Gulf War Veteran Health Care Utilization: After More Than 10 Years of Study, What Have We Learned?

Abstract

Purpose: To review clinical and epidemiological studies of morbidity among Gulf War veterans, specifically those involving special healthcare registries, hospitalizations, and outpatient visits. Data Sources: MEDLINE, Reports to Congress, and a topical Gulf War veteran bibliography were used to identify published research, ongoing research, expert panel reviews, and case reports relevant to the objective. Study Selection: Studies published in peer-reviewed medical journals. Data Extraction: Published reports are reviewed and findings summarized. Data Synthesis: Study approaches and findings are summarized and considered in aggregate. Additional studies are considered. Conclusions: Published health registry studies and healthcare-related epidemiological research have reduced speculation, increased Gulf War veterans access to care, and helped to rule out severe war-related morbidity. In addition, they have guided empirical therapies for the excessive number of Gulf War veterans suffering from symptom-based conditions.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 2000
Accession Number
ADA419410

Entities

People

  • Gary Dean Gackstetter
  • Gregory C. Gray
  • Han K. Kang
  • John T. Graham
  • Ken C. Scott

Organizations

  • Naval Health Research Center

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Army Personnel
  • Health Care
  • Health Services
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Medical Personnel
  • Military Personnel
  • Pain
  • Patient Care
  • Persian Gulf Syndrome
  • Therapy
  • Traumatic Stress Disorder

Fields of Study

  • Medicine

Readers

  • Gulf War Illness and Chronic Multisymptom Illness in Veterans.
  • Mental Health of Military Veterans with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Risk Factors, Prevalence, Symptoms, and Treatment.
  • Theoretical Analysis.