CSP 579, Health ViEWS: HEALTH OF VIETNAM ERA VETERAN WOMEN'S STUDY

Little is known about the long-term health and mental health status of women Vietnam Era Veterans. For many of these women, the effects of this war are still present in their daily lives. As these women approach their mid-sixties, it is important to understand the impact of wartime deployment on health and mental health outcomes nearly 40 years later.

The VA CSP No. 579 Health ViEWS study represents the most comprehensive examination of a group of women Vietnam Era Veterans to date. This study is designed to evaluate the long-term mental and physical health effects of military service during the Vietnam Era (July 4, 1965 - March 28, 1973) in women. The Health ViEWS Study will assess the prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder PTSD, other mental and physical health conditions and disability for women Vietnam Veterans, and explore the relationship between PTSD and other conditions and the Vietnam deployment experience (Women identified as serving in Vietnam, near Vietnam (in Asia during the Vietnam War), and in the U.S. during the Vietnam War). This research will also provide important information about Vietnam women's Veterans health care needs now.

The study will include women Vietnam Era Veterans who served in Vietnam, and, for the first time, also study those who served in facilities near Vietnam who may have had similar, but less direct war-related experiences. Information will gathered by a mail survey, a telephone interview, and a review of medical records for a selected sample of women.

Approximately 10,000 women will be asked to participate in this groundbreaking study. As women Vietnam Era Veterans approach their mid-sixties, it is important to understand the impact of wartime deployment on health and mental outcomes nearly 40 years later. The study, to be managed by VA's Cooperative Studies Program, is projected to cost $5.6 million.

For more information on CSP No. 579 - Heath ViEWS, please contact the Perry Point Cooperative Studies Coordinating Center:

• Perry Point Cooperative Studies Program Coordinating Center
• Building 4R/ Room 108
• Perry Point, MD 21902
• 410-642-2411 x6122

Biostatistician: Tracey Serpi, PhD, tracey.serpi@va.gov

Project Manager: Erin Reinhart, leslie.reinhart@va.gov

Principal Proponents:

For Veterans Seeking General Information From VA:

• Please visit our website: www.va.gov
• You may use this link to send a question directly to VA: https://iris.va.gov/scripts/iris.cfg/php.exe/enduser/cci/ask_1.php?p_sid=FV1t39Rj&p_accessibility=0&p_redirect=&p_lva=&p_sp=&p_li=

Study Related Links:

• Clinicaltrials.gov: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00958061?order=1
• CSP579 Press release: http://www1.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=1821
• VA Research Currents: http://www.research.va.gov/resources/pubs/docs/va_research_currents_sept_09.pdf