male veterans
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2022 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher S. Stauffer ◽  
Salem Samson ◽  
Alex Hickok ◽  
William F. Hoffman ◽  
Steven L. Batki

The increasing prevalence of illicit stimulant use among those in opioid treatment programs poses a significant risk to public health, stimulant users have the lowest rate of retention and poorest outcomes among those in addiction treatment, and current treatment options are limited. Oxytocin administration has shown promise in reducing addiction-related behavior and enhancing salience to social cues. We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial of intranasal oxytocin administered twice daily for 6 weeks to male Veterans with stimulant use disorder who were also receiving opioid agonist therapy and counseling (n = 42). There was no significant effect of oxytocin on stimulant use, stimulant craving, or therapeutic alliance over 6 weeks. However, participants receiving oxytocin (vs. placebo) attended significantly more daily opioid agonist therapy dispensing visits. This replicated previous work suggesting that oxytocin may enhance treatment engagement among individuals with stimulant and opioid use disorders, which would address a significant barrier to effective care.


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 631-631
Author(s):  
Ronna Robbins ◽  
Monica Serra ◽  
Odessa Addison

Abstract Approximately 43% of males over the age of 65 years are Veterans. Veterans may be at elevated risk for functional declines due to barriers to health care access leading to accelerated loss of independence. This compared the prevalence of functional limitations in Veterans and non-Veterans. Data from two National Health and Examination Survey collection periods, administered 2013-2014 and 2015-2016, were used to compare physical functioning data between male Veterans (N=369) and non-Veterans (N=738) matched 1:2 for sex, race, and BMI. Individuals were considered a Veteran if they self-reported having “served in active duty in the U.S. Armed forces.” Pearson’s chi-square tests were used to assess differences in the prevalence of various self-reported functional limitations between groups. Veterans (mean±SEM: age: 64.5±0.54 years; BMI: 30.0±0.3 kg/m2) were disproportionately affected by self-reported functional limitations caused by long-term physical, mental, or emotional illnesses (8% vs. 3%, p<0.004). Twenty-five % of Veterans reported that these limitations kept them from working compared to 18% of non-Veterans (p<0.003). Veterans (38%) were also more likely to report being limited in the amount of work they could perform compared to non-Veterans (27%) (p<0.01). Additionally, Veterans (20%) were more likely to report the use of special healthcare equipment (i.e. cane, wheelchair) than non-Veterans (12%) (p<0.001). These data suggest that Veterans are at greater risk for functional limitations caused by self-reported long-term physical, mental or emotional illness. Therefore, further research is needed to determine if home- and community-based services could prevent further functional decline, ultimately allowing Veterans to maintain independence.


2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (12) ◽  
pp. 681-686
Author(s):  
Alicia DeRosa ◽  
Bethany A. Wattengel ◽  
Michael T. Carter ◽  
John A. Sellick ◽  
Alan J. Lesse ◽  
...  

Objective To examine mortality and hospital readmission rates in male veterans with dementia diagnosed with urinary tract infection (UTI) compared with patients without dementia. Design Retrospective cohort study. Setting Veterans Healthcare Systems (VA). Participants Male inpatients with a diagnosis of UTI who were treated at any VA Healthcare Center from January 1, 2009, to December 31, 2018. Interventions None. Main Outcome Measures Mortality and hospital readmission for patients with and without dementia at 30, 60, and 90 days from UTI diagnosis. Results 262,515 veterans admitted with UTI were analyzed, and 58,940 (22.5%) had dementia. The mean age for veterans with dementia was 80.0 +/- 9.7 years. Veterans with dementia experienced less mortality than patients without dementia at 30 days (8.3% vs 8.5%; P < 0.001), but more mortality at 60-day (4.9% vs 4.7%; P < 0.001) and 90-day (3.6% vs 3.3%; P < 0.001) intervals. Death was 20% less likely at 30 days in patients with dementia. Veterans with dementia were readmitted more than those without dementia at 30-day (18.4% vs 16.0%), 60-day (4.5% vs 2.8%), and 90-day (3.4% vs 2.5%) intervals; P < 0.0001. Conclusion Though patients with dementia are at an increased risk for death long-term, risk of death is less than those without dementia shortly following UTI diagnosis. This highlights the possibility that veterans with dementia may be hospitalized and diagnosed with UTIs when in actuality they have asymptomatic bacteriuria. Patients with dementia and UTI therefore represent an important group of geriatric patients that could benefit from the oversight of a senior care pharmacist to help prevent unnecessary treatment of asymptomatic bacteriuria.


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 838-838
Author(s):  
Monica Serra ◽  
Ronna Robbins ◽  
Odessa Addison

Abstract As they age, Veterans are at elevated risk for developing nutrition-associated chronic diseases compared to their Non-Veteran counterparts. This is despite Veterans often being eligible for a variety of nutrition-related resources. This project compared self-reported utilization of community and government nutrition-related resources in male Veterans compared to Non-Veterans participating in the 2013-2014 and 2015-2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys. Veterans (mean: age: 59 years; BMI: 29 kg/m2; N=135) self-reported “yes” and Non-Veterans (age: 61 years; BMI: 30 kg/m2; N=230) self-reported “no to “ever having served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces.” A similar percentage of Veterans (3%) and Non-Veterans (4%) reported utilizing meal delivery programs (i.e., “Meals on Wheels) and eating at community or senior centers (both 7%) in the past year. Veterans were less likely than Non-Veterans to report receiving emergency food (i.e. from church or food bank) in the past year (7% vs. 12%; P&lt;0.01) and tended to be less likely to report ever having received benefits from a nutrition assistance program (NAP; i.e., Food Stamps) (27% vs. 32%; P=0.08). Veteran also reported their household receiving more financial assistance the last time they received support from a NAP ($281 vs. $188; P=0.02). These data suggest that Veterans have less reliance on NAP than Non-Veterans; however, when they do receive assistance, Veterans appear to receive greater financial support. Future studies are needed to identifying ways to improve access to nutrition-related resources in those at risk for food insecurity.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Molly Silvestrini ◽  
Jessica A. Chen

Abstract Background: Male veterans delay post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatment and are less likely to engage in help-seeking behaviors or receive adequate mental health treatment. Male veterans face additional stigma seeking mental health care due to traditional masculine ideologies perpetuated by military culture. This study presents the gender-specific perspectives of veterans accessing VA PTSD care, focusing particularly on the help-seeking behaviors and barriers to care experienced by male veterans. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 25 U.S. veterans seeking treatment in VA primary care. Qualitative data analysis was coded using Atlas.ti, and thematic analysis was used to develop and refine themes. This study is part of a larger study examining veterans’ initiation of PTSD treatment. Results: Findings indicate that male veterans may be reluctant to initiate PTSD care due to stigma, distrust of the military or mental health care, and a desire to avoid reliving their trauma. Social support may encourage help-seeking behaviors among this population. Both male and female veterans reported a need for non-combat PTSD care and resources for military sexual trauma (MST). Conclusions: Findings indicate that male veterans face unique challenges accessing mental health services and PTSD treatment, while both male and female veterans may benefit from increased VA services focused on MST and non-combat specific PTSD.


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