Study Purpose
Despite the Gulf War’s relatively short duration, many veterans have suffered long-lasting and debilitating health effects due to their deployment. To date, little is known about the effects of Gulf War service, Gulf War exposures, and Gulf War Illness on the reproductive health of our veterans. Even fewer studies have been conducted to characterize the birthing outcomes among veterans and the general health and development of their children.
To address these major research and knowledge gaps, this study was designed to directly evaluate health outcomes in relation to Gulf War service, Gulf War exposures, and Gulf War Illness among veterans and their children. To best address veterans’ inquiries, the surveys for this study were heavily informed by testimonies from Gulf War veterans, family members, and advocates.
The purpose of this study is to:
- Explore Gulf War veterans’ reproductive health and birth outcomes.
- Investigate the impact of Gulf War exposures and/or Gulf War Illness on the reproductive health and birth outcomes of veterans.
- Examine the development and overall health of children of Gulf War veterans.
- Identify the ways in which Gulf War exposures and/or Gulf War Illness impacted the development or overall health of Gulf War veterans’ children.