Health Effects of Military Service on Women Veterans

Health Effects of Military Service on Women Veterans

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Health Effects of Military Service on Women Veterans (May 2011)

Investigators: Paul G. Shekelle, MD, PhD; Co-Investigators: Fatma Batuman, MD; Bevanne Bean-Mayberry, MD, MHS; Caroline Goldzweig, MD, MSPH; Christine Huang, MD; Donna L. Washington, MD, MPH; Elizabeth M. Yano, PhD, MSPH; and Laurie C. Zephyrin, MD, MPH, MBA

Evidence-based Synthesis Program (ESP) Center West Los Angeles VA Medical Center

Washington (DC): Department of Veterans Affairs; May 2011

Download PDF: Complete Report, Executive Summary, Report, Appendices

Summary / Overview

In response to a growing need to understand the effects of military service on health status, this report supplements our prior review by focusing directly on the reproductive and trauma effects on women in the military or Veterans who have been deployed. The goal is to broaden the knowledge of VA policy leaders and clinicians about post-deployment health issues for women.

The Key Questions were:

Key Question #1: What research has been published on the effects of deployment on postdeployment reproductive outcomes?

We operationalized "reproductive effects" to encompass the following: fertility issues, birth defects, menstrual effects (e.g., change in cycles, loss of cycles), urinary tract infections, sexually transmitted infections, and reproductive cancers (e.g., cervical, ovarian, etc).

Key Question #2: What research has been published on post-trauma sequelae in OEF/OIF women Veterans, including: mental health problems, suicide, cardiovascular disease, risky health behaviors (including: tobacco use, hazardous alcohol use, substance abuse, suicide, homicide, assaultive behavior, and eating disorders), and other post-trauma sequelae?

VA Health Systems Research