The Health and Wellbeing of Armed Forces Veterans in Northern Ireland: The Results of a Cross-sectional Psychological Wellbeing Survey

Abstract: Overview: This report details the findings of the Northern Ireland Veteran Health and Wellbeing Study (NIVHWS) psychological wellbeing survey; a cross-sectional survey designed to collect data directly from veterans of the UK Armed Forces residing in Northern Ireland (NI). The report provides a methodological overview of study procedures and the resultant sociodemographic profile of the 1267 respondents. In addition, the report presents headline results on respondents’ favourable and unfavourable military experiences, physical and mental health and mental health service utilisation and help-seeking. Methods: The NIVHWS is a large-scale cross-sectional survey of the adult (18+) veteran population within NI (N= 1267; 88% were male). The survey was administered using online survey methods, via the survey software platform ‘Qualtrics’ and via traditional pen and paper format. Participants were recruited via (1) a large-scale social media campaign, (2) newspaper advertising, (3) veteran service providers and (4) engagements with veterans at Armed Forces events such as Armed Forces Day. This is a valuable data source and is the first of its kind concerning the health and wellbeing of military veterans in NI. The sociodemographic profile has similarities to that of veterans residing in Great Britain (male [89% vs 88% in the current study], older ([60% were over 65 vs 20% over 65 and 53% over at least 55 in the current study], married or in a civil partnership [62% vs 72% in the current sample] and had at attained at least one educational qualification [92% vs 80% in the current sample], however it is pertinent to be clear that we do not know if the data is representative of all veterans residing in NI as the total population size and characteristic remain unknown. Taken together these initial findings highlight the importance of developing a concrete evidence base around the health and wellbeing of veterans residing in NI. The NIVHWS survey has collected vast amounts of quantitative date which over time will solidify a concrete evidence base upon which appropriate services can be developed and implemented to support veterans residing in NI. These results can therefore be used as a locally focused resource by clinicians, policy makers, and funders of key services which aim to support veterans residing in NI.