A knowledge assessment of combat stress reaction in Army Family Practice residents

Combat stress reaction occurs when a soldier's ability to function effectively is impaired by overwhelming stressors in a combat environment. During recent wars, Combat stress reaction has accounted for 30% to 40% of all casualties. Army Family Physicians can expect to be assigned to frontline medical units in time of war and, therefore, should be able to accurately diagnose and treat combat stress reaction. This paper reports an investigation of the knowledge Army Family Practice residents have of combat stress reaction. The results show that Army Family Practice residents are deficient in their knowledge of combat stress reaction.