Controlled Epidemiological and Clinical Study into the Effect of Gulf WarServicemen and Women of the United Kingdom Armed Forces

摘要

This is the 1st annual progress report of a 3 year epidemiological study into theeffects on health of service in the Persian Gulf War. During the period June 1996 to June 1997, the questionnaire to be used in the study has been devised. A detailed pilot study has been undertaken, with resulting changes being made to the questionnaire. The questionnaire is comprehensive, with questions looking at background factors, theatres of operation, exposures, and health outcomes. In add tion, an extensive database of literature has been developed, covering papers concerned with the effect of war on individuals, plus research pertaining specifically to the Persian Gulf War. Currently, the main body of study is underway, with 12750 questionnaires having been or in the process of being dispatched to currently serving or ex military personnel. Tracing procedures have been extensively investigated and algorithms devised. Problems have been encountered during the year, ut at the level of the Ministry of Defence and the quality of addresses being released by the armed forces. Considerable manpower has been taken up ensuring that a dresses received were in a suitable format for mailing purposes. Political developments have also impinged on the project. Her Majesty's Government announced funds for research into the Gulf War Syndrome, which resulted ted in our study being held back as it was deemed desirable that all UK research proceeds in an integrated fashion.