The Mental Health Needs Assessment
Abstract
Throughout the 1990s, allied military medicine and military medical research struggled to determine the nature, causes, and solutions for a series of medically-unexplained symptoms that seemed to plague participants in the 1990-1991 Persian Gulf War. A number of researchers and leaders believed (at least at the time) that these phenomena were mostly attributable to psychiatric rather than physical problems. The Unit Behavioral Health Needs Assessment Survey (UBHNAS) is a tool developed to assess the composite behavioral health status and needs of a military unit. The UBHNAS is based on much larger Land Combat Study questionnaires used to assess the ongoing effects of operational tempo (OPTEMPO), combat exposure, and mental health variables on soldiers. In addition to symptomatology assessment, the UBHNAS asks about the need for, interest in, and the use of existing behavioral health resources. Based on the responses from these items, unit leaders and behavioral health providers can better understand current patterns of behavioral health care utilization and how to best improve the system.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA472785
Entities
People
- Anthony L. Cox
- Carl A. Castro
Organizations
- Walter Reed Army Institute of Research