Women at War in Iraq and Afghanistan

The presenter of this session is the co-author of the book, Nurses at War in Iraq and Afghanistan. The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan require women soldiers and caregivers to survive in the middle of the fighting because there are no frontlines or forward units. Also, there is no limit on how many tours of duty warriors may be required to serve and the length of each tour may be extended. Studies have demonstrated that both the length and number of deployments influence the incidence and severity of posttraumatic stress disorder and depression; so both male and female warriors and caregivers are returning from these wars with a high level of stress reactions. In addition, a recent Rand Corporation study found that women are more prone to stress reactions than men. Not only do these women suffer from wartime stress reactions but twenty percent of them also experienced military sexual trauma. These women return to their U.S. communities, both military and civilian communities depending on whether they are regular Army or National Guard and Reservists. This session will: • Recount real-life stories from the interviews conducted for the presenter's book on stress reactions for warriors and caregivers; • Describe three ways public health and primary care providers can screen for stress reactions; and • Discuss two of the most effective evidence-based treatment strategies. Those of us in public health need to support and care for these soldiers when they return to our communities.