First Longitudinal Study of Missed Treatment Opportunities Using DoD and VA Data

Years: 2010-2014

USC Faculty Involved in Project: Nikki R. Wooten, Co-Investigator

Principal Investigator: Mary Jo Larson, PhD, Brandeis University

Funder: National Institute on Drug Abuse

Project Summary: This study investigates the relationship of early problem identification and linkage to behavioral health care with later development of substance abuse and psychological injury outcomes and attrition from the Army. This observational study is based on a quasi-experimental design with longitudinal data files and statistical models of deployment-related factors and military health services on the odds of long-term poor substance abuse outcomes, poor psychological outcomes (e.g., posttraumatic stress disorder, depression), thoughts of harmful behavior, and attrition from the Army, associated with service in Operation Enduring Freedom and/or Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Focus Areas: Vulnerable Populations; Trauma, Adversity, and Resilience; Bio-Psycho-Social Determinants of Health