O5C.1 The NZ vietnam veteran family study: a multi-generational perspective on health and wellbeing. (April 2019) - McBride, David
Abstract : Background: The serious impact of Vietnam service on New Zealand veterans arose from high levels of combat experience and exposure to chemical agents including Agent Orange. In 2009, we assembled a cohort of 2783 men and 23 women Vietnam veterans. They had significantly increased risks of head and neck cancer and chronic lymphatic leukaemia, with high rates of hospitalisation for renal failure and drug and alcohol problems. Overseas data indicates that families have been affected by relationship difficulties, with subsequent risks of adverse psychological outcomes in children. There have been few longitudinal studies which include a comprehensive exposure assessment (the exposome) and include both veteran and family, which is what we propose. Study population: Using the cohort data, the electoral roll and an information campaign, we will recruit veterans, their spouses and their children for follow up. For all groups, we will obtain data to inform the general exposome through a base-line health survey using some of the brief measures deployed in our 'contemporary veterans' study, including the Post Traumatic Checklist (Civilian or military) for PTSD, and the Brief Family Relationship Scale exposure history. The specific exposome, including chemicals and 'other' specific exposures, will be recorded by on-line questionnaire and subsequent interview. Effects will be assessed through linkage to the Birth Defects Register, Mortality Collection, routine datasets for hospital discharge, and the Cancer Registry, using comparisons with national rates where appropriate. Most importantly, permission will be sought to flag individuals at the Cancer Registry, with access to blood or tissue samples facilitating the identification of genomic 'effect biomarkers'. We hope that the method will be extended to other cohorts and for future deployments.