Journal article
Enhancing Mission Wellness: Iterative Optimization and Stakeholder Engagement to Promote Sexual and Reproductive Health in the United States Military
Military medicine, Vol.189(Supplement_3), pp.306-313
08/19/2024
DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usae099
PMID: 39160859
Abstract
ABSTRACT Introduction Sexual and reproductive health is critical for the readiness of the warfighter, as costs of sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancy result in added health care costs, lost mission time, and impact on morale. The Multiphase Optimization Strategy (MOST) is an engineering-inspired framework used to optimize biobehavioral interventions. The Military Active-Duty Reproductive and Sexual Health (MARSH) research team applied the MOST framework to develop “Mission Wellness”—an electronic health intervention to promote sexual and reproductive health within the U.S. Military. Materials and Methods From 2017 to 2022, the MARSH team implemented the first and second phases of MOST to develop and optimize “Mission Wellness.” All phases received institutional review board approval. The first phase consisted of expert and literature review, qualitative interviews, and beta testing to identify intervention components and the optimization objective and to inform study design. The second phase consisted of a factorial trial. Results Figures 1–4 outline the research program approach, demographics of the sample, and format of the app. Service members who used the application found it to be acceptable and, overall, reported that it would be easier to talk to a sexual partner about risk behaviors and history at the post-intervention assessment compared to baseline. This iterative optimization approach using both local and strategic engagement enhanced program development and set the stage for dissemination and implementation efforts. Conclusions In line with the iterative nature of MOST, the lessons learned during the optimization trial led the MARSH team to return “Mission Wellness” to the preparation phase. The utilization of mixed (i.e., qualitative and quantitative) research methods and engagement with stakeholders at multiple levels of the military enterprise provided the information necessary to further optimize “Mission Wellness.” This programmatic approach also provides a blueprint for the development of research design and testing in military health care balancing rigor and agility.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Enhancing Mission Wellness: Iterative Optimization and Stakeholder Engagement to Promote Sexual and Reproductive Health in the United States Military
- Creators
- Sara Vargas - Miriam HospitalRyan Landoll - Uniformed Services University of the Health SciencesKate M Guthrie - Miriam HospitalJeffrey Quinlan - University of Iowa Health CareMadison F Clark - Henry M. Jackson FoundationFrancis Obuseh - Navy and Marine Corps Force Health Protection CommandAmelia Ozemoya - Navy and Marine Corps Force Health Protection Command
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Military medicine, Vol.189(Supplement_3), pp.306-313
- DOI
- 10.1093/milmed/usae099
- PMID
- 39160859
- NLM abbreviation
- Mil Med
- ISSN
- 0026-4075
- eISSN
- 1930-613X
- Publisher
- OXFORD UNIV PRESS
- Grant note
This work was supported by the USU Intramural Military Women's Health Research Award and Defense Centers for Public Health-Portsmouth.
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 08/19/2024
- Academic Unit
- Family and Community Medicine
- Record Identifier
- 9984699050202771
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