| Title: | Long-term physical health conditions among UK female veterans: a UK Biobank cohort study comparing male veterans and female civilians |
| Journal: | BMJ Open |
| Published: | 22 Feb 2026 |
| Pubmed: | https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41724500/ |
| DOI: | https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2025-108672 |
| URL: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2025-108672 |
Publication 17664
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To examine differences in physical health conditions among female veterans compared with male veterans and female civilians.</p>
DESIGN: Cohort analysis using data from the UK Biobank, incorporating self-reported and hospital-derived health information.</p>
PARTICIPANTS: Veteran status was identified using Standard Occupational Classification codes. The study included female veterans (n=546), male veterans (n=2722) and female civilians (n=66 305).</p>
OUTCOME MEASURES: Physical health conditions were identified through self-report and hospital records. Multivariable logistic regression models estimated associations between veteran status and selected health conditions, adjusting for age, sociodemographic factors, time in service, body mass index and current smoking status.</p>
RESULTS: Compared with female civilians, female veterans had increased odds of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (adjusted OR (aOR) 1.79, 95% CI 1.04 to 3.08) and lower odds of hypertension (aOR 0.74, 95% CI 0.59 to 0.93), with no significant difference in musculoskeletal conditions or osteoarthritis. Compared with male veterans, female veterans had significantly higher odds of osteoarthritis (aOR 1.61, 95% CI 1.25 to 2.08), migraine (aOR 2.63, 95% CI 1.66 to 4.19) and thyroid disorders (aOR 4.42, 95% CI 2.83 to 6.89).</p>
CONCLUSIONS: Female veterans have distinct physical health profiles, including a greater burden of musculoskeletal and respiratory conditions compared with male veterans and female civilians. These findings highlight the need for targeted prevention and clinical interventions for women with a history of military service.</p>
16 Keywords
- Adult
- Aged
- Cohort Studies
- Female
- Health Status
- Humans
- Hypertension
- Logistic Models
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Musculoskeletal Diseases
- Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive
- Sex Factors
- UK Biobank
- United Kingdom
- Veterans
5 Authors
- Alexandria Catherine Smith
- Amber Mckenzie
- Lauren R Godier-McBard
- Nicola T Fear
- Sharon Stevelink
1 Application
| Application ID | Title |
|---|---|
| 213421 | Identifying and examining the physical, mental, and social needs of male and female veterans in the UK compared to civilians. |
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