Abstract
BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in significant changes to everyday life, including social distancing mandates, changes to health care, and a heightened risk of infection. Previous research has shown that Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) veterans are at higher risk of developing mental and physical health conditions. Veterans and their families may face unique social challenges that can compound with pandemic-related disruptions to negatively impact well-being.ObjectiveThis study aims to longitudinally characterize the mental health of CAF veterans and spouses of CAF veterans throughout the pandemic and to understand the dynamic influences of pandemic-related stressors on psychological health over time.MethodsWe employed a prospective longitudinal panel design using an online data collection platform. Study participation was open to all CAF veterans and spouses of CAF veterans residing in Canada. Participants were asked to complete a comprehensive battery of assessments representing psychological well-being, chronic pain, health care access patterns, physical environment, employment, social integration, and adjustment to pandemic-related lifestyle changes. Follow-up assessments were conducted every 3 months over an 18-month period. This study was approved by the Western University Health Sciences and Lawson Health Research Institute Research Ethics Boards.ResultsBaseline data were collected between July 2020 and February 2021. There were 3 population segments that participated in the study: 1047 veterans, 366 spouses of veterans, and 125 veterans who are also spouses of veterans completed baseline data collection. As of November 2021, data collection is ongoing, with participants completing the 9- or 12-month follow-up surveys depending on their date of self-enrollment. Data collection across all time points will be complete in September 2022.ConclusionsThis longitudinal survey is unique in its comprehensive assessment of domains relevant to veterans and spouses of veterans during the COVID-19 pandemic, ranging from occupational, demographic, social, mental, and physical domains, to perceptions and experiences with health care treatments and access. The results of this study will be used to inform policy for veteran and veteran family support, and to best prepare for similar emergencies should they occur in the future.International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)DERR1-10.2196/34984
Highlights
BackgroundAs of December 2021, over 1.8 million COVID-19 cases and 29,000 deaths have been reported in Canada [1]
There were 3 population segments that participated in the study: 1047 veterans, 366 spouses of veterans, and 125 veterans who are spouses of veterans completed baseline data https://www.researchprotocols.org/2022/1/e34984
Data collection across all time points will be complete in September 2022. This longitudinal survey is unique in its comprehensive assessment of domains relevant to veterans and spouses of veterans during the COVID-19 pandemic, ranging from occupational, demographic, social, mental, and physical domains, to perceptions and experiences with health care treatments and access
Summary
BackgroundAs of December 2021, over 1.8 million COVID-19 cases and 29,000 deaths have been reported in Canada [1]. To limit the spread of infection, the Canadian government has implemented, for example, social distancing protocols, lockdowns, school and nonessential business closures, travel restrictions, and social gathering size limits [2] Both the virus that causes COVID-19 as well as restrictions associated with the pandemic have triggered various cascading stressors, including concerns related to contracting or spreading the virus, social isolation, changes in employment and/or financial stability, barriers to accessing supportive services, or a scarcity of these services. Research has shown associations of symptoms of depression and anxiety with perceived threat of COVID-19 infection, social isolation, financial and occupational insecurity, and resource scarcity [5,6,7] The impact of these pandemic-related stressors may be more detrimental to populations with increased vulnerability to mental illnesses, such as military veterans. Veterans and their families may face unique social challenges that can compound with pandemic-related disruptions to negatively impact well-being
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