Report Outlines Health Concerns for Student Veterans

With the Post-9/11 GI Bill taking effect in August, colleges and universities anticipate an influx this year of students who are veterans. Education officials are trying to understand the needs of this growing student population, which could increase by 15 to 50 percent.

Researchers at the University of Minnesota and the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities released on Friday a report, possibly the first of its kind, that examines the health concerns of the state’s student veterans. The report describes a study of 8,000 students, including about 800 veterans, on 14 two- and four-year campuses in Minnesota.

Statistically student veterans resemble their nonmilitary peers on most health issues, such as the amount of moderate exercise they get and their levels of tobacco and alcohol use. But Edward P. Ehlinger, director and chief health officer of the University of Minnesota Boynton Health Service, and an author of the report, said student veterans have unique needs that might require more specialized services from their colleges and universities.

Psychological issues are one of the more notable differences, with 9.1 percent of male student veterans reporting having suffered post-traumatic stress disorder at some point in their lives, compared with 2.8 percent of their nonveteran counterparts. Among female veterans, 14.1 percent reported the disorder, compared with 5.4 percent of their nonveteran counterparts.

In addition, the study found that 43.7 percent of female student veterans reported having been sexually assaulted in their lifetimes, compared with 29.8 percent of nonveteran female students. The researchers were surprised to find that 18.6 percent of student veterans said they were uninsured, essentially debunking the common perception that veterans have automatic access to health insurance through the federal government.

Veterans may find health and mental services offered to the general student population beneficial, but Dr. Ehlinger said he expected Minnesota colleges to modify their services for those with military backgrounds. —Ashley C. Killough