Exploring Indices of Multiple Deprivation within a Sample of Veterans Seeking Help for Mental Health Difficulties Residing in England

Background: The interaction between experiencing multiple deprivation and mental illness has been established for non-veteran populations. Less is known for UK veterans. Methods: Data was extracted from the Department of Communities and Local Government on indices of multiple deprivations (IMD) and from a third sector mental health charity for veterans in the UK. Data linkage was then performed between 1,967 veterans residing in England who had attended a clinical mental health service and measures of multiple deprivations. IMD was explored within this sample of helping-seeking veterans. Analysis of demographic factors was conducted to explore whether sub-groups were at a higher risk of deprivation. Results: Evidence suggested that veterans who seek support for mental health difficulties experience greater levels of deprivation than the English general public. Forty one percent of the sample resided in locations ranked to be within the three most deprived deciles in England compared to 21% residing in the three least deprived deciles. Taking longer to seek help was associated with a greater risk of deprivation. As were being single, male, in receipt of a war pension and at a younger age. Analysis of the seven sub-domains used to calculate the IMD suggested that veterans are at more risk of deprivation for measures related to their personal circumstances rather than associated with the neighbourhood they reside within. Conclusions: Help-seeking veterans appear to be at an increased risk of experiencing multiple deprivations. Results from this suggest how care could be targeted effectively to those in higher risk groups.