Grief and Physical Health Outcomes in U.S. Soldiers Returning From Combat

Survey data were used to examine the prevalence of physical health (e.g., back pain, headache, etc.) and somatic symptoms (e.g., dizziness, nausea, sleep problems, etc.), overall general health, and occupational impairment among Army Infantry Soldiers at six months post-deployment. The association of difficulty coping with grief and physical health was also assessed. Results indicate that physical health symptoms post deployment were common and grief uniquely contributed to physical health issues.