How does OEF/OIF Deployment Affect Servicewomen’s Children and Marriages

Sadler AG, Torner J, Mengeling M, Booth BM. How does OEF/OIF Deployment Affect Servicewomen’s Children and Marriages. Poster session presented at: International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies Annual Symposium; 2014 Nov 6; Miami, FL.

Objective: To describe the impact of deployment on children and couples. Methods: A cross-sectional study design used computer-assisted telephone interviews assessing socio-demographic, military characteristics, trauma and health outcomes. Defense Manpower Data Center provided a Midwestern sample of OEF/OIF servicewomen. Participants included currently serving (79%) and veteran (21%) servicewomen; 50% AC, 50% RNG; with three quarters (74%) ever deployed. Results: 41% of the 1337 participants were parents. Half (52%) believed their deployment negatively impacted their child's emotional well-being and school performance (45%). One-third (36%) of parents had to move their child from the family home for care while deployed, of which 55%of these children had to change schools as a result. One-third were single-parents when deployed. 2.5% had ever lost custody of their child due to deployment. 76% of participant had a current or former spouse who was also military. Of military spouses, 50% had ever deployed to Iraq/Afghanistan with 46% of participants believing that the spouse's deployment was a major reason for their divorce. Similarly, 57% of deployed women believed their own deployment was a major reason for their divorce. Deployments disrupt the lives of children and couples with consequent adverse outcomes such as school and emotional well-being as well as divorce. Couples and families with both partners in military careers may be vulnerable populations. Policy makers and clinicians must be aware that child wellbeing during deployment and readjustment of families post-deployment is a substantial concern that may have substantial long-term consequences.