Ambulatory health care needs of women deployed with a heavy armor division during the Persian Gulf War.

A study was undertaken to assess the health care needs of women in a combat deployment. During a 6-month period during the Persian Gulf War, 10,165 ambulatory visits from an armor division were studied. The results demonstrate that the health care needs of women can be managed by competently and broadly trained practitioners. Referral sites should provide for gynecologic consultants along with equipment and resources needed to manage pregnancy complications, pelvic pain, and abnormal cervical cytology. It is unlikely that women deployed in this setting pose a significant health care burden attributable solely to their gynecologic needs.