The Long-Term Psychiatric Sequence of the Prisoner of War Experience: Findings From Operation Homecoming Vietnam Veterans

Abstract : The purpose of this study was to determine the psychiatric status and risk profile of repatriated prisoners of war (RPOWs) 25 years after their return. Subjects were 260 of the original 566 Vietnam War RPOWs and 81 of the original 138 Navy Vietnam veteran controls from Operation Homecoming. Methods included a brief questionnaire in 2000 to obtain baseline veteran and family health risk factor and psychological status screening information. Additionally, computer-based telephone interviews in 2001 using the Quick Diagnostic Interview Schedule provided clinically based lifetime and recent diagnoses. Results among 44 matched pairs showed RPOWs significantly more likely than controls to be limited in activities, perceive their health as poorer, experience higher rates of arthritis and back/neck problems, and score more negatively on Duke Health Profile measures of depression and anxiety. Current physical health status appeared to be more related to the psychiatric status of naval aviator Vietnam veterans than the POW experience itself. Strengths of the current study over previous studies are the use of controls, longitudinal analyses, and a longer time frame for follow-up.