MORAL INJURY IN VIETNAM VETERANS: WHAT COMMUNITY PROVIDERS NEED TO KNOW

Abstract

Vietnam veterans have some unique risk factors that are important to be aware of that she worked with them in hospice settings. All of this risk factors could affect both physical and mental health, and potentially complicate any work that you might do related to moral injury. Some of the unique risk factors of Vietnam veterans include: Social burden of reintegration producing a code of silence and suppressed memories: Vietnam veterans were most often draftees, living in an era where their family members were most likely involved in World War II, a war that focused on the honor and valor of being a hero, and rescuing others from world war. However, Vietnam Veterans returned from their service with the significantly negative social reiteration that was highly influenced by the negative feelings of civilians about the Vietnam war. The social burden produced a code of silence and repressed memories about any atrocities or killing that occurred in Vietnam. There were a number of unique occupational health exposures that have an impact on the aging process including: •Agent orange •Immunizations •Prophylaxis for tropical disease •Above average alcohol and substance abuse •Stress loaded occupations and social behaviors • Refusal to engage the Veteran's Administration even if they have service connected disability. Vietnam veterans may have service connected disability but because of potentially negative past experiences with the Veterans administration as well as their own mixed feelings about their service and their identity as a as a veteran, many have refused to engage in seeking healthcare at the veterans administration.