First World War Gassed Veterans, 1916-1978

This study looked at First World War veterans who were gassed during the War, and the effects gassing had on their health and their own perception of their health. <br> A random sample of 103 First World War veterans was selected from 7800 war pension files. All had an award for the effects of gassing but had not suffered long-term respiratory damage. Their beliefs about their exposure to toxins and symptoms were recorded over a twenty-year period to explore whether these changed over time and whether patterns existed. Symptoms were analysed using cluster analysis and identified two groups: one with a respiratory and cardiovascular focus and a smaller group with a wider range of physical and neuropsychiatric symptoms. The constant comparative method was used to analyse qualitative data about their beliefs. This revealed convictions about the power of gas to cause long-term and irreversible physical damage. Subsequent respiratory disorders tended to be interpreted in the light of this important experience and did not provide an alternative model of recovery and repair.<br> <br> <br>