1. 2017 SWAN Survey Results
Kate Hendricks Thomas, PhD Assistant Professor of Public Health, Charleston Southern University SWAN Fellow Ellen Haring, PhD SWAN Director of Programs and Research

2. Representation good: 2.2 million women veterans in US, active duty is typically approximately 200k (1/8)

3. Service Branches

4. Status & Era

5. What were the big issues in 2016?
Active Duty
Veteran
gender bias in the workplace (31.7%), had trouble getting public recognition as military professionals (11.7%), and had experienced sexual assault or harassment during their time in service (12.8%).
mental health (32.1%), financial stability (30.4%), and in terms of connections with a community of women veterans (29.4%).

6. Are there reasons you wouldn’t join a VSO/MSO?
71.5% of respondents were NOT a member of a Veteran or Military Service Organization

8. Undiagnosed Depression Diagnosed Depression Active Duty, n (%)
Undiagnosed and diagnosed depression by military service status among SWAN members
Undiagnosed Depression
Diagnosed Depression
Active Duty, n (%)
40 (20.00)
61 (30.50)
Veteran, n (%)
70 (9.30)
521 (69.60)
Retired, n (%)
18 (6.90)
154 (59.00)
Note. Percentages correspond to rows.
Indicates strong stigma against care seeking on active duty. Qualitative questions mentioned op tempo

9. What predicted mental health conditions?
Undiagnosed and diagnosed depression by educational attainment among SWAN members
Undiagnosed Depression
Diagnosed Depression
High School Diploma, n (%)
32 (7.10)
329 (73.40)
Bachelors Degree or Higher, n (%)
96 (12.60)
407 (53.40)
Note. Percentages correspond to rows.
military women who were unemployed, had only a high school education, and identified as American Indian were more likely to have undiagnosed or diagnosed depression than no depression. Service era predicts risk practically and statistically (Post 911) same as in 2016…

10. Limits & Strengths
Conflicting data.

11. When asked what would be helpful to you as you work to optimize your mental wellness 13% of respondents said support groups. They want to connect with veterans, specifically service women and women veterans. Others identified the negative stigma associated with seeking help and many noted the cost associated with formal assistance like therapy as well as alternative programs including yoga and meditation.

12. What are we currently doing?

13. What would help you take
care of your own health?