Latino Veterans and the Cultural Aspects that Influence Their Treatment Needs LTC Valvincent Reyes, LCSW, BCD Military Liaison / Therapist Del Amo Hospital Military and Veterans Program Torrance, California
In 2010, there were 1.3 million Hispanic veterans in the United States, and a 23% increase is expected by 2030. Latinos represent 18% of the 2.1 million U.S. troops deployed to the Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation New Dawn (OND) wars and, consequently, have been exposed to traumas that can result in conditions, like Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). 1
In 2012, Hispanic Female Veterans made up a larger share of military women than Hispanic men make up of military men. Hispanic Female veterans account for 7% of female veterans compared to 6% for Latino men. In the future, Hispanics are projected to make up more of the veteran population: By 2020, Hispanic Females will make up 9% of military veterans and Latino men will make up 7%. 2
There has been a rise in military enrollment; it is due to more than just the growing number of Hispanics in the U.S. population. Hispanics continue to join the military out of a deep commitment to serve their country and to obtain a college education. 3
Hispanic veterans have significantly higher levels of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) than non-Latino White veterans. Current PTSD prevalence estimates for Hispanics ranged from 27%–33%, compared to 9%–15% for non-Latino White veterans. 4 Information on specific symptom differences for Hispanic veterans with PTSD show that they reported significantly higher intrusive symptoms of hyper arousal, guilt, and avoidance associated with trauma than non-Hispanic White veterans. 5 An essential component of Hispanic culture is the family unit. Studies have shown that good familial and social support appear to protect them from the more debilitating symptoms of psychiatric illnesses such as PTSD. 6
Spirituality, or a sense of interconnectedness with life, is highly valued in Hispanic culture, and is usually practiced through Roman Catholicism. The therapist may individualize therapy based on the Hispanic veteran’s emphasis on religion as a support system. 7
Language plays a key role in the Hispanic cultural identity. Therefore, a veteran may find it very difficult to express his/ her emotional turmoil in English and may revert back to Spanish. 8
Hispanic veterans returning from deployment may face gender-specific barriers to treatment. 9
Successful readjustment of the Hispanic service member and veteran requires that their communities welcome them, respect them, and support them in their desire to reconnect with their families, obtain employment and complete their college educations.
CLICK HERE
1 CEU will be provided upon request
Specific onsiderations: Support for Latino veterans in Their Recovery
WANT TO LEARN MORE? REGISTER for our next WEBINAR:
When: December 16th, 2014 Time: 11:00AM EST / 8:00AM PST
US Postal Service, (1984)
References 1, 4, 5 Pittman, J. O. (2014). Latino Veterans with PTSD: A systematic review. Behavioral Sciences, 4(3), 320-340. doi:10.3390/bs4030320 2, 3 Navvab, A. (2012). Cultural competency key to meeting the health needs of Latino veterans: Treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder requires culturally sensitive care. Center for American Progress. 6,7,8 Fierros, M., Smith, C. (2006). The relevance of Hispanic culture to the treatment of a patient with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Psychiatry, 3(10), 49-56. 9 Duke, M. R., Moore, R. S. & Ames, G. M. (2013). PTSD treatment-seeking among rural Latino combat veterans: A review of the literature. Journal of Rural Social Sciences, 26(3), 157-180.