Citation

Aikins RD, Golub A, Bennett AS. J. Am. Coll. Health 2015; 63(7): 482-494.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/07448481.2015.1068173

PMID

26367215

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To identify the prevalence of substance use and mental health problems among veterans and student service members/veterans (SSM/V) returning from Iraq and Afghanistan to New York City's low-income neighborhoods. PARTICIPANTS: A sample of 122 veterans attending college and 116 veterans not enrolled recruited using respondent-driven sampling.

METHODS: Logistic regression analysis of variation in characteristics of those veterans attending college; linear regression examining effects of college attendance on life satisfaction.

RESULTS: Having a traumatic brain injury or disability was positively associated with college attendance. Being married, employed, or in college was predictive of overall life satisfaction. SSM/V were significantly less likely to screen positive for depression or drug use disorder. African American veterans were significantly less likely to attend college than white or Hispanic veterans.

CONCLUSION: Substance use and some mental health disorders do not preclude inner-city veterans from entering higher education. This study contributes to the sparse literature on African American veterans and SSM/V.

Language: en