title: Characterization and Comparison of Combat-Related Injuries in Women During OIF and OEF.
abstract: Although historically restricted from combat roles, women suffer from combat-related injuries, especially in recent conflicts where asymmetrical warfare erases distinctions between forward and rear operating areas. U.S. servicewomen who sustained combat-related injury in Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) or Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) between January 2003 and May 2014 were identified from the Expeditionary Medical Encounter Database. Injuries were characterized using Abbreviated Injury Scale and International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision codes. Of the 844 combat-related injury episodes in women, 51% (n = 433) were OIF injuries and 49% (n = 411) were OEF injuries. Blast events were responsible for 90% of injuries. The average Injury Severity Score was 3, with no statistical difference in means between OIF and OEF. Of significance were increased head injuries in OEF compared with OIF (80% vs. 48%; p < 0.001). Although the majority of combat-related injuries suffered by women were mild, some women suffered life-threatening injuries, and nearly 65% of the injury episodes resulted in more than one injury. More research is needed as the roles of women in the military continue to expand. Future studies will investigate quality of life outcomes and gender differences in combat-related injuries.
authors.affiliation: Medical Modeling, Simulation, and Mission Support Department, Naval Health Research Center, 140 Sylvester Road, San Diego, CA 92106.
authors.forename: Judy L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Dye
authors.affiliation: Medical Modeling, Simulation, and Mission Support Department, Naval Health Research Center, 140 Sylvester Road, San Diego, CA 92106.
authors.forename: Susan L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Eskridge
authors.affiliation: Department of Defense Hearing Center of Excellence (HCE), 2200 Bergquist Drive, JBSA Lackland, TX 78236.
authors.forename: Victoria
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Tepe
authors.affiliation: Medical Modeling, Simulation, and Mission Support Department, Naval Health Research Center, 140 Sylvester Road, San Diego, CA 92106.
authors.forename: Mary C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Clouser
authors.affiliation: Medical Modeling, Simulation, and Mission Support Department, Naval Health Research Center, 140 Sylvester Road, San Diego, CA 92106.
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Galarneau
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D055826:Afghan Campaign 2001-; D001753:Blast Injuries / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D005107:Explosions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015601:Injury Severity Score; D054542:Iraq War, 2003-2011; D008889:Military Personnel / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D060051:Occupational Injuries / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D014481:United States; D000067398:War-Related Injuries / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D055815:Young Adult