Women's Physical and Mental Health Sequellae of Wartime Service

Citation:

Bond, E. F. 2004. "Women's Physical and Mental Health Sequellae of Wartime Service." The Nursing Clinics of North America 39 (1): 53-68.

Author: E.F. Bond

Abstract:

War exposes soldiers to many risks; it is one of the most stressful known experiences. Increasing attention is being focused on the impact of war-related experiences on the health of the soldier. There is mounting evidence that men and women differ with respect to their health responses to stress exposure and other health challenges. However, most of our understanding of the effects of war on the subsequent health of the soldier is based on studies primarily or exclusively of men. Women have served as soldiers or support personnel in all US wars. In this article, health consequences of that service are explored. The purpose of this article is to (1) summarize evidence relating to war service and its impact on women's physical and mental health and (2) provide guidance for nurses caring for female soldiers and veterans. The information is based on a review of published and archived literature and on the observations of the author, who served as an army nurse at the 24th Evacuation Hospital, Long Binh, Vietnam, during 1 year (1970 to 1971) of the Vietnam War.

Topics: Combatants, Female Combatants, Gender, Women, Health, Mental Health, Military Forces & Armed Groups Regions: Americas, North America Countries: United States of America

Year: 2004