Journal Article Epublish 12 citations
PubMed: 36922958 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2023.102122
Physical health of Post-9/11 U.S. Military veterans in the context of Healthy People 2020 targeted topic areas: Results from the Comparative Health Assessment Interview Research Study.
Prev Med Rep 32:102122
Authors: Yasmin S Cypel, Dawne Vogt, Shira Maguen, Paul Bernhard, Elizabeth Lowery, William J Culpepper, Irvine Armand-Gibbs, Aaron I Schneiderman
Affiliations
- Epidemiology Program, Health Outcomes Military Exposures (HOME) (12POP5), Office of Patient Care Services, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Washington, DC, USA.
- National Center for PTSD, VA Boston Health Care System, Boston, MA, USA.
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
- San Francisco VA Health Care System, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
Abstract
Large-scale epidemiological studies suggest that veterans may have poorer physical health than nonveterans, but this has been largely unexamined in post-9/11 veterans despite research indicating their high levels of disability and healthcare utilization. Additionally, little investigation has been conducted on sex-based differences and interactions by veteran status. Notably, few studies have explored veteran physical health in relation to national health guidelines. Self-reported, weighted data were analyzed on post-9/11 U.S. veterans and nonveterans (n = 19,693; 6,992 women, 12,701 men; 15,160 veterans, 4,533 nonveterans). Prevalence was estimated for 24 physical health conditions classified by Healthy People 2020 targeted topic areas. Associations between physical health outcomes and veteran status were evaluated using bivariable and multivariable analyses. Back/neck pain was most reported by veterans (49.3 %), twice that of nonveterans (22.8 %)(p < 0.001). Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) for musculoskeletal and hearing disorders, traumatic brain injury, and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) were 3-6 times higher in veterans versus nonveterans (p < 0.001). Women versus men had the greatest adjusted odds for bladder infections (males:females, AOR = 0.08, 95 % CI:0.04-0.18)(p < 0.001), and greater odds than men for multiple sclerosis, CFS, cancer, irritable bowel syndrome/colitis, respiratory disease, some musculoskeletal disorders, and vision loss (p < 0.05). Cardiovascular-related conditions were most prominent for men (p < 0.001). Veteran status by sex interactions were found for obesity (p < 0.03; greater for male veterans) and migraine (p < 0.01; greater for females). Healthy People 2020 targeted topic areas exclude some important physical health conditions that are associated with being a veteran. National health guidelines for Americans should provide greater consideration of veterans in their design.
MeSH
Military Personnel, Veterans, Sex, Healthy People Programs, Research