Physical Health and Well-being: Updates and the Way Ahead

Area of Science:

• Military Health
• Women's Health
• Public Health Policy

Background:

• The Women in Combat Summit 2021 addressed physical health and well-being for military women.
• Key topics included urogenital health, nutrition, iron-deficiency anemia, unintended pregnancy, contraception, and traumatic brain injury.

Purpose of the Study:

• To formulate research and policy recommendations for improving the physical health and well-being of military women.
• To address critical health issues impacting female service members.

Main Methods:

• The study involved presentations and subsequent focus groups at the Women in Combat Summit 2021.
• Discussions centered on policy recommendations for physical health and well-being, with future summit suggestions noted.

Main Results:

• Research and policy recommendations were formulated for urogenital health.
• Recommendations were also developed for nutrition and iron-deficiency anemia.
• Policy suggestions were made for contraception, unintended pregnancy, and traumatic brain injury.

Conclusions:

• Healthcare providers, researchers, and policymakers should utilize these recommendations.
• These recommendations aim to advance the health and well-being of military women.
• The findings contribute to building the state of science and forging the future of military women's health.