Media release

From: Pasifika Medical Association Group

This study examined a random sample of the military files of 200 New Zealand World War One (WWI) veterans. It found that these personnel experienced a very high morbidity burden with 94% having at least one new condition diagnosed during their military service (average: 2.4 per individual; range: 0 to 8). The relative severity of these health conditions was reflected by the high level of hospitalisation (89% at least once) and 59% of personnel being deemed no longer fit for military service at some stage. Respiratory conditions affected 33% of personnel, 14% were diagnosed with sexually transmitted infections, 10% had diagnoses suggestive of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and 6% had chemical warfare injuries. In conclusion, the overall morbidity burden of this military force in WWI was very high, and much higher than the previous official estimates.