Methodologic issues in a population-based health survey of Gulf War veterans.
This report describes the principal methods used in the development, conduct, and analysis of the research study "Health Assessment of Persian Gulf War Veterans from Iowa" (Iowa Gulf War Study). The methods presented include an outline of the organizational structure, study timeline, hypotheses, outcome definitions, and study design. Adhering to a strict timeline, the study protocol and instruments were developed, and a stratified sample of 3,695 military personnel (76% participation) was located and surveyed by structured telephone interview. The study tracked personnel from all service branches residing nationally and internationally, including those discharged from service. This study required development and implementation of methods appropriate to analysis of data collected in a complex sampling framework and methodological procedures to ensure scientific rigor in a highly public and politicized environment. Statistical analyses were conducted on a priori health outcomes and required development of methods to compute Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel adjusted rate differences. This environment facilitated rapid implementation, critique by scientific and public advisors, a high participation rate, and rapid publication.
Doebbeling
Bradley N
BN
Department of Internal Medicine, SE 625 GH, The University of Iowa College of Medicine, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA. brad-doebbeling@uiowa.edu
Jones
Martha F
MF
Hall
Daniel B
DB
Clarke
William R
WR
Woolson
Robert F
RF
Torner
James C
JC
Burmeister
Leon F
LF
Snyders-Crumley
Terri
T
Barrett
Drue H
DH
Falter
Kenneth H
KH
Merchant
James A
JA
Nusser
Sarah
S
Anderson
Dianne
D
Schwartz
David A
DA
D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004812:Epidemiologic Methods; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007484:Iowa / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008877:Middle East; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care / Q000379:methods*; D012107:Research Design; D014728:Veterans / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014857:Warfare