Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #112801

Aaron I. Schneiderman, PhD, RN¹, Mary K. Wargo², Andrew E. Lincoln, ScD, MS¹, Barbara A. Curbow, PhD³, and Han K. Kang, DrPH¹. (1) War-Related Illness & Injury Study Center (WRIISC), U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 50 Irving Street, NW (MS 11), Washington, DC 20422, 202-745-8000 X6236, aaron.schneiderman@med.va.gov, (2) War-Related Illness & Injury Study Center (WRIISC), U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 50 Irving Street, NW (MS 11), Washington, DC 20422, (3) Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins University, School of Hygiene and Public Health, 624 N Broadway 7th Floor, Baltimore, MD 21205

Purpose: To determine among veterans of 1991 Persian Gulf War (PGW): deployment-related exposures of greatest concern; prevalent medical conditions and perception that these are related to military service; and c) most helpful communication channels for health information. Methods: Randomly sampled PGW veterans (n=1700) received a postal survey on current health, exposure experience, and communication preferences. Also queried perceptions addressing: relationship between military service and current health conditions; effect of exposures on health; and level of concern related to environmental exposures. Participants rated helpfulness of various communication channels used to deliver health information. Results: We report on n=651 who served only in the PGW. The most frequently endorsed medical conditions: arthritis (n=220, 33.8%);depression (n=218, 33.5%); and recurrent headaches (n=213, 32.7%). Of the ten most common conditions, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) (n=127, 19.5%) was most often believed to be related to military experiences (66.7% of those endorsing CFS). Most frequently reported exposures: having worn protective gear/heard chemical alarms (n=532, 81.7%), petrochemical fumes (n=514, 79.0%), and oil well fire-smoke (n=429, 65.9%). Veterans reporting exposure to oil well fire smoke expressed greatest concern (46.8% selecting "very concerned"). PG veterans indicated their own doctor (mean score= 6.9, scale: 1-10), and pamphlets/brochures (6.6) were the most helpful ways to get health information. Implications: Veterans with chronic health conditions often perceive their conditions to be deployment related. Specific exposure concerns are frequently reported and may be associated with their health complaints. An adequate response to their needs requires implementing these findings through health risk communication program strategies.

Learning Objectives:

• 1.List the five most common health problems endorsed by Gulf War veterans.
• 2.List the five most frequently reported exposure concerns of Gulf War veterans.
• 3.Describe the health communication channels preferred by Gulf War veterans.
• 4.Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of a population based survey to assess the communication needs of combat veterans.

Keywords: Gulf War, Health Communications

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.