Common data elements and databases essential for the study of musculoskeletal injuries in military personnel

Abstract: Introduction: Injuries are the leading cause of medical encounters with over 2 million medical encounters for musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions and over 700,000 acute …

Health care utilization during the first 5½ years of authorized service by transgender U.S. Service members (2016-2021)

Abstract: Purpose: This study examined the utilization of gender-affirming health care by active-duty service members during the initial 5½ years that transgender and …

What does the military health system need to support future combat operations? Lessons from aeromedical evacuations from 2008 to 2020

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Aeromedical evacuations from the past few decades have yielded massive amounts of data that may inform the Military Health System (MHS) on patient needs, …

Racial disparities in highly effective contraceptive use among U.S. Active Duty Servicewomen, Fiscal Years 2016-2019

Abstract: Background: Previous studies have found that unintended pregnancy rates are higher among racial minorities and active duty servicewomen (ADSW), correlating with lower …

Sexual and reproductive health in military settings: A qualitative study

Abstract: Mission readiness is critical to the operational success of the United States (US) military and includes having a healthy and fit fighting force. Service members and …

General and pain-associated psychological distress phenotypes among patients with low back pain in the Military Health System

Abstract: Objective: The primary objective was to describe rates of general and pain-related psychological distress for individuals with low back pain (LBP) in the Military Health …

Association between body composition standards and eating disorder medical claims among active-duty service women

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Eating disorders are a worldwide public health concern with the United States having a particularly high prevalence. Eating disorders are of particular …

Race does not affect rates of surgical complications at military treatment facility

Abstract: Introduction: Racial minorities have been found to have worse health care outcomes, including perioperative adverse events. We hypothesized that these racial disparities …

Racialized and beneficiary inequities in medication to treat opioid use disorder receipt within the US Military Health System

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) can be critical to managing opioid use disorder (OUD). It is unknown the extent to which US Military Health System …

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the military health system's care of military sexual assault

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Sexual assault remains a high priority challenge for leaders in the U.S. military. The COVID-19 pandemic further complicated the issue by disrupting work and …

Recommendations for a Military Health System auditory blast injury prevention standard

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Although existing auditory injury prevention standards benefit warfighters, the Department of Defense could do more to understand and address auditory …

Demographics and comorbidities of united states service members with combat-related lower extremity limb salvage

Abstract: Introduction: This retrospective study describes the demographics and injury characteristics of a recently identified cohort of US Service members with combat-related …