Female Military Personnel Research Articles

Women Veterans, a Population at Risk for Fibromyalgia: The Associations Between Fibromyalgia, Symptoms, and Quality of Life.

The Institute of Federal Health Care recently published an executive summary from a round table discussion indicating that active duty and retired female military personnel are at high risk for adverse health outcomes unique to military service including complications related to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), unreported sexual trauma, and musculoskeletal problems. In 2008, the Institute of Medicine began to review, evaluate, and summarize the literature on health outcomes in Gulf War-deployed and found sufficient evidence of a causal relationship with PTSD and suggestive evidence of an association with fibromyalgia (FM). This study examines the prevalence and impact of FM in women veterans and to explore the association between other comorbidities to improve risk differentiation for treatment and improve outcomes. This study is designed as a nested, cross-sectional study within a larger project funded by the U.S. Army at the University of South Florida, College of Nursing entitled "Nursing Health Initiative for Empowering Women Veterans." A sample of 76 participants completed a battery of study instruments related to physical and psychological stressors. Over half of the sample had a positive FM screening score (56.68%) although only 14.42% were deployed to the Middle East. More than 70% of participants reported harassment in life in the military and 32.9% reported sexual assault while in the military. Results of the 1-way analysis of variances find that there was a significant association of FM with the psychological symptoms of stress, depression, and PTSD. There was a significant association of FM with quality of life and sleep difficulty. The results from this pilot study suggest there is a significant relationship between FM and the psychological symptoms of depression and PTSD. Nearly two-thirds of these women screened positive for depressive symptoms and just over one-quarter of participants had symptoms indicative of PTSD. Only a small proportion of women veterans in this study were deployed (14.42%) and this suggests that a trigger or risk factor other than deployment or combat may contribute to the development of FM and mental health symptomology. To focus on the complex interrelationships between pain, fatigue, sleep, and depression, a follow-up study with a larger sample powered for more complex statistical analyses is warranted. Additional analyses in this study reveal that over half of women veterans who reported military sexual trauma (MST) while in the military, screened positive for FM. Although our analyses did not reveal there to be a significant effect between FM and MST, it should be considered as a potential risk factor for FM as MST can be a precursor for PTSD. Women veterans who present with FM should be screened for MST as sexual trauma may not be disclosed. Understanding how many women veterans are affected with FM and the relationship with PTSD, MST, stress, depression, and sleep can improve screening and treatment to improve quality of life. This will also inform decision-making about how best to design and implement interventions, programs, and policies.

Role of Women in Security and Defense: Bulgarian National Policies and Experience

Abstract The paper focuses on the policies for gender equality which can and should be understood as a long-term investment, not as a situational solution or a short-term cost, especially in military environment. On the basis of the UN Security Council Resolution 1325 - “Women, peace and security”, the National plan for implementation of the Resolution 1325 in the MoD in Bulgaria has been analyzed. New policies or initiatives concerning the implementation of gender in the Bulgarian Armed Forces are included with the actual information about female active duty military personnel and the perspectives to overcome the prejudices and stereotypes in people’s minds.

Breast cancer in female military personnel – the state of the problem

The results of the analysis of domestic and foreign literature devoted to the problems of diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer among female personnel are presented. It has been established that female servicemen have a tendency to increase the incidence of breast cancer. Possible differences in risk factors for breast cancer between military personnel and civilian women and the possibility of preventing breast cancer among female personnel are discussed. Despite the progress made in the diagnosis of breast cancer, the percentage of tumors released during initial treatment remains high. A high percentage of neglected forms of breast cancer among newly diagnosed tumors testifies not only to the formal nature of the on-site medical examination, but also to the insufficient oncological alertness of doctors and the low sanitary culture of servicemen. The need for screening breast cancer among female soldiers is grounded. The need to improve the system of providing assistance to female personnel suffering from breast cancer, providing early diagnosis, timely comprehensive treatment and dynamic observation. The creation of a single cancer registry of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation is proposed. The necessity of introduction of uniform standards of diagnostics, treatment and prophylaxis of breast cancer for military health organizations is substantiated.

Psychometric properties of the WHOQOL-BREF amongst wounded, injured, and ill members of the United States military

PurposeAdvances in military medical care have facilitated a reduction of fatalities in the global war on terror, relative to previous conflicts. The physical and psychological trauma of returning personnel remain a challenge, and poor physical and psychological health have been shown to affect quality of life (QOL). The purpose of this paper is to validate the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire amongst wounded, injured and ill military personnel, and to determine the characteristics of distinct groups found in this sample.Design/methodology/approachIn total, 52 male and female military personnel (34.69+7.63 years, n=51) completed 24 items of the WHOQOL-BREF. Principal component analysis using the direct oblimin rotation was used to determine the factor structure of the WHOQOL-BREF and k-means cluster analysis was used to determine QOL characteristics of the separate groups.FindingsThe WHOQOL-BREF is a reliable tool for measuring QOL for American military personnel. However, the psychometric structure of the WHOQOL-BREF in this sample differed from the original domains. The first cluster analysis based on the original domains produced two clusters: a group of 12 that had poor QOL, and a group of 40 that had relatively good QOL except for the physical domain. The second cluster analysis differed in independence and access/social support only.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough the sample was small for principal component analysis, the investigators chose to proceed with this procedure, because objective indicators such as measures of sampling adequacy and communalities met or exceeded acceptable thresholds.Originality/valueRehabilitation programs for military ill, injured and wounded should contain components that promote independence and self-actualization.

Incidence and Risk Factors for Volar Wrist Ganglia in the U.S. Military and Civilian Populations

To identify the incidence and demographic factors associated with volar wrist ganglia in both military and civilian beneficiary populations. The U.S. Department of Defense Management Analysis and Reporting Tool (M2) accesses a comprehensive database of all health care visits by military personnel and their dependents. Because there is no specific code for ganglions of the wrist, the database was searched for all military personnel and civilian beneficiaries with an International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, diagnosis of 727.41 (ganglion of a joint) or 727.43 (ganglion, unspecified location) between 2009 and 2014. Two random samples of 1000 patients were selected from both the military and the civilian beneficiary cohorts, and their electronic medical records were examined to identify those with volar wrist ganglia. The proportion of volar wrist ganglia was then applied to the overall population data to estimate the total incidence with a 95% confidence interval and 5% margin of error. Unadjusted incidence rates and adjusted incidence rate ratios were determined using Poisson regression, controlling for age, sex, branch of military service, and military seniority. The unadjusted incidence of volar wrist ganglia is 3.72 per 10,000 person-years (0.04%/y) in female civilian beneficiaries, 1.04 per 10,000 person-years (0.01%/y) in male civilian beneficiaries, 7.98 per 10,000 person-years (0.08%/y) in female military personnel, and 3.73 per 10,000 person-years (0.04%/y) in male military personnel. When controlled for age, military personnel have a 2.5-times increased rate of volar wrist ganglia, and women have a 2.3-times increased rate. In the military cohort, female sex, branch of service, and seniority were significantly associated with the diagnosis of a volar wrist ganglion when controlled for age. In the civilian beneficiary cohort, only female sex was significant. Military service members have higher rates of volar wrist ganglia diagnoses than their age- and sex-matched civilian counterparts. Women are significantly more likely to be diagnosed with a volar wrist ganglion, regardless of age or military status. The epidemiology of volar wrist ganglia is poorly defined, and few studies have firmly defined demographic factors associated with the diagnosis. We provide the overall incidence rate of the diagnosis and report a significant association with female sex even when controlled for age.

Stressful and positive experiences of women who served in Vietnam

ABSTRACTExperiences of women who served during the Vietnam War have been described in interviews/anecdotal reports but rarely in empirical literature. Potential positive (versus negative) aspects of service or its impact on well-being are seldom considered. We describe stressful and positive experiences reported by approximately 1,300 female military personnel, Red Cross workers, and others deployed to Vietnam. Prominent stressful (e.g., negative living/working conditions) and positive (e.g., interpersonal relationships) themes and differences based on trauma history, Vietnam experiences, and group membership are explored. We evaluate associations between themes and psychological well-being. Findings provide insight into experiences of this understudied group of women.

The influence of sexual harassment on mental health among female military personnel of the Republic of Korea Armed Forces

IntroductionReports of sexual harassment are becoming more frequent in Republic of Korea (ROK) Armed Forces. This study aimed to analyse the impact of sexual harassment on mental health among female...

SYMPTOM BENCHMARKS OF IMPROVED QUALITY OF LIFE IN PTSD.

Although research has shown that PTSD symptom change relates to improved quality of life, the question of how much improvement in PTSD symptoms is necessary to result in meaningful improvements in quality of life remains unanswered. We used data from a randomized clinical trial of psychotherapy for PTSD in female military veterans and active duty personnel to examine the correspondence between benchmarks of improvement in PTSD symptoms and changes in quality of life. Participants were 235 female veterans and Army soldiers who were randomized to 10 weekly sessions of Prolonged Exposure or Present-Centered Therapy. We operationalized PTSD symptom change in terms of four progressively stringent mutually exclusive definitions-No Response, Response, Loss of Diagnosis, and Remission-successively comparing each category to the prior one: No Response versus Response, Response versus Loss of Diagnosis, and Loss of Diagnosis versus Remission. Outcomes were clinically meaningful improvements and good endpoints in domains of clinician-rated and self-reported quality of life. Response was associated with improvement on almost all measures, but with only one good endpoint. Loss of Diagnosis was associated with improvement on all measures except self-rated social functioning and with achieving a good endpoint on all measures. Remission was associated with improvement in clinician-rated social impairment and a good endpoint in clinician-rated occupational impairment. For most domains of quality of life, treating a patient until the patient no longer meets diagnostic criteria would be optimal. For some domains, further improvements may result by helping a patient achieve remission.

A systematic review of mental disorders and perpetration of domestic violence among military populations.

Military populations may experience more severe forms of domestic violence than the general population. Although mental disorders are associated with domestic violence perpetration among the general population, it is not clear whether this is the case for military populations. This review aimed to establish the prevalence and odds of domestic violence perpetration among male and female military personnel with mental disorders. Systematic review: searches of eleven electronic databases were supplemented by hand searches, reference screening, citation tracking and expert recommendations. Ten studies were included; nine reporting on partner violence and one on violence against an adult family member. Median prevalence estimates were calculated for partner violence perpetration among male military personnel with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); estimates on other disorders were not possible due to lack of data. 27.5% of men with PTSD reported past year physical violence perpetration against a partner and 91.0% reported past year psychological violence perpetration against a partner. Due to limited data, no median estimates could be calculated for female military personnel. Data from individual papers indicate increased odds of past year partner violence perpetration among male and female military personnel with depression; inconsistent findings were reported for risk of partner violence perpetration among male and female military personnel with PTSD. There is some evidence that mental disorders among military personnel are associated with past year domestic violence perpetration, though current data cannot confirm direction of causality. Research is needed to inform the development of interventions targeted to reduce domestic violence perpetration among military personnel.

High levels of emotional distress, trauma exposure, and self-injurious thoughts and behaviors among military personnel and veterans with a history of same sex behavior.

Rates of suicide deaths and attempts among military personnel and veterans have risen over the past decade. Research on the relationship of sexual minority status (whether by attraction, identity, or behavior) with self-injurious thoughts and behaviors (SITB) among military personnel and veterans is sparse, despite considerable evidence suggesting sexual minority individuals are at increased risk in the general population. The current study examined the relationship of sexual minority status (i.e., those reporting a history of same-sex partners) with emotional distress, trauma exposure, and SITB in a sample of 422 military personnel and veterans enrolled in college classes. Results indicated that military personnel who had a history of same-sex partners reported more severe depression, posttraumatic stress, and trauma exposure than military personnel who reported only other-sex partners. Female military personnel with a history of same-sex partners reported the highest rates of physical (48.3%) and sexual (41.4%) assault, and nonsuicidal self-injury (31%) and suicide attempts (20.7%). Military personnel with a history of same-sex partners reported significantly increased rates of suicide ideation (OR 2.08, p .05), nonsuicidal self-injury (OR 2.29, p .05), and suicide attempts (OR 2.89, p .05). Results suggest sexual minority military personnel and veterans, especially women, report greater emotional distress and trauma exposure. They are also at increased risk for SITB, as a function of these high levels of psychological distress and trauma.

Mental Health and Substance Use Factors Associated With Unwanted Sexual Contact Among U.S. Active Duty Service Women.

Many U.S. military women are exposed to unwanted sexual contact during military service, which can have important implications for mental health. Using data from the 2008 Department of Defense Survey of Health Related Behaviors, we employed multiple logistic regression methods to examine whether unwanted sexual contact was associated with stress, screening positive for mental disorders, or substance use, among active duty service women. The sample included 7,415 female military personnel, of whom 13.4% reported unwanted sexual contact (including any touching of genitals) since entering the military. After adjusting for potentially confounding variables, factors independently associated with unwanted sexual contact included military-related stress (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.44), family/personal life-related stress (AOR = 1.78), and gender-related stress (AOR = 1.98) in the past 12 months. In addition, screening positive for depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, or psychological distress, and suicidal ideation or attempt were associated with unwanted sexual contact (AOR = 1.57-2.11). For drug/alcohol use, only misuse of tranquilizers/muscle relaxers (past 12 months) was associated with report of unwanted sexual contact (AOR = 1.35). Given the prevalence of unwanted sexual contact and corresponding adverse health outcomes in this sample of active duty women, strategies to create military structural/cultural changes and reduce gender-related stress and sexism are needed.

Thermal Comfort Difference on Gender under Military Garment System Using Thermal Manikin

To protect military personnel's lives, the military provides, and requires personnel to wear, a military garment system, which includes a ballistic vest. In this study, three levels of a military garment system were tested to measure the thermal and evaporative resistances under the garment system. In addition, for female military personnel who wear ballistic vests designed for men, this study compared the thermal comfort values by gender through thermal manikin tests. The results concluded the need for better designed ballistic vests for improving the ventilation system.

The association of military and premilitary sexual trauma with risk for suicide ideation, plans, and attempts

Military sexual trauma is a strong predictor of psychiatric disorders and negative health outcomes among military personnel and veterans, but little is known about its relationship with suicide risk. The current study investigates the association of military sexual trauma with suicide risk among 464 U.S. military personnel and veterans enrolled in college classes. Results indicate that premilitary sexual assault was associated with significantly increased risk for later suicide ideation, plans, and attempts during military service. Unwanted sexual experiences occurring during military service was associated with significantly increased risk for suicide ideation and suicide plans for male participants. When considered simultaneously, premilitary sexual trauma showed relatively stronger associations with suicide risk among women whereas military sexual trauma showed relatively stronger associations with suicide risk among men. Results suggest differences in the relation of sexual trauma to suicide risk among male and female military personnel and veterans.

Gendering the Rwanda Defence Force: A Critical Assessment

Over the past five years the Government of Rwanda has placed renewed emphasis on increasing the number of female military personnel and gender mainstreaming the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF). This article examines the efforts made by the RDF since 2007 to meet these strategic requirements and integrate women into the national security organ. It is suggested that, in spite of Rwanda's success in bringing women into the political sphere, women are still reluctant to join the military. It is argued that prevailing societal values and attitudes, conflicting narratives within official discourse about the role of women as security actors, resource constraints and the RDF's emphasis on ‘gender equality’ are barriers to achieving RDF goals. Drawing on in-depth interviews with RDF military personnel and government officials, as well as documentary research, the article first provides an overview of the Rwandan government's approach to mobilizing women to securitize the state, before examining how the RDF aims to progress the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda nationally and within local communities. The article then reflects on some of the factors that are hindering the recruitment and retention of female military personnel.

The catecholamine neurotransmitter precursor tyrosine increases anger during exposure to severe psychological stress.

RationaleAcute stress produces behavioral and physiological changes modulated by central catecholamines (CA). Stress increases CA activity, and depletion of CA stores reduces responses to stress. Increasing CA activity by administration of the dietary amino acid CA precursor tyrosine may increase responsiveness to stress. This study determined whether tyrosine enhances the ability of humans to respond to severe stress.MethodsSevere psychological stress was generated during training at Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) School. The acute stressor consisted of two mock interrogations conducted during several days of simulated captivity. Seventy-eight healthy male and female military personnel participated in this double-blind, between-subjects study, in which they received either tyrosine (300 mg/kg, N = 36) or placebo (N = 36). Tyrosine (or placebo) was administered in food bars in two doses of 150 mg/kg each approximately 60 min before each mock interrogation. Mood (Profile of Mood States), saliva cortisol, and heart rate (HR) were assessed prior to stress exposure during a week of academic training preceding mock captivity and immediately following the mock interrogations.ResultsThe severe stress produced robust effects on mood (i.e., increased tension, depression, anger, fatigue, vigor, and confusion; p < .001), cortisol, and HR (p < .001). Tyrosine increased anger (p = .002, ANOVA treatment condition by test session interaction) during stress but had no other effects.ConclusionTyrosine did not alter most subjective or physiological responses to severe acute stress, but it increased ratings of anger. The modest increase in anger may be an adaptive emotional response in stressful environments.

Calcium and vitamin D supplementation maintains parathyroid hormone and improves bone density during initial military training: A randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial

Calcium and vitamin D are essential nutrients for bone health. Periods of activity with repetitive mechanical loading, such as military training, may result in increases in parathyroid hormone (PTH), a key regulator of Ca metabolism, and may be linked to the development of stress fractures. Previous studies indicate that consumption of a Ca and vitamin D supplement may reduce stress fracture risk in female military personnel during initial military training, but circulating markers of Ca and bone metabolism and measures of bone density and strength have not been determined. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial sought to determine the effects of providing supplemental Ca and vitamin D (Ca+Vit D, 2000mg and 1000IU/d, respectively), delivered as 2 snack bars per day throughout 9weeks of Army initial military training (or basic combat training, BCT) on PTH, vitamin D status, and measures of bone density and strength in personnel undergoing BCT, as well as independent effects of BCT on bone parameters. A total of 156 men and 87 women enrolled in Army BCT (Fort Sill, OK; 34.7°N latitude) volunteered for this study. Anthropometric, biochemical, and dietary intake data were collected pre- and post-BCT. In addition, peripheral quantitative computed tomography was utilized to assess tibia bone density and strength in a subset of volunteers (n=46). Consumption of supplemental Ca+Vit D increased circulating ionized Ca (group-by-time, P=0.022), maintained PTH (group-by-time, P=0.032), and increased the osteoprotegerin:RANKL ratio (group-by-time, P=0.006). Consistent with the biochemical markers, Ca+Vit D improved vBMD (group-by-time, P=0.024) at the 4% site and cortical BMC (group-by-time, P=0.028) and thickness (group-by-time, P=0.013) at the 14% site compared to placebo. These data demonstrate the benefit of supplemental Ca and vitamin D for maintaining bone health during periods of elevated bone turnover, such as initial military training.This trial was registered with ClincialTrials.gov, NCT01617109.

Retaining Employees Through Anti-Sexual Harassment Practices: Exploring the Mediating Role of Psychological Distress and Employee Engagement

The present study utilized sexual harassment, organizational climate, and engagement theories to articulate a process model of how perceived anti�sexual harassment practices and sexual harassment incidents relate to affective commitment and intentions to stay. The authors hypothesized that perceived anti�sexual harassment practices and sexual harassment incidents would relate to employee engagement, both directly and indirectly through psychological distress. Moreover, psychological distress and employee engagement were hypothesized to mediate the relationships of perceived anti�sexual harassment practices and sexual harassment incidents with affective commitment and intentions to stay. Study findings supported these hypotheses within two subsamples of female (N = 3,283 and 3,207) and male (N = 3,460 and 3,300) military personnel.

Professionally focused activities of the teacher directed at formation of the motivation to fitness at the female military personnel

39 Uchenye zapiski universiteta imeni P.F. Lesgafta, Vol. 108, No. 2, pp. 21-25. 2. Bolotin, A.E. and Vasilyeva, V.S. (2013), “Requirements made to professional readiness of experts in protection in emergency situations”, Uchenye zapiski universiteta imeni P.F. Lesgafta, Vol. 100, No. 6, pp. 15-21. 3. Bolotin, A.E. and Bakayev V. V. (2013), “Indicators of readiness of students to health saving behavior”, Uchenye zapiski universiteta imeni P.F. Lesgafta, Vol. 106, No. 12 pp. 36-39. 4. Bolotin, A.E. and Bakayev V. V. (2014), “Pedagogical technology of management of a healthy lifestyle of students ”, Uchenye zapiski universiteta imeni P.F. Lesgafta, Vol. 107, No. 1 pp. 2428. 5. Bolotin, A.E. and Chistyakov A.V. (2013), “Structure and contents of the pedagogical concept of improvement of multilevel system of physical training in Russia”, Uchenye zapiski universiteta imeni P.F. Lesgafta, Vol. 97, No. 3, pp. 35-41. 6. Bolotin, A.E. and Bityutskya, О.V. (2013), “Pedagogical model of management of development of legal literacy in heads of GPN Emercom of Russia”, Uchenye zapiski universiteta imeni P.F. Lesgafta, Vol. 101, No. 7, pp. 31-36. 7. Bolotin, A.E. and Bityutskya, О.V. (2013), “Technology of management of development of legal literacy at heads of GPN Emercom of Russia”, Uchenye zapiski universiteta imeni P.F. Lesgafta, Vol. 102, No. 8, pp. 34-39. Контактная информация: a_bolotin@inbox.ru

The Power of Women in the Armed Forces

The aim of this paper is to investigate the various models and the best practices of the participation of women in the armed forces, their influence and integration in a traditionally recognized as a men field. The article examines the main challenges that female military personnel face along the military career and sheds light on the mechanism for the protection and implementation of female rights. Then, it puts forward that the transformation of the armed forces provides a good opportunity to increase the role of women in the armed forces. The paper suggests that based on the experience women have the ability to solve complex, unstable, doubtful and confusing situations related to war. However, this natural endowment should be coupled with operational experience in order to increase their self confidence and their abilities multiplying their power inside the armed forces. Women, with their skills, might offer comparative advantage in the resources needed for the wars of the future. The paper conludes that supporting the gender equality in the armed forces, the involvement of the women in all levels of military decision making and ensuring that they get full and equal rights in the armed forces is key to successful transformation of the armed forces. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2013.v4n10p580

Female Peacekeepers and Gender Balancing: Token Gestures or Informed Policymaking?

Since the United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 1325 (2000), which is referenced in most of the mandates for peacekeeping authorizations and renewals as of its adoption, UN peacekeeping forces have begun a process of gender balancing. While we have seen an increase in the numbers of female peacekeepers during the decade 2000–2010 and variation in the distribution patterns of female military personnel, we do not know if female military peacekeepers are deploying to areas that are safest or to areas with the greatest need for gender-balanced international involvement. Because the decision-making authority in the allocation of peacekeeping forces rests with the troop-contributing countries, which might not have bought into the gender balancing and mainstreaming initiatives mandated by the UN Security Council, we propose and find evidence that female military personnel tend to deploy to areas where there is least risk. They tend not to deploy where they may be most needed—where sexual violence and gender equity has been a major problem—and we find only a modest effect of having specific language in the mandates related to gender issues.