Just Accepted

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Australian veteran sexual health: "...you are the first person I've spoken to about it".

Kosta Douvos , Louise Bourchier , Meredith Temple-Smith, Sue Malta

Abstract

Background: Sexual health and functioning outcomes have been shown to be poor among veterans due to factors associated with military service, as well as barriers to healthcare access. However, there is currently limited research attempting to assess the scope and extent of these issues in the Australian context. Methods: Ten qualitative, semi-structured interviews were conducted with Australian professionals working within or adjacent to veteran sexual health and were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Results: Sexual health and functioning issues commonly develop among Australian veterans due to a variety of physical, psychological, and social factors. Factors include mental ill-health, physical illness and injury, use of medication, and relationship strain. These contribute to physiological dysfunctions, poor sexual behaviours and difficulties in forming healthy, meaningful intimate relationships. Barriers like lack of awareness and understanding, stigma, and structural barriers were suggested to interfere with healthcare access and worsen outcomes. Key informants recommended increasing provider training, research, and military support, as well as de-stigmatising sexual health issues. Conclusions: Veteran sexual health is not often on the radar of Australian health and research professionals. Our study is one of few studies in the Australian context, highlighting the need to conduct more research in order to better manage veteran sexual health and functioning needs.

SH24152  Accepted 03 February 2025

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