An Investigation of Reproductive Health Outcomes and Potential Risk Factors in Air Force Women

Abstract

Reproductive health outcomes and their potential risk factors have not been previously studied among Active Duty Air Force (ADAF) women. Phase I describes natality and adverse pregnancy outcome rates among women over a 20-year period (1975-1994) by age, race, rank, occupation, marital status, pay grade, geographic region, and Air Force Command. Accurate natality and adverse reproductive outcome rates indicate where improved health care planning are needed. The results provide a framework within which to interpret the reproductive consequences of future Air Force deployments. Phase II case-control studies evaluate ADAF women from 1990-1998. Causal hypotheses evaluate possible effects of occupational exposures and operational factors on risks of preterm delivery, pregnancy induced hypertension, and spontaneous abortion. The proposed cases (n=1875) and controls (n=1875) are ascertained using the Air Force Medical Support Agency (AFMSA) Standard Inpatient Record. Cases are matched with controls who are selected randomly within 2 months of conception and the Air Force Base assignment. Exposure data recorded prior to pregnancy eliminates potential recall bias. The results provide: (1) descriptions of natality and adverse reproductive outcome rates from 1975-1994; (2) projected rates stratified by AF Command and geographic region; and (3) two case-control studies examining the etiology of adverse outcomes.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Oct 01, 1999
Accession Number
ADA385660

Entities

People

  • Diana Echeverria

Organizations

  • Battelle Memorial Institute

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Chemistry
  • Employment
  • Health Services
  • Medical Personnel
  • Personnel Management
  • Pregnancy Complications

Fields of Study

  • Medicine

Readers

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