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.
Changes over time in the Healthy Soldier Effect
2010The study considers how this ‘healthy soldier effect’ changes over time (as the veterans get older). Data from two large studies of Australian Veterans of the Korean War and the Vietnam War were analysed to compare changes in death rates relative to the Australian population over time. Separate analyses were conducted for enlisted and National Service personnel.
Research into Social Isolation in the Australian Veteran Community
2010This literature review looked at how military service can shape the risk of social isolation among younger veterans, the factors that increase or reduce that risk, and the impacts on those who care for them.
Australian Government Mental Health Lifecycle Package - Study to Improve Treatment Options for Hard to Engage Clients
2009This report describes the development, implementation and evaluation of activities undertaken for the Study to Improve Treatment Options for Hard to Engage Clients, conducted by the Australian Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health (ACPMH), as part of the Australian Government’s Mental Health Lifecycle Package.
Report of the third study of mortality and cancer incidence in aircraft maintenance personnel
2009Results from the third study of mortality and cancer incidence among F-111 aircraft maintenance personnel, commissioned by the Australian Government Department of Veterans' Affairs, were released on 20 February 2009 by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW).
Review of Mental Health Care in the Australian Defence Force and Transition Through Discharge
2009This comprehensive report compares mental health care support in the Australian Defence Force (ADF) with world’s best practice and assessed the extent to which the mental health needs of serving and transitioning ADF members were being met.
Independent study into suicide in the ex-service community (2009)
2009Independent study by Professor David Dunt - to examine the broad issue of suicide in the ex-service community, including a number of specific cases of suicide over the past three years.
Levels of 2, 3, 7, 8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin in Australian Vietnam Veterans
2008The National Research Centre for Environmental Toxicology produced this report on Levels of 2, 3, 7, 8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) in Australian Vietnam Veterans compared to the Australian population. Agent Orange and other herbicide mixtures sprayed in Vietnam contained TCDD as a specific contaminant. The report contains a review of published literature, looking at whether high exposure to TCDD may be associated with diabetes, and an analysis of measured concentrations of TCDD in a sample of 102 consenting Australian Vietnam veterans, compared to the Australian general population of the same age range.
The impact of chronic non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use on the health of veterans
2008The University of South Australia and Flinders University undertook research on the impact of chronic Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) use on the health of veterans.
The Intergenerational Health Effects of Service in Military
2007The Centre for Military and Veterans' Health developed a research protocol in response to the Feasibility Study into a Health Study of the Sons and Daughters of Vietnam Veterans (Department of Veterans' Affairs, 2006). This work builds on the work of the Deployment Health Surveillance Program, which conducted cross-sectional studies of serving and ex-serving personnel who have deployed on specific operations.
Review of Commonwealth agencies’ relationship with the late Signaller Geffrey Gregg
2007The Government’s response (PDF) to a review of the circumstances surrounding the death of Signaller Geffrey Gregg was published on 30 July 2008. The response outlined 15 outcomes to address systemic problems with transition out of the services.