The Impact of COVID 19 on Military Veterans' Wellbeing. Version 1

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    An explorative study into the impact of the Coronavirus Pandemic on veterans wellbeing

  • IRAS ID

    289317

  • Contact name

    Rachel Happer

  • Contact email

    rachel.happer@ed.ac.uk

  • Sponsor organisation

    University of Edinburgh

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    1 years, 2 months, 4 days

  • Research summary

    What is purpose of the study?

    The Coronavirus Pandemic is predicated to have a negative impact on the nations mental health. Sadly, both social isolation and loneliness are expected to be prevalent during this time, both of which are experienced by many veterans. The current study wishes to find out if veterans have felt more isolated and lonely during this time. Further to this, the study is also interested to find out how changes in service provision, specifically the restriction in face to face contact may have impacted the level of connectedness a veteran feels towards their peer worker. Finally, there is an interest to find out whether or not a veterans previous military experience has helped them cope during the pandemic.

    Who will be asked to take part?

    A Veteran, defined as any individual who has served for at least a day or more in HM Armed Forces, whether as a regular or reservist. The veteran must be aged over 18, have mental health diagnosis and is currently engaged in therapy or on the psychological waitlist at Veterans First Point, Lothian

    Where will the study take part?

    Veterans will be recruited from Veterans First Point, Lothian (NHS Lothian)

    What will the veteran do if the they agree to take part in the study?

    The researcher will call the veteran who has confirmed that they would like to take part in the study and interview the person for approximately 60 mins. The interview will consist of a list of questions that are all linked to their own experience of the Coronavirus Pandemic. At the start of the interview they will be reminded that they can withdraw themselves and the data that they have provided at any point during the interview.

  • REC name

    Yorkshire & The Humber - Sheffield Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    21/YH/0007

  • Date of REC Opinion

    25 Jan 2021

  • REC opinion

    Further Information Favourable Opinion