Health problems among chemical warfare survivors with ophthalmologic injuries

Health issues on chemical exposure and chronic, multi-symptom health problems have been a concern for nearly two decades. In this study the health related problems in Iranian chemical warfare survivors with severe ophthalmologic complications were surveyed. Data were collected from 149 survivors using a questionnaire. About half of the cases 49.7% (n=75) had other war related injuries. The average time of hospitalization during the preceeding year of study was 1.5 (SD=1.7). The most health related problems reported by the survivors in order of importance were included: 1)Co morbidity 69.7% (n=104) 2) Drug 69.1% (n=103) and 3) rehabilitation problem s 54.3% (n=81). The most common co morbity was related psychological problems, and lack of drug was considered the most important problem regarding the drug problems.