Changes in Women's Health Care Aboard One Ship

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Abstract
Health care needs of women assigned to sea duty may change over time. Objective: Determine changes in the obstetrical/gynecological needs of U.S. Navy women assigned to a submarine tender. Methods: Retrospective record review of personnel aboard one U.S. Navy ship in 1990 and in 1995. Results: The demographic character of the female crew members changed. Compared with 1990, the women in 1995 were older, more experienced, of higher rank, more likely to use contraception, and more likely to have children. The pregnancy rate dropped from 2.7 to 1.5 per 100 women per month. Sexually transmitted diseases were less frequent, and the “satisfactory Papanicolaou smear” rate increased from 52 to 93%. Both in 1990 and 1995, women utilized Sick Call more often than men. Conclusion: Measurable changes occurred in the obstetrical/gynecological health care needs of women assigned to one ship in 1990 and 1995.

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