VA Health Care Utilization Among U.S. Veterans: The Influence of Social Determinants of Health and Health Factors

Psychiatric Services 2026 Open access

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Authors: Peter Jongho Na, Ian C. Fischer, Jack Tsai, Dilip V. Jeste, Robert H. Pietrzak
DOI: 10.1176/appi.ps.20260095
Cited by: 1
References: 14

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The authors aimed to use data on social determinants of health (SDOH) and health characteristics to differentiate users of VA health care from nonusers in order to inform clinical and policy decisions. METHODS: Data from 2,636 U.S. veterans in a national study (2025-2026) were analyzed to assess trends in use of VA health care, as well as the SDOH and health characteristics associated with primary use of such care. RESULTS: Primary use of VA health care was higher in 2025-2026 (27%) than in 2011 (17%) and 2019-2020 (21%; all p

Fields of Study & Subjects

Food Security and Health in Diverse Populations Primary Care and Health Outcomes Chronic Disease Management Strategies

Publication details

Journal / source
Psychiatric Services
Publisher
American Psychiatric Association Publishing
Volume
77
Issue
10
Pages
appips20260095–appips20260095
Publication date
2 July 2026
Language
EN