Skip to main navigation Skip to search Skip to main content

Reported Exposures, Stressors, and Life Events among Gulf War Registry Veterans

  • Kendal C. Boyd
  • , William K. Hallman
  • , Daniel Wartenberg
  • , Nancy Fiedler
  • , Noel T. Brewer
  • , Howard M. Kipen

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

We investigated the association of 15 exposures, 10 stressors, and 18 life events with illness symptoms reported by 978 veterans who believe they suffer from Gulf War-related illnesses. A mail survey was completed by veterans (60% response rate) from the Gulf War Health Registry. Variables most associated with high symptom group membership were reported chemical/biologic warfare (CBW), concerns with infection and faulty equipment, feelings of mistrust in the military, and disability leading to work stoppage within 2 years after the war. These data suggest that belief in CBW exposure, and the experience of war stress and serious negative life events after the war, are important concomitants of Gulf War illness. Models seeking to explain Gulf War symptoms need to incorporate a range of exposure and psychosocial factors to fully account for important influences.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1247-1256
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
Volume45
Issue number12
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2003

ASJC Scopus Subject Areas

  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Cite this