Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

© The Author(s) 2018. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society of Occupational Medicine. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com. Background While it is known that some UK Armed Forces (UK AF) personnel and veterans experience physical and mental health problems, the possible future healthcare needs of military veterans are unknown. Aims To estimate the number of military personnel who may experience physical and/or psychological health problems associated with their military service. Methods Data were obtained via Freedom of Information requests to several sources, including Defence Statistics. Raw data from research studies were also used where available. Data were analysed using meta-Analytic methods to determine the rate of physical, mental or comorbid health problems in AF personnel. Results Musculoskeletal problems were the predominant reason for medical discharge from service. In terms of mental health, meta-Analyses estimated that veteran reservists (part-Time military members) previously deployed to operational areas had the highest proportion of general health problems (35%), previously deployed veteran regulars (those in full time military employment) and veteran reservists had the highest proportion of post-Traumatic stress disorder (9%), and regular personnel with a deployment history had the highest proportion of alcohol problems (14%). Overall, our findings suggest that at least 67515 veterans are likely to suffer from mental and/or physical health problems at some point as a result of their service between 2001 and 2014. Conclusions The results of this study highlight that the difficulties personnel may face are largely musculoskeletal or mental health-related. These findings may help with planning the provision of future physical and mental health care and support for those who serve in the UK AF.

Original publication

DOI

10.1093/occmed/kqy139

Type

Journal article

Journal

Occupational Medicine

Publication Date

07/02/2019

Volume

69

Pages

64 - 70