Article May 2010

 

Vietnam Veterans’ Family Study (VVFS) Update

The VVFS is investigating the long term effects of war service on Vietnam veterans’ families. This study will help provide a better understanding of what those impacts are and how best to assist those who need help.

It was initially expected that the VVFS would conclude in December 2016, however, it is now anticipated that the final research reports will be completed by the end of 2011.  Following receipt of all the research reports, a report incorporating these research elements will be completed and this is expected to be handed to Government in the latter half of 2012.  If all goes to plan, this is over four years earlier than originally programmed and will be achieved without compromising the scientific validity of the study.

Registration numbers have continued to increase, however we are still encouraging registrations as the more people involved in the study, the greater the validity of the results.  In particular we are still seeking greater participation from the nieces and nephews of Vietnam veterans to compare the following groups:

• the sons and daughters of Vietnam veterans,
• the nieces and nephews of Vietnam veterans, and
• the children of Vietnam era ex-Army personnel (the control group for this study).

These group comparisons should allow the researchers to identify any significant differences in health and well-being between these groups or between these groups and the general Australian population.

The first research component of the study, the Re-analysis of the Vietnam Veterans’ Sons and Daughters Project data, which was undertaken by Enhance Management, has been completed.  This report is available on the main DVA web site (www.dva.gov.au/vvfs).

Five of the study’s other research components are underway.  These are the:

• Semi-Structured Telephone Interviews being undertaken by the Institute for Social Science Research and the Centre for Military and Veterans’ Health.
• History of Health Case Studies being undertaken by Open Mind Research Group.
• In-depth Case Study (Ethnographic Study) being undertaken by TNS Social Research.
• Main Survey being undertaken by Colmar Brunton Social Research.
• Children of Vietnam Veterans’ Mortality Study being undertaken by TNS Social Research.

The first three research components detailed above, along with the Re-analysis of the Vietnam Veterans’ Sons and Daughters Project data, will provide information to assist with the development of the main survey questionnaire.  It is expected results from these three components will be finalised shortly with the final reports available on the web site later in 2010.

Once development of the main survey questionnaire is completed, it will be sent out to all registered participants.  This is likely to be in the latter third of 2010.

More information on how to register for the study can be found at www.dva.gov.au/vvfs or by calling the FSP Team on freecall 1800 502 302.

 

Timor-Leste Family Study Progress

Military service, particularly deployment, may have a profound effect not only on those who serve but also on their families.  The Timor-Leste Family Study aims to determine what, if any, physical, mental or social health impacts there are on military families as a result of deployment, particularly to Timor‑Leste.  The study also aims to identify any potential risk or protective factors that influence the ability of Defence families to cope with deployments.  The Centre for Military and Veterans’ Health (CMVH) is running the Timor-Leste Family Study as part of the larger Department of Veterans’ Affairs Family Study Program.

The research includes information provided by the families of people who:

·        deployed to Timor-Leste, or

·        were eligible to deploy to Timor-Leste but did not.

 

These families may or may not have been deployed on other operations.

The study will help DVA and Defence better understand the impact of deployment on Defence families and identify the kinds of support services that would best help these families prior to, during and after deployments.

You can contribute to the success of this research by telling your friends and family about this study and by participating in the study. Potential participants will soon be sent information packages explaining the research and asking them to participate. 

For further information:

Contact us:       call 1800 708 335

                        email families@cmvh.org.au

                        website www.cmvh.org.au

 

Vietnam Veterans' Family Study Participants & Registrations (by Type) – 31 May 10
TOTAL Unique Participants	26559
TOTAL Registrations*	26858
Random Select Vietnam Veteran Group
Vietnam Veteran (10,000 participants invited)	4012
Relationship to Random Select Vietnam Veteran
Partner	2438
Child	3712
Brother	600
Sister	767
Brother-In-Law	34
Sister-In-Law	35
Nephew/niece	88
Total	11686
Random Select Control Group
Vietnam-Era member (10,000 participants invited)	4058
Relationship to Random Select Control Group (Vietnam-Era):
Partner	1738
Child	2203
Total	7999
TOTAL Random Select Registrations	19685
Self Select Group
Vietnam Veteran	2392
Relationship to Self Select Vietnam Veteran:
Partner	1280
Child	2446
Brother	80
Sister	78
Brother-In-Law	17
Sister-In-Law	20
Nephew/niece	61
Total	6374
Vietnam-Era member	511
Relationship to Self Select Control Group (Vietnam-Era):
Partner	137
Child	151
Total	799
TOTAL Self Select Participants	7173
* This figure is the total number of registrations, not participants - an individual may be listed under more than one registration type IE: may be the partner of an RSVV as well as the sister of a RSCG and is counted as two different registration types.

 

Also included is the the new DVA Website link:

DVA Website for Vietnam Veterans' Family Study