Research and Studies
Health research and social research publications
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs carries out a wide range of research to support the health and wellbeing needs of veterans and families of veterans. This page brings together a range of DVA commissioned research, evaluations and literature reviews.
Readers should note that some older publications may reflect the evidence base and policy context at the time they were produced and may not fully align with current research, practice, or priorities.
A list of current projects can be seen at Current Research Projects.
Mental health impacts of compensation claim assessment processes on claimants and their families - Final Report
2018The purpose of this report is to collate evidence gleaned from the international research literature, as well as the personal experiences of claimants, family members, and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) personnel.
The importance of sport for veteran physical and mental wellbeing
2018The aim of this Rapid Evidence Assessment (REA) was to examine the evidence to investigate the physical and mental wellbeing benefits veterans achieve through participating in sporting activities and whether these benefits are linked to the type of sporting activity being undertaken.
Healthy and active ageing in the veteran population and factors or interventions that achieve positive effect
2018The aim of this Rapid Evidence Assessment (REA) was to examine the evidence to establish whether ageing veterans experience challenges and issues that differ from those of the general population. Also, the factors and interventions that positively affect health and wellbeing outcomes for older people (particularly those from military backgrounds).
Firefighter Chemical Review Report
2018Report from the independent ADF Firefighter Chemical Review (April 2018) to develop toxicological profiles for 132 chemicals listed as contaminants within the RAAF Base, Point Cook former fire training area.
Transition And Wellbeing Research Programme: Mental Health Prevalence and Pathways to Care Summary Report (2018)
2018This report overviews and contextualises the Mental Health and Wellbeing Transition Study methodology, describes the study populations and presents the key findings from the first two technical reports of the Study, Mental Health Prevalence and Pathways to Care.
Transition and Wellbeing Research Programme - Physical Health Status Report (2018)
2018The Physical Health Status Report provides a comprehensive, high-level overview of the physical health and wellbeing of ADF personnel who transitioned between January 2010 and December 2014. and members of the 2015 Regular ADF.
Hallucinogens as treatment for PTSD, anxiety and depression
2017The aim of this rapid evidence assessment (REA) was to assess the evidence related to hallucinogenic drug interventions for PTSD, anxiety, and depression in adults.
Psychological and vocational outcomes of delivering support services to the families of veterans at times of high family stress
2017This report was funded by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs to assess available literature on the psychological and vocational outcomes of delivering support services to the families of veterans at times of high family stress. The review considered interventions being provided to veterans in Australia, and other English speaking countries who may have similar veteran experiences.
Epidemiological cut-off feasibility study - June 2017
2017This project was commissioned to add to the field of research arising from the Mental Health in the Australian Defence Force: 2010 Australian Defence Force Mental Health Prevalence and Wellbeing Study (MHPWS).
Incidence of suicide in serving and ex-serving ADF personnel
2017Produced by the Australian Institute of Health and Wellbeing (AIHW), this report quantifies the level of suicide among serving and ex-serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel and identifies factors that may be associated with suicide risk. Analysis in the summary report examined each service-related characteristic associated with risk of suicide individually.