Health-Related Quality of Life Among U.S. Veterans of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom-Results From a Population-Based Study.

Introduction: Recent studies have demonstrated health problems among veterans of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq (Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom). Veterans from these conflicts have a higher prevalence of mental disorders and physical diseases, though most studies were conducted using administrative data.

Materials And Methods: This study analyzes data from the National Health Study for a New Generation of U.S. Veterans, a population-based survey that collected data on Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom veterans between 2009 and 2011. Weighted prevalence estimates of deployed and nondeployed veterans were calculated for SF-12 general health perception and clinic and hospital visits. Weighted mean physical (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) scores were calculated by demographic and military characteristics. Weighted, adjusted odds ratios (aORs), 95% confidence intervals (95% CI), and prevalence estimates were calculated for physician-diagnosed medical conditions comparing deployed to nondeployed veterans.

Results: Of 60,000 veterans sampled, 20,563 responded to the survey (response rate = 34%). Deployed veterans had increased odds for significant hearing loss (aOR = 1.48; 95% CI = 1.35, 1.63), and lower odds for arthritis (aOR = 0.90; 95% CI = 0.83, 0.98), diabetes (aOR = 0.70; 95% CI = 0.58, 0.84), and migraines (aOR = 0.88; 95% CI = 0.80, 0.97) compared to nondeployed veterans. The prevalence of clinic visits was nearly equal between deployed and nondeployed veterans, though nondeployed veterans reported a higher percentage of hospitalizations that were overnight or longer. The SF-12 MCS was higher among the nondeployed group compared to the deployed group (p < 0.0001), though the deployed group reported a higher PCS compared to the nondeployed (p < 0.0001). The SF-12 MCS and PCS were lower than the U.S. population mean of 50.

Conclusions: Deployed veterans are at increased risk for some health conditions; however, nondeployed veterans also report a variety of health conditions. Addressing the unique health concerns of both deployed and nondeployed veterans is important and continued observation of all veterans is recommended.