TY - JOUR PY - 2015// TI - Impact of deployment on military families with young children: a systematic review JO - Nursing outlook A1 - Trautmann, Jennifer A1 - Alhusen, Jeanne A1 - Gross, Deborah SP - 656 EP - 679 VL - 63 IS - 6 N2 - BACKGROUND: More than 40% of children in military families are <6 years old, a period when children are most dependent on their parents' physical and emotional availability.

PURPOSE: This systematic review describes the impact of deployment since 9/11 on the mental health of military families with young children, evaluates evidence-based interventions for military parents with young children, and identifies gaps in the science limiting our ability to support the needs of these families.

METHODS: Databases were reviewed from 2001 to 2014 using preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses approach; 26 studies met review criteria.

RESULTS: Deployment was associated with increased parent stress, child behavior problems, health care utilization, and child maltreatment. Few studies tested interventions or focused on racial/ethnic minority or veteran families. A number of methodological limitations are noted.

CONCLUSIONS: More research using multiple methods, stronger designs, and more diverse samples is needed to understand and address the needs of military families with young children.

Language: en

LA - en SN - 0029-6554 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2015.06.002 ID - ref1 ER -