Australian Veterans of the Middle East Conflicts 2001–2010: Select Reproductive Health Outcomes Part 1 — Maternal and Paternal Outcomes

Abstract

Background: Anecdotally, infertility concerns among serving female Australian Defense Force (ADF) members and veterans are perceived to be prevalent, but precise data are lacking. This is the first of two papers that identify reproductive, pregnancy, and infant outcomes in an exclusively Australian military cohort. This initial paper aims to describe maternal and paternal occupation and fertility characteristics of a group of ADF members who deployed to the Middle East during the period 2001–2010. Methods: Utilizing the Middle East Area of Operations Census Study data set, a descriptive analysis was performed on the demographic and clinical variables of the cohort, where data were reported. Descriptive statistics (means, frequencies, percentiles) were used to describe the population. Sociodemographic data and clinical data, including maternal/paternal outcomes, were reported. Results: The self-reported infertility rate was 9%, which was significantly lower than the reported infertility rate in the comparative Australian (non-military) population. All other outcomes were comparable to the Australian population and within normal limits. Conclusions: This survey presents a generally reassuring picture of reproductive health for men and women serving in the ADF with regard to the risk of infertility, pregnancy loss, and perinatal outcomes, although the basis for fertility concerns requires further investigation.

Keywords

• military personnel
• veterans health
• reproductive health
• fertility
• retrospective studies