HEALTH PROMOTION INTERVENTIONS

BACKGROUND

The challenges of military life place service members at increased risk for physical and psychological problems that can reduce operational readiness and have long-term effects on health and well-being. Our Health and Behavioral Sciences team aims to promote resilience and prevent mental and physical illness and injury by developing, evaluating, and disseminating evidence-based health promotion interventions.

VALUE

Our Health and Behavioral Sciences team develops, validates, and disseminates evidence-based interventions to improve the physical and mental health of service members. These interventions are designed for the unique needs and circumstances of our military populations.

GOALS

Improve force readiness by providing service members with the tools, skills, and support they need to optimize their health
Train military leaders and health care providers to better support the behavioral and psychological health of the force

CAPABILITIES

Engagement with military stakeholders to determine critical needs and knowledge gaps
Development of theoretically grounded and evidence-based health promotion trainings and tools, including interactive workbooks, in person and web-based trainings, and smartphone apps
Selection of valid and reliable measures to assess change in attitudes, beliefs, behaviors, health, and performance
Implementation and evaluation of health interventions; program evaluation
Collaboration with academic and industry partners to maximize research and development excellence

CURRENT RESEARCH

Development and evaluation of a comprehensive program to increase service member resilience and readiness, incorporating evidence-based cognitive behavioral strategies, biofeedback, peer mentorship, and a smartphone app
Development and evaluation of a video designed to demystify mental health treatment and reduce stigma associated with treatment seeking
Evaluation of the effectiveness of an existing program designed to prevent intimate partner violence among at-risk Marines
Enhancement and improvement of screening methods for detecting mental and physical health issues (e.g., risk of suicide, cervical cancer) among active duty service members
Development and evaluation of programs designed to reduce sexual assault among service members
Development and evaluation of multimodal interventions to improve sleep and circadian health
Development of evidence-based workbooks to assist with post-deployment adjustment and with the transition from military to civilian life

Bureau of Medicine and Surgery
7700 Arlington Blvd. Ste. 5113 Falls Church, VA 22042-5113
This is an official U.S. Navy website
This is a Department of Defense (DoD) Internet computer system.

General Navy Medical Inquiries (to Bureau of Medicine and Surgery): usn.ncr.bumedfchva.list.bumed---pao@health.mil