title: Use of the veterans history project to assess World War II veterans' perceptions of military experiences and health.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This qualitative research study evaluated the attitudes, perceptions, and opinions of World War II veterans regarding the health impact of their military service.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study design involved adding relevant health questions to the interview format developed by the ongoing Veterans History Project, a military oral history depository directed and maintained by the U.S. Library of Congress. Audiotaped interviews conducted with individuals and a focus group were coded and evaluated. Key informants provided background information.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Findings included a general consensus among participants that military service during World War II was beneficial to their health. Preventive health practices were instilled as lifelong habits, as were feelings of self-confidence and independence. The Veterans Administration was viewed positively by respondents but was not used to any great extent.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Current good health and feelings of patriotism, duty, and selflessness may underlie expressed positive attitudes about the health impact of service during World War II.
authors.affiliation: Department of Global Health, School of Public Health and Health Services, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20037, USA.
authors.forename: Nancy
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: LaVerda
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Vessey
authors.forename: William F
authors.initials: WF
authors.lastname: Waters
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001294:Attitude to Health; D017144:Focus Groups; D015438:Health Behavior; D006304:Health Status; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D008887:Military Medicine; D036301:Qualitative Research; D014481:United States; D014728:Veterans / Q000523:psychology*; D047789:World War II