Published today, a new comparative study by the University of Chester, funded by Forces in Mind Trust, has highlighted the unique physical and mental health challenges that ex-Service personnel of the Armed Forces can experience compared to the national population.
Image: Open Government License
Crown copyright – Sgt Ian Forsyth RLC
Anonymised data from 2,729 veterans and 2,729 demographically matched members of the general population across 13 primary health care (PHC) practices in North-West England was analysed to compare health conditions using PHC medical records.
The analysis showed that:
- Ex-Service personnel were generally not more likely to have a mental health diagnosis than the general population and were recorded as having depression at lower rates than the general population.
- Ex-Service personnel were more likely to experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with 2.9% recorded as having the condition, compared to 0.8% of the general population.
- Hypertension (high blood pressure), Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, and physical problems associated with alcohol misuse were more prevalent in veterans than non-veterans.
For the full data including how it was collected, and the recommendations the full report can be read here
Project lead, Professor Alan Finnegan, from Northumbria University said,
“This study should assist in a better understanding of the healthcare needs of the veteran population to potentially inform better patient-centred care. Veterans in this study were more likely to be diagnosed with PTSD, and less likely to have depression. They were also more likely to be diagnosed with Hypertension and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. For the veterans diagnosed with Hypertension and Type 2 Diabetes, a possible cause was the reduction of a physically demanding regime after leaving the Armed Forces, whilst continuing the same level of calorie consumption as they progress into more sedentary employment.
“The data suggests that veterans are not a vulnerable population for mental Ill health, but that there are some areas where physical health interventions and preventative measures may help. A proactive measure is to provide veterans with free gym passes and/or connection to health promotion activities with organisations such as professional sports clubs.”
Michelle Alston, Chief Executive of Forces in Mind Trust, said,
“Ex-Service personnel share many of the common health problems of their comparable population that has never served in the Armed Forces. Nevertheless this report shows that ex-Service personnel may also face unique health issues. Understanding and supporting these unique health needs will help more ex-Service personnel have better health and a successful transition to civilian life.”
