Comparison of outpatient health care utilization among returning women and men Veterans from Afghanistan and Iraq

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The number of women serving in the United States military increased during Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), leading to a subsequent surge in new women Veterans seeking health care services from the Veterans Administration (VA). The objective of this study was to examine gender differences among OEF/OIF Veterans in utilization of VA outpatient health care services.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Our retrospective cohort consisted of 1,620 OEF/OIF Veterans (240 women and 1380 men) who enrolled for outpatient healthcare at a single VA facility. We collected demographic data and information on military service and VA utilization from VA electronic medical records. To assess gender differences we used two models: use versus nonuse of services (logistic regression) and intensity of use among users (negative binomial regression).</p> <p>Results</p> <p>In our sample, women were more likely to be younger, single, and non-white than men. Women were more likely to utilize outpatient care services (odds ratio [OR] = 1.47, 95% confidence interval [CI]:1.09, 1.98), but once care was initiated, frequency of visits over time (intensity) did not differ by gender (incident rate ratio [IRR] = 1.07; 95% CI: 0.90, 1.27).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Recently discharged OEF/OIF women Veterans were more likely to seek VA health care than men Veterans. But the intensity of use was similar between women and men VA care users. As more women use VA health care, prospective studies exploring gender differences in types of services utilized, health outcomes, and factors associated with satisfaction will be required.</p

H.R. 3423, to amend Title 38, United States Code, to enact into law eligibility of certain veterans and their dependents for burial in Arlington National Cemetery : hearing before the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, House of Representatives, One Hundred Seventh Congress, first session, December 13, 2001.

"Serial no. 107-18."Shipping list no.: 2003-0138-P.Distributed to some depository libraries in microfiche.Mode of access: Internet

National Guard Employment Protection Act of 2010 : report (to accompany H.R. 1879) (including cost estimate of the Congressional Budget Office).

"March 22, 2010."Shipping list no.: 2010-0181-P.Caption title.Mode of access: Internet

Radiation research in the VA involving human subjects : hearing before the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, House of Representatives, One Hundred Third Congress, second session, February 8, 1994.

"Serial no. 103-37."Shipping list no.: 94-0415-P.Distributed to some depository libraries in microfiche.Includes bibliographical references.Mode of access: Internet

Veterans Employment and Home Preservation Act of 2010 : report (to accompany H.R. 3976) (including cost estimate of the Congressional Budget Office).

"March 22, 2010."Shipping list no.: 2010-0181-P.Caption title.Mode of access: Internet

Chiropractic Care Available to All Veterans Act : report (to accompany H.R. 1017) (including cost estimate of the Congressional Budget Office).

"May 20, 2010."Shipping list no.: 2010-0267-P.Caption title.Mode of access: Internet

End Veteran Homelessness Act of 2010 : report (to accompany H.R. 4810) (including cost estimate of the Congressional Budget Office).

"March 22, 2010."Shipping list no.: 2010-0181-P.Caption title.Mode of access: Internet

Building the critical health infrastructure for veterans in Orlando, Florida : field hearing before the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, U.S. House of Representatives, One Hundred Eleventh Congress, first session, April 21, 2009; field hearing held in Orlando, FL.

"Serial no. 111-12."Shipping list no.: 2010-0003-P.Mode of access: Internet

Veterans Dog Training Therapy Act : report (to accompany H.R. 3885) (including cost estimate of the Congressional Budget Office).

"May 20, 2010."Shipping list no.: 2010-0266-P.Caption title.Mode of access: Internet