Document Type

Capstone Experience

Graduation Date

5-2018

Degree Name

Master of Public Health

Department

Health Promotion

First Committee Member

Dr. Brandon Grimm

Second Committee Member

Dr. Kendra Schmid

Third Committee Member

Judy Steckbauer

Fourth Committee Member

Karen Winkel

Abstract

Abstract

Winnebago County Veterans Dryhootch Outreach Program

Aims: The Dryhootch Outreach Program focused on increasing behavioral activation through social interaction in a population of military veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The goals of the intervention were to reduce the prevalence of anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms. Additionally, the project aims to assist veterans to develop and maintain healthy relationships, assimilate with the “civilian” community, and effectively contribute to society.

Methods: Twenty-seven veterans with PTSD attended the twelve-week Dryhootch Outreach program provided by the Winnebago County Veterans Service office and partnering organizations. A pre-post interventional study format was utilized to evaluate the effectiveness of the Dryhootch Outreach Program with an aim of reducing PTSD symptomology among veterans. The DSM-V (PCL-5) PTSD Checklist was the assessment tool used. This twenty question self-reported measure assesses the presence and severity of PTSD symptoms. A paired T-test analysis was conducted to determine if the intervention concluded a statistically significant reduction in PTSD symptoms.

Results: The results indicated there was not a significant reduction in PTSD symptomatology following participation in the Dryhootch Outreach Program (p = 0.21). However, future research may benefit from use of larger sample sizes, longer duration for the intervention, and use of qualitative measures to produce favorable results.

Conclusion: Minor modifications to this intervention with the continued use of behavioral activation, in the form of social interactions, shows promise in reducing PTSD symptoms and promoting reintegration in the community among military veterans.

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