Theater Mental Health Encounter Data (TMHED): Overview of Design and Methods
Abstract
Research has documented higher risks for mental and physical health problems among individuals deployed to war zones. Limited information has hindered studies of acute combat stress and its impact on mental and physical health. To fill this gap, the Operational Stress Combat and Readiness (OSCAR) initiative integrated mental health practitioners into Navy and Marine Corps units serving in the Iraqi combat theater. All cases seen by 1st Marine Division OSCAR team providers between January 2006 and January 2007 were documented and compose the Theater Mental Health Encounter Data (TMHED) database. This report describes the TMHED study design, data collection approach, descriptive characteristics, and measures. A total of 1,336 patients and 3,180 patient visits were documented. Just over 10% of cases were women, approximately 75% had a high school education, and the majority of cases were Marines Corps personnel (60%). Most patients (55%) were mid-pay grade enlisted E4?E6s, and over half (57%) were on their first deployment. TMHED provides a unique opportunity to examine characteristics of early psychiatric intervention in a combat zone, and may help improve health outcomes and quality of life of combat-deployed service members.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA561598
Entities
People
- Emily A Schmied
- Gerald E. Larson
- Hoa L. Ly
- Jennifer A. Webb-murphy
- Kimberly J. Schmitz
- Michael R. Galarneau
- Nathan K. Edwards
- Paul S. Hammer
- Terry L. Conway
- Wayne C. Boucher
Organizations
- Naval Health Research Center