An Evidence Map of the Women Veterans' Health Research Literature (2008 – 2015) [Internet]

Excerpt

Women currently comprise approximately 10% of all living US Veterans. This proportion is projected to rise to 15% by 2035 as the number and proportion of women serving in the US Military continues to increase. The demographics and life experiences of women Veterans are distinct from those of both non-Veteran women and male Veterans. Consequently, women Veterans face multiple unique health and healthcare concerns that were historically underserved by the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). In the past several decades, the provision of high- quality, evidence-based, accessible healthcare for women Veterans has become an increasingly vital strategic priority within VA. A growing body of literature addresses the health and healthcare concerns of women Veterans. The VA Women’s Health Research Network, established in 2010, seeks to systematically improve women's healthcare and reduce sex/gender disparities by filling critical knowledge gaps in the evidence base related to women Veterans' health and healthcare needs.