Learning Objective #1: Describe the status of women in the military

Learning Objective #2: Identify potential health needs of junior enlisted women

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Problem: Women comprise 15% of the U.S. military and 38% leave prematurely due to pregnancy, medical problems, misconduct, performance shortfalls, or parenthood. Research shows that for working women stress is highest when pre-school aged children are present, and that for military women stress is highest among married with an absent spouse, younger enlisted, and of least education. Thirty-one percent of women report stress simply due to being women in the military. The combination of military, work and family may contribute to stress.

Theoretical Framework: Marmot and Wilkinson's Social Determinants of Health Model

Subjects: 100 junior enlisted women (17-24 years old) at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, 50 with pre-school aged children and 50 without.

Methodology: Using multiple regression and ANOVA this descriptive study will: 1) Identify the predictors of multiple role strain from type of work, perceived adequacy of resources (PAR) marital status, and maternal status. 2) Identify the predictors of stress related symptoms from type of work, PAR, marital status, and maternal status. 3) Identify predictors of health status from type of work, PAR, marital status, and maternal status, multiple role strain and stress related symptoms. 4) Identify the predictors of career aspiration from type of work, PAR, marital status, and maternal status, multiple role strain and stress related symptoms, health status, family of origin socio-economic class, and race/ethnicity. A secondary aim is to describe differences between young enlisted women with and without children on: type of work, PAR, marital status, and maternal status, multiple role strain, stress related symptoms, health status, family of origin socio-economic class, race/ethnicity and career aspiration.

Results and implications: Results will enable leaders to develop interventions for junior enlisted women that address multiple role strain and stress, and decision-making about initiating motherhood.