The Comparative Health Assessment Interview (CHAI) research study will help VA understand the effects of military service, deployment, and combat on the health and well-being of Veterans who served during Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), and Operation New Dawn (OND). Researchers are looking at the physical and mental health, vocation or occupation, and social relationships of deployed Veterans, non-deployed Veterans, and similar civilians.
This study will begin in spring 2018.
Participants
VA’s goal is to enroll 13,500 pre-selected adults in this study, including:
- 4,500 Veterans deployed to OEF/OIF/OND
- 4,500 Veterans who served during OEF/OIF/OND but were not deployed
- 4,500 civilians as a comparison group
Researchers also will complete a neurocognitive assessment with 300 Veteran participants.
Potential participants are scientifically selected, and therefore VA cannot accept volunteers for this study. If you are invited participate, VA encourages you to join.
Methods
This study includes:
- An online or telephone survey
- An in-person interview to test neurocognitive function for a sub-sample of Veterans
Questionnaire
The study survey includes questions about:
- Physical and mental health and well-being
- Satisfaction in work and social relationships
- Suicide risk
Both the Veteran and civilian versions of the survey are designed to provide a direct comparison of experiences and health among these study groups.
Investigators
Aaron Schneiderman, PhD, MPH, RN
Fatema Akhtar, MS
John Blosnich, PhD, MPH
Yasmin Cypel, PhD, MS
Victoria Davey, PhD, MPH, RN
Melissa Dichter, PhD, MSW
Erin Dursa, PhD, MPH
Dana Rose Garfin, PhD
Christopher Hansen, PhD
Sally Haskell, MD
Patricia Hayes, PhD
Claire Hoffmire, PhD
Erick Ishii, PhD, MPH
Ira Katz, MD, PhD
Shira Maguen, PhD
Chmaika Mills, PhD
Shanna Smith, MPH
Carleen Schwimmer, PhD
Aditi Vijay, PhD
Dawne Vogt, PhD