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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Aaron Schneiderman, PhD, RN¹, Barbara Curbow, PhD², Stephanie Green Eber, MPH¹, and Han K. Kang, DrPH¹. (1) War-Related Illness and Injury Study Center, US Department of Veterans Affairs, VA Medical Center, MS 11, 50 Irving Street NW, Washington, DC 20422, 202-745-8000 x6236, Aaron.Schneiderman@med.va.gov, (2) Social and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N. Broadway Street, Baltimore, MD 21205

Purpose: To determine the presence of concerns regarding environmental exposures in the combat theater and both availability and utilization of health care services upon returning from service in Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan).

Methods: Six focus groups were conducted with military veterans stratified by gender and component (active duty military; reservist & National Guard) using a standardized interview to assess exposures, health and illness concerns, and preferences regarding communications and interaction with the Department of Veterans Affairs.  

Results: Two groups of females (n=13), two groups of reserve and National Guard males (n=16), and two groups of active duty males (n=14) participated in 1.5 hour discussions. Dominant themes included exposure to occupational pollutants, unsanitary conditions, physical hazards, emotional stressors, and medical countermeasures, such as vaccines. Veterans articulated preferences for message delivery via the internet and specific content desired.  

Implications: Recent combat veterans need access to credible health risk information sources. The VA health care system should expand access to current and relevant information sources for clinicians and veterans addressing exposures of concern and health outcomes. Expanded access to Web-based communication and easy access to trained personnel will help VA meet the needs of a new generation of veterans.

Learning Objectives: