Evaluating PTSD on Reproductive Outcomes: Women Deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan
Abstract
Women represent nearly 15% of the Armed Forces and almost 11% of those deploying to support Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) in Afghanistan. Military women who become pregnant may be exposed to factors that their civilian counterparts are less likely to experience, including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The purpose of this study is to determine if PTSD and other mental disorders are significantly associated with maternal and newborn outcomes. The proposed study will utilize a secondary analysis of existing military records. In conjunction with our military partners, we have developed and submitted a protocol requesting de-identified data from military databases, and are awaiting receipt of the files. The study design is a retrospective cohort study: we will first define a cohort of women for whom a Tricare delivery hospitalization record can be found, and then link backward to obtain inpatient, outpatient, and screening records with PTSD (and related disorders) diagnosis codes. We will define women who were "exposed" (had a diagnosis of PTSD prior to pregnancy) and "unexposed" (did not have a diagnosis of PTSD), and compare the incidence of pregnancy outcomes for these 2 groups.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 14, 2010
- Accession Number
- ADA539133
Entities
People
- Kathleen O'rourke
Organizations
- University of South Florida