Well-being of Canadian Armed Forces Veterans and Spouses of Veterans during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Protocol for a Prospective Longitudinal Survey

Authors

Callista A. Forchuk, St. Joseph's Health Care London
Anthony Nazarov, St. Joseph's Health Care London
Rachel A. Plouffe, St. Joseph's Health Care London
Jenny J.W. Liu, St. Joseph's Health Care London
Erisa Deda, St. Joseph's Health Care London
Tri Le, St. Joseph's Health Care London
Dominic Gargala, St. Joseph's Health Care London
Vanessa Soares, St. Joseph's Health Care London
Jesse Bourret-Gheysen, St. Joseph's Health Care London
Kate St Cyr, St. Joseph's Health Care London
Maede S. Nouri, St. Joseph's Health Care London
Fardous Hosseiny, Centre of Excellence on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Patrick Smith, Centre of Excellence on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Gabrielle Dupuis, Centre of Excellence on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Maya Roth, St. Joseph's Health Care London
Michelle Marlborough, Western University
Rakesh Jetly, Royal’s Institute for Mental Health Research
Alexandra Heber, University of Ottawa
Ruth Lanius, Western UniversityFollow
J. Don Richardson, St. Joseph's Health Care London

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2022

Journal

JMIR Research Protocols

Volume

11

Issue

1

URL with Digital Object Identifier

10.2196/34984

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in significant changes to everyday life, including social distancing mandates, changes to health care, and a heightened risk of infection. Previous research has shown that Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) veterans are at higher risk of developing mental and physical health conditions. Veterans and their families may face unique social challenges that can compound with pandemic-related disruptions to negatively impact well-being. Objective: This study aims to longitudinally characterize the mental health of CAF veterans and spouses of CAF veterans throughout the pandemic and to understand the dynamic influences of pandemic-related stressors on psychological health over time. Methods: We employed a prospective longitudinal panel design using an online data collection platform. Study participation was open to all CAF veterans and spouses of CAF veterans residing in Canada. Participants were asked to complete a comprehensive battery of assessments representing psychological well-being, chronic pain, health care access patterns, physical environment, employment, social integration, and adjustment to pandemic-related lifestyle changes. Follow-up assessments were conducted every 3 months over an 18-month period. This study was approved by the Western University Health Sciences and Lawson Health Research Institute Research Ethics Boards. Results: Baseline data were collected between July 2020 and February 2021. There were 3 population segments that participated in the study: 1047 veterans, 366 spouses of veterans, and 125 veterans who are also spouses of veterans completed baseline data collection. As of November 2021, data collection is ongoing, with participants completing the 9-or 12-month follow-up surveys depending on their date of self-enrollment. Data collection across all time points will be complete in September 2022. Conclusions: This longitudinal survey is unique in its comprehensive assessment of domains relevant to veterans and spouses of veterans during the COVID-19 pandemic, ranging from occupational, demographic, social, mental, and physical domains, to perceptions and experiences with health care treatments and access. The results of this study will be used to inform policy for veteran and veteran family support, and to best prepare for similar emergencies should they occur in the future.