Chapter 2 reviews some of the numerous research studies that have examined specific aspects of the health of Gulf War veterans. Chapter 3 discusses concepts of health and approaches used to measure it. Chapter 4 describes the committee-developed portfolio of research studies for coordinating research efforts aimed at addressing questions about the health of Gulf War veterans.

Chapter 5 details the components of the prospective cohort study designed by the committee, including its general design, sampling and scheduling issues, selection of survey modes and instruments, cost, ethical issues, and oversight responsibilities. The final chapter presents the committee's conclusions regarding the need to establish a means for measuring the health of Gulf War veterans and assessing changes over time.