Consistent Honor, Persistent Disadvantage: American Indian and Alaska Native Veteran Health in the National Survey of Veterans. (August 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Huyser, Kimberly R.; Locklear, Sofia; Sheehan, Connor; Moore, Brenda L.; Butler, John S.
• Other Names: Manson Spero M. guest-editor.; Buchwald Dedra S. guest-editor.
• Is Part Of: Journal of aging and health. Volume 33:Number 7/8(2021)Supplement
• Page Start: 68S
• Page End: 81S
• Publication Date: 2021-08
• Subjects: American Indian and Alaska Native peoples -- veterans -- self-rated health -- activities of daily living limitations; Older people -- Health and hygiene -- Periodicals; Geriatrics -- Periodicals; 618.97
• DOI: 10.1177/08982643211014034
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0898-2643

Abstract

Objective : To examine self-rated health and activities of daily living (ADLs) limitations among American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) veterans relative to white veterans.Methods : We use the 2010 National Survey of Veterans and limit the sample to veterans who identify as AI/AN or non-Hispanic white. We calculated descriptive statistics, confidence intervals, and used logistic regression.Results : AI/AN veterans are younger, have lower levels of income, and have higher levels of exposure to combat and environmental hazards compared to white veterans. We found that AI/AN veterans are significantly more likely to report fair/poor health controlling for socioeconomic status and experience an ADL controlling for age, health behaviors, socioeconomic status, and military factors.Discussion: The results indicate that AI/AN veterans are a disadvantaged population in terms of their health and disability compared to white veterans. AI/AN veterans may require additional support from family members and/or Veteran Affairs to address ADLs.