physical impacts. This review underscores the importance of honestly discussing faith in any conversation about military mental fitness and resilience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: Military and veteran suicide rates exceed those found in the general population. Veterans often reject patient identities, creating barriers to care for mental health within the clinical sector and a mandate for prevention programs. The purpose of this study was to offer a post-intervention process evaluation of one peer-led resilience program offered to military veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan at three sites in 2013. Methods: Secondary analysis of survey data collected involved mixed-methods analysis of open and closed-ended questions. In total, the research team reviewed 52 electronic survey responses; participant response rate was 48.1%. Results: Descriptive data analysis found that all participants rated Just Roll With It Bootcamp content as "somewhat useful" (17.9%) or "very useful" (82.1%). Qualitative analysis of open-ended questions found that content was perceived as valuable by participants. Emergent themes included: health practices, social support, and participant quality of life or satisfaction. Comments also informed four subthemes which included: meditation/mindfulness, nutrition, physical practice, and the seminars' physical environment. Conclusion: Culturally-informed prevention programs that emphasize social support, physical movement, and peer-leadership have a vital role to play in working to prevent suicide by promoting quality of life for veterans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]