Predictors of barriers to mental health treatment for Kosovo and Bosnia peacekeepers: a preliminary report.

In this study, we assessed basic, physical, and mental health needs of peacekeepers; determined barriers to mental health treatment; and examined predictors of barriers to mental health care. Active duty peacekeepers were surveyed before and after their deployment to Kosovo (n = 203) concerning their stress symptoms and attitudes about seeking mental health care after peacekeeping. Sixty-five peacekeepers were evaluated before and after their peacekeeping deployment to Bosnia. Upon returning from their mission, between 5% and 9% of Kosovo and Bosnia peacekeepers reported needing help for anger or hostility, depression, or deployment-related stress. The most frequently endorsed barrier was concern about the personal cost of mental health care. Among Kosovo peacekeepers, pre- and postdeployment post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms were the most robust predictors of mental health treatment barriers. Peacekeepers report a number of treatment needs and barriers that could prevent them from receiving care. The soldiers most in need of services are also those who report the most barriers to care.