Combat Related Environmental Risk Factors as Predictors of Self-Rated Health

Abstract : The purpose of this study is to examine the correlates of combat related environmental factors with the self-rated health of U.S. Army Soldiers returning from a combat deployment. The data used for this study are collected through the Soldier Wellness Assessment Program (SWAP) using the Health Risk Assessment Survey II (HRA IIv2). This survey is designed to identify physical and mental health concerns of Soldiers 90-180 days after their return from a deployment. This study is a single cross sectional analysis examining a sample of 7,315 HRA IIv2 surveys collected from active duty Soldiers in the Western Regional Medical Command (WRMC) from 2007 to 2008. Multiple linear regression is used for data analysis and to develop a predictive model. The dependent variable, self-rated health, is analyzed with eight combat related environmental factors (physical and psychological) and three individual demographic factors. Initial results of the full model indicate all factors are correlated with self-rated health; however, several combat related environmental factors showed signs of covariation. An adjusted model was developed based on the initial multiple linear regression analysis. Results indicate that the 6.7% of the variance in the self-rated health be attributed to the variance in the adjusted model. The statistical evidence suggests that the model's independent variables are significant predictors of self rated health (F(8,7,306) = 66.21, p = <.001). Obtaining higher education was the most salient predictor of better self-rated health. The occurrence of physical injury or physical harm during combat was the most salient predictor of poorer health.