Identification of domains and measures for assessment battery to examine well-being of spouses of OIF/OEF veterans with PTSD

Family members play an important role in the physical and mental recovery of soldiers returning from Opera- tion Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been associ- ated with strained marital and family relations and parenting difficulties, and many veterans with PTSD experience diffi- culty finding and maintaining employment. Family members who assist with the veteran's recovery also experience signifi- cant strain and may have to leave employment to care for the veteran. Our objective was to identify appropriate assessment measures for examining the well-being of spouses assisting with veterans' recovery and to identify opportunities for sup- porting veterans' spouses. We used a combination of expert panel input and qualitative methods (focus group interviews) to develop a battery of instruments for use in future research with OIF/OEF family members to examine well-being. Research is needed to elucidate and refine the special needs and issues sur- rounding PTSD in current and future OIF/OEF veterans and their families. This study provides a first step toward under- standing appropriate measures. Expert panel methods and focus group interviews yielded valuable input on the domains and measures that should be included in the assessment battery as well as opportunities for assisting spouses.