Work

Traumatic brain injury and VA service use among Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Veterans experiencing homelessness

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Introduction: United States Veterans experiencing homelessness often have myriad health concerns that can impact their functioning. Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander (NHPI) homeless Veterans are up to 82% more likely to have a traumatic brain injury (TBI) diagnosis than non-NHPI homeless Veterans, which can further impact these Veterans' psychosocial functioning. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers services to address the health and social needs of these Veterans. Methods: We examined VA electronic medical record data from 12,205 NHPI Veterans identified as homeless from 1/2005-7/2024. We calculated VA service use (i.e., homeless, justice, emergency, primary care, rehabilitative, mental health, and all other VA service settings) among NHPI homeless Veterans using Veteran electronic medical record data. Results: After accounting for sex, age, and VA service-connected disability, NHPI homeless Veterans with a documented TBI diagnosis were significantly more likely to access and use VA services across service settings. Discussion: NHPI homeless Veterans with TBI histories likely access various types of VA services; as such, wraparound care (e.g., Homeless Patient Aligned Care Teams; case management) are critical for managing care needs. Future research should examine factors that facilitate engagement in and benefit from VA health and social services among these Veterans.

Source: Frontiers in Public Health

DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2025.1639888