The US Department of Veterans Affairs Gulf War Era Cohort Study: Results From the 30-Year Follow-up Assessment.

Abstract

This study aimed to report the physical and mental health of a population-based cohort of Gulf War and Gulf Era veterans 30 years after the war. A follow-up health survey of 12,377 Gulf War and Gulf Era veterans included questions about general, physical, mental, and functional health. Adjusted odds ratios weighted by final survey weights were calculated to determine risk of health conditions associated with deployment. Gulf War veterans report a higher prevalence of a range of physical and mental health conditions. The population has a significant burden of disease, including high body mass index and multiple comorbid conditions. Three decades after deployment, Gulf War veterans experience a significantly higher prevalence of chronic health conditions. These findings describe the challenges faced by this population and reinforce the importance of addressing their ongoing healthcare needs.