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.
Comparison of DVA clients’, ADF members’ and the general population’s responses to the 2007 National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing
2013The aim of this research was to compare the prevalence of affective, anxiety and substance use disorders, and the use of mental health services, between respondents identifying with the Australian Defence Force (ADF) or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) and the general population. The reserach used 2007 National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing (NSMHW 2007) data (a nationally representative household survey of 8,841 respondents aged between 16 and 85).
Middle East Area of Operations (MEAO) Health Studies (2013)
2012The key findings of the Middle East Area of Operations (MEAO) Census and Prospective Health Studies were launched by the Chief of the Defence Force on 8 August 2013.
Timor-Leste Family Study (2012)
2012This study investigated the effects on the health and wellbeing of the families of Australian Defence Force members who were deployed to Timor-Leste, and a control group of those who were eligible to deploy to Timor-Leste but did not.
Analysis of the Lifecycle Package
2012The mental health Lifecycle Initiatives were implemented as a 2008-09 budget measure. The goals included enhancing psychological resilience among service personnel, improving mental health surveillance, supporting successful transition from defence to civilian life, and providing effective rehabilitation and support.
The health and wellbeing of female Vietnam and contemporary veterans 2012
2012The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) commissioned Dr Samantha Crompvoets to lead a study in 2009 into the health and wellbeing of female Vietnam and contemporary veterans.
Service needs of contemporary DVA clients
2012Report on consultation with seriously injured or wounded contemporary veterans on their experiences with DVA and service needs.
The impact of war experiences on dementia in veterans (2012)
2012This project was funded by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs to investigate the relationship between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and dementia in veterans.
A Review of the Operation Life Suicide Awareness Workshops
2012As part of the Government response to the 'Independent Study into Suicide in the Ex-service Community', DVA commissioned the Australian Institute of Suicide Research and Prevention to undertake a review of the Operation Life Suicide Awareness workshops to ensure they were evidenced based.
Allostatic Load: A Review of the Literature
2012Allostatic Load: A Review of the Literature was funded under the Department of Veterans' Affairs, Applied Research Program and conducted by the Centre for Military and Veterans’ Health.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Program Review Reports
2011The Review of PTSD Group Treatment Programs was undertaken by the Centre for Military and Veterans’ Health (CMVH) to ensure that services offered to clients of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) were evidence-based and met the needs of both older and contemporary veteran cohorts.