The Department of Defense has announced the launch of the 2024 Health Related Behaviors Survey, which aims to gather important data on the health and well-being of nearly 250,000 active duty and Reserve service members. This year’s survey includes questions addressing reproductive health and family planning, mental health stigma, gender identity, adverse childhood experiences, and more.
Selected service members will receive a link to the survey in their military email inbox, allowing them to participate in this crucial initiative. The survey is sent to a randomly selected group of active duty and Reserve service members across all military branches, pay grades, race/ethnicities, and ages. It can be accessed on work and home computers, mobile phones, and tablets, and emails can also be forwarded to personal email addresses.
The Health Related Behaviors Survey has been conducted since 1980 in partnership with third-party survey assessors to gauge health-related trends within the force. Over the years, the survey has evolved to encompass a broader range of health-related topics, providing valuable insights into the overall health and well-being of service members.
U.S. Navy Capt. Kenneth Richter, director of psychological health for the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, emphasized the importance of the survey in better understanding the readiness of the force. Survey participation plays a crucial role in developing conclusions that represent the overall population of the Department of Defense.
Dr. Daniel Evatt, the chief of the research execution section of the Defense Health Agency’s Psychological Health Center of Excellence, highlighted the critical role of survey participation in understanding the health and needs of specific occupational or demographic groups within the military. Survey answers are confidential, and participation is vital in ensuring that the experiences of all service members are accurately represented.
Historically, the survey has revealed important findings that have influenced policy decisions and program management within the Department of Defense. The 2018 survey, for example, showed an increase in reports of health-related behaviors associated with poor outcomes, while also indicating that service members’ self-reported behaviors met or exceeded general population benchmarks for physical health and functioning.
The survey, conducted in partnership with the RAND Corporation, is a vital tool for policy makers, program managers, and researchers in identifying areas where direct care and support are needed most. Recipients are encouraged to visit health.mil/HRBS for more information and an extensive FAQ on the purpose of the survey.
As the survey window extends from February to April, the Department of Defense urges all selected service members to participate and contribute to the understanding of the health and well-being of the military force. Your participation can make a difference in shaping the future health initiatives and policies for service members.
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