Women's physical and mental health sequellae of wartime service

Increasing numbers of US women are serving as soldiers. Their war roles are expanding, exposing them to grave danger, psychological trauma, and toxic exposures, potentially evoking long-lasting mental and physical health effects. Women differ from men in their health responses to war in that they are more vulnerable to post-traumatic stress disorder and are at increased risk for certain cancers and abnormal reproductive health outcomes. Other health outcomes are not well delineated. Because the United States continues to send large numbers of its citizens to war, it is critical that nurses appreciate the long-term impact of war on the women and men who serve and that they explore strategies effective in protecting and restoring the war veteran's mental and physical health.