Lower Rates of VA Service Use Among Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Veterans with Criminal-Legal Involvement

Abstract: This study investigates VA service utilization among Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) Veterans with criminal-legal involvement (VCLIs), comparing them to non-NHPI and White VCLIs cohorts. Findings indicate significantly lower use of both general VA and mental health services among NHPI VCLIs, even after adjusting for age and sex. Factors contributing to these disparities include cultural attitudes towards healthcare, generational trauma, and geographical barriers. Further research is needed to explore tailored interventions addressing these disparities and enhancing VA engagement among NHPI VCLIs.

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