Health Status of Women in the Armed Forces

Abstract

This article examines a study of the health status and attrition rates of three 5-year cohorts of U.S. Navy women (n = 119,167) who enlisted between 1973 and 1987. Comparisons also were conducted with women's data from other branches of the military. Results show that pregnancy-related conditions, primarily childbirth, were the leading reasons for a hospitalization, followed by genitourinary conditions and mental disorders. The most frequently occurring reasons for a premature separation were for pregnancy/parenthood and unsuitability. The time interval of greatest vulnerability for a hospitalization or separation tended to be after the first year of active duty. Such findings support the need for further research on the psychosocial correlates of early active-duty pregnancies as well as for the implementation of such training programs as planned parenthood.