Association between veteran status and stroke prevalence: A population-based analysis

Background: Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability in the United States. Identifying factors associated with higher stroke prevalence can facilitate stroke prevention. It is not clear whether veteran status is associated with higher risk of stroke. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between veteran status and stroke prevalence.

Methods: The Integrated Health Interview Series (IHIS) is a harmonized dataset for the U.S. National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). The IHIS 1997-2010 dataset was used for population-based analysis of prevalence of stroke among veteran and non-veteran men and women. Fully adjusted regression models were performed to account for socioeconomic and lifestyle factors. All statistical analyses were performed using SAS version 9.0.

Results: Non-veteran Black women had significantly higher stroke prevalence (3.4%) in comparison to their veteran counterparts (1.7%) (p<0.005). No significant difference was noted in White women. The prevalence of stroke in Black male veterans was 5.4%, which was significantly higher in non-veterans (2.6%) (<0.005). White male veterans had a prevalence of 5.4%, which was significantly higher than the 1.7% prevalence noted in their non-veteran counterparts (p<0.005). A regression model fully adjusted for behavioral and socioeconomic factors showed that in comparison to non-veteran males, veterans had an increased risk of stroke (OR= 1.8, 95%CI=1.6-2.1), while in women there was no significant increase in risk after adjustment.

Conclusion: A significant association exists between veteran status and stroke prevalence in men. After adjustment for covariates, male veterans had 81% greater risk for stroke.