File photo courtesy of © Can Stock Photo / dotshockFile photo courtesy of © Can Stock Photo / dotshock
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Researchers to look at COVID-19 impact on veterans, spouses

A study is being launched to look at how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting the mental well-being of Canada's veterans and their spouses.

The Lawson Health Research Institute and the Centre of Excellence on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder are working together to offer an online survey that will collect information from veterans and their partners in hopes of having health care workers and policymakers use that data during the remainder of the pandemic and any future public health emergencies.

“It’s currently unknown how the pandemic will impact veterans and their spouses, but it could result in particularly serious outcomes,” said Dr. Anthony Nazarov, associate scientist at Lawson and the MacDonald Franklin OSI Research Centre. “We want to hear from all Canadian veterans and their spouses, whether they’re doing well or not and whether they’re seeking care or not.”

The researchers are hoping to recruit a thousand veterans and 250 spouses for their study. Those who take part will be asked to fill out the online survey once every three months for the next 18 months. The questions will focus on their psychological, social, family-related, and physical wellbeing, as well as changes to their lifestyle and health care treatment.

“We are seeking to understand the impact of COVID-19 on veterans and their families to identify if this global pandemic is leading to psychological distress or triggering historical traumas,” said Centre of Excellence on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder CEO Dr. Patrick Smith. “The centre’s primary goal is to increase Canadian expertise related to military and Veteran mental health, suicide prevention and substance use disorders. This study can help us understand if the pandemic is having debilitating and life-altering effects, and help us address a potential mental health crisis.”

Veterans and spouses who wish to take part in the survey can learn more at www.veteransurvey.ca.

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