Epidemiological Profile, Predominant Morbidity Among Veterans and Military Retirees: retrospective analysis of case series from 1969 to 2022

Abstract

Context and objective. Increasing morbidity among veterans is a major public health concern in low-income countries. This specific group often receives less attention. This study aimed to describe the distribution of the most common diseases among veterans and military retirees in Kinshasa and identify factors associated with the predominant pathology in this group. Methods. A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted on veterans and military retirees in Kinshasa. Data were collected through a documentary review and analyzed using RStudio software. Results. Five pathologies were predominant among veterans and military retirees: hypertension, heart disease, diabetes mellitus, stroke, and malaria. Related diseases were also identified, including hypertension associated with diabetes mellitus, stroke associated with diabetes mellitus, sepsis associated with Buruli ulcer, and heart disease associated with hypertension. The sole factor significantly associated with hypertension in these individuals was the military rank: Subaltern officer (aOR = 0.290, 95% CI [0.117-0.720], p = 0.008); Non-commissioned officers (aOR = 0.186, 95% CI [0.098-0.356], p < 0.001); Senior officers (aOR = 0.246, 95% CI [0.079-0.758], p = 0.015). Conclusion. The present study provides valuable information on the health status of veterans and military retirees, contributing to a better understanding of their healthcare needs. Received: December 13th, 2023 Accepted: July 16th, 2024 https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/aamed.v17i4.10