Evidence of greater health care needs among older veterans of the Vietnam War.
This study examined self-rated health, impairments in activities of daily living, and treatment for eight health conditions among Vietnam War-era veterans, comparing those who served in Vietnam with those who served elsewhere. Data were from the nationally representative 2001 National Survey of Veterans (N = 7,907; 3,923 veterans served in Vietnam). Age-stratified (<60 years versus > or =60 years) analyses included multivariate logistic regression. In adjusted analyses, among those <60 years of age, those who served in Vietnam had notably poorer self-rated health and higher stroke risk (odds ratio, 1.51; 95% confidence interval, 1.48-1.53); odds of most other conditions were lower. Among those > or =60 years of age, those who served in Vietnam had poorer self-rated health, higher cancer risk (odds ratio, 1.33; 95% confidence interval, 1.32-1.35), and more treatment for hypertension, lung conditions, stroke, and hearing loss. Results suggest greater resource use among older veterans who served in Vietnam. Clinicians and the Department of Veterans Affairs should especially note their substantially higher cancer risk.
Brooks
Matthew S
MS
US Army-Baylor Graduate Program in Health and Business Administration, Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234, USA.
Laditka
Sarah B
SB
Laditka
James N
JN