Gender differences in post-deployment health and healthcare utilization in Veterans of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom

Background: Participation of women in the US military has increased dramatically and women leaving military service are using VA in record numbers with up to 50% enrolling for care. The Women Veterans Cohort Study is examining gender differences in medical and mental health outcomes and healthcare utilization among Veterans after combat in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Methods: The WVCS is a two component project that involves 1) an observational study of all Veterans of OEF/OIF who have enrolled for VA care using the OEF/OIF roster linked to VA administrative and clinical data and 2) a prospective study of a subset of Veterans from the OEF/OIF roster who are invited to participate in a 3 year follow-up survey.

Results: Women Veterans who use VA within the first year after deployment are younger than male Veterans, more likely to be African American, and less likely to be married. They have more visits to primary care and mental health services. Women are more likely to have musculoskeletal disorders, mild depression, major depression and adjustment disorders, whereas men were more likely to have PTSD. Women also commonly seek VA care for reproductive health needs. In the study period from 2001-2008 nearly 3000 women Veterans sought care for pregnancy.

Conclusions: These findings highlight the complexity of women Veterans post-deployment needs and support the development of enhanced comprehensive women's health services within VA. Ongoing research will provide further insight into the long-term effects of military service on women Veterans' health.