Burden of Musculoskeletal Disease and Nonbattle Nontraumatic Injury in Both War and Disaster Zones

Abstract

Disasters, both man-made and natural, are a known cause of morbidity and mortality among vulnerable populations. The initial phase of public health response typically addresses immediate traumatic injury or death in the wake of a disaster. However, little is known about the magnitude and cost of subsequent nontraumatic injury and illness in disaster zones. Known as "the hidden epidemic," the incidence and epidemiology of disease and nonbattle injuries among military service members in deployed settings has been more extensively investigated and may serve as a proxy for the evaluation of civilian populations following natural disaster. Further, prior reports from the military setting may serve to inform the broader population on the ultimate burden of nontraumatic injury and illness in recent disasters, particularly as they relate to musculoskeletal health.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 2011
Accession Number
ADA538457

Entities

People

  • Andrew J. Schoenfeld
  • Brian R. Waterman
  • Courtney A. Holland
  • Gens P. Goodman
  • Philip J. Belmont Jr.

Organizations

  • William Beaumont Army Medical Center

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Disasters
  • Diseases And Disorders
  • Health
  • Health Care
  • Health Services
  • Hospitalizations
  • Injury Prevention
  • Iraqi-War
  • Medical Evacuation
  • Medical Personnel
  • Musculoskeletal Diseases
  • Natural Disasters
  • Public Health
  • Therapy
  • Wounds And Injuries

Fields of Study

  • Medicine

Readers

  • Emergency Management and Homeland Security.
  • Gulf War Illness and Chronic Multisymptom Illness in Veterans.
  • Neurotrauma and Rehabilitation Medicine.