Presenter Classification
Faculty
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Publication Date
4-22-2026
Start Date
22-4-2026 10:20 AM
End Date
22-4-2026 10:30 AM
Keywords
military families; qualitative
Abstract Type
Research
Abstract
Purpose: Military families encounter complex stressors associated with deployment cycles, reintegration, geographic relocation, financial strain, and access to community resources. Existing literature has documented elevated mental health concerns among military spouses and adolescents, variability in perceived social support, food insecurity among active-duty families, and the importance of resilience-building interventions within military-connected populations. Although support structures on military installations have been examined, comparatively less attention has been given to the experiences of military families residing off base within civilian communities. The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study is to explore the needs of military families who live off base during periods of enlistment.
Aims: This study seeks to expand the limited body of research focused specifically on off-base military family experiences and to identify opportunities for healthcare systems and community organizations to better align services with the needs of military families living outside installation environments.
Methods: Guided by the research question, What are the needs of military families who do not live on a military base?, adults aged 18 years and older who have resided off base while connected to active-duty service will participate in semi-structured interviews. Interviews will explore perceived physical, emotional, financial, healthcare, childcare, spiritual, and community support needs. With participant consent, interviews will be audio recorded and transcribed for thematic analysis to identify patterns and shared experiences across narratives.
Results: Military families that live off base have a variety of unique needs. Data analysis is in progress to examine themes.
Conclusion: Military families have unique needs, some of which can be addressed by nurses.
Needs of Military Families Living Off Base
Purpose: Military families encounter complex stressors associated with deployment cycles, reintegration, geographic relocation, financial strain, and access to community resources. Existing literature has documented elevated mental health concerns among military spouses and adolescents, variability in perceived social support, food insecurity among active-duty families, and the importance of resilience-building interventions within military-connected populations. Although support structures on military installations have been examined, comparatively less attention has been given to the experiences of military families residing off base within civilian communities. The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study is to explore the needs of military families who live off base during periods of enlistment.
Aims: This study seeks to expand the limited body of research focused specifically on off-base military family experiences and to identify opportunities for healthcare systems and community organizations to better align services with the needs of military families living outside installation environments.
Methods: Guided by the research question, What are the needs of military families who do not live on a military base?, adults aged 18 years and older who have resided off base while connected to active-duty service will participate in semi-structured interviews. Interviews will explore perceived physical, emotional, financial, healthcare, childcare, spiritual, and community support needs. With participant consent, interviews will be audio recorded and transcribed for thematic analysis to identify patterns and shared experiences across narratives.
Results: Military families that live off base have a variety of unique needs. Data analysis is in progress to examine themes.
Conclusion: Military families have unique needs, some of which can be addressed by nurses.
