Understanding how deployment experiences change over time: Comparison of female and male OEF/OIF and Gulf War veterans.

Abstract

Despite increased attention to the evolving nature of war, the unique challenges of contemporary deployment, and women's changing role in warfare, few studies have examined differences in deployment stressors across eras of service or evaluated how gender differences in deployment experiences have changed over time. Using data collected from two national survey studies, we examined war cohort and gender differences in veterans' reports of both mission-related and interpersonal stressors during deployment. Although Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom veterans reported more combat experiences and greater preparedness for deployment compared to Gulf War veterans, Gulf War veterans reported higher levels of other mission-related stressors, including difficult living and working environment, perceived threat, and potential exposure to nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons. Gender differences also emerged, with men reporting greater exposure to mission-related stressors and women reporting higher levels of interpersonal stressors. However, the size and nature of gender differences did not differ significantly when comparing veterans of the two eras. By understanding how risk factors for PTSD differ based on war era and gender, veterans' experiences can be better contextualized.

Social Support, Help-Seeking, and Mental Health Outcomes Among Veterans in Non-VA Facilities: Results from the Veterans' Health Study

“…Studies have shown that veterans deployed to combat zones are often at risk for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, substance use disorders, and other mental health problems (Fox et al, 2016; Hoge, Auchterlonie, & Milliken, 2006; Milliken, Auchterlonie, & Hoge, 2007; Reger et al, 2015). Recently, attention has been paid to postdeployment experiences, their association with social connections, social support, and how these factors affect mental health outcomes and service use (Adler & Castro, 2013; Mustillo et al, 2015; Pietrzak, Johnson, Goldstein, Malley, & Southwick, 2009; Smith, Benight, & Cieslak, 2013; Sripada, Lamp, Defever, Venners, & Rauch, 2016; Tsai, Harpaz-Rotem, Pietrzak, & Southwick 2012).…”

“…Some studies suggest that younger veterans have higher rates of mental health problems compared to older veterans from the same warzone (Seal et al, 2007). The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan also may be more stressful because of multiple war-zone tours, high combat exposure, and longer deployments compared to earlier wars (Fox et al, 2016). Other traumatic events such as having a history of childhood abuse or neglect also increase the likelihood of mental health problems postdeployment (Cabrera, Hoge, Bliese, Castro, & Messer, 2007; LeardMann, Smith, & Ryan, 2010).…”

Reproductive Health Management for the Care of Women Veterans

“…In recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, where there are no clear frontlines, women have been increasingly exposed to combat. 6 Women veterans are sustaining injuries and returning with deploymentconnected medical conditions similar to, and in some cases with greater frequency, than their male counterparts such as traumatic brain injury, traumatic amputation, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 7 In 2013, the rule restricting women from certain operations, including combat arms specialties, was rescinded by the Department of Defense, thus officially recognizing and allowing women to serve in combat zones.…”

“…How to take a military history. 6. Essential role of women's health specialists in enhancing health systems and providing care to women veterans.…”

The Association Between Toxic Exposures and Chronic Multisymptom Illness in Veterans of the Wars of Iraq and Afghanistan

“…Veterans of the recent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan report experiencing toxic exposures, although they generally report fewer exposures than veterans of the first Gulf War [27,28]. The VA recognizes that veterans were exposed to these hazards in theater, including: burn pits, depleted uranium, chemical warfare agents, and exposure to work related chemicals, among others [29].…”