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PubMed1992

Prevalence of antibodies to Pseudomonas pseudomallei exotoxin and whole cell antigens in military personnel in Sabah and Sarawak, Malaysia.

Sera from 420 military personnel serving in Sabah and Sarawk, Malaysia, were tested for antibodies to Pseudomonas pseudomallei exotoxin and whole cell antigens by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay procedure (ELISA). Data showed that 54.4% of serum samples were positive for antibodies to P. pseudomallei exotoxin and 65.7% were positive for antibodies to the whole cell antigens. Samples gave much lower titers for anti-exotoxin antibodies compared to titers against crude whole cell antigens. The incidence of antibody to exotoxin was highest in the age groups ranging from 26 to 32 years, where the positive rates were higher than 40% and 30% for military personnel serving in Sarawak and Sabah, respectively.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Dengue fever among U.S. military personnel--Haiti, September-November, 1994.

Since September 19, 1994, approximately 20,000 U. S. military personnel have been deployed to Haiti as part of Operation Uphold Democracy. To monitor the occurrence of mosquitoborne illnesses (including dengue fever [DF] and malaria) among deployed military personnel, on September 19 the U. S. Army established a surveillance system for febrile illness. Before deployment, all military personnel were instructed to take antimalarial chemoprophylaxis, either chloroquine phosphate (500 mg weekly) or doxycycline (100 mg daily). This report summarizes surveillance findings for September 19-November 4.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Dengue↗
PubMed2005

Regional differences in alcohol use among U. S. military personnel.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine differences in heavy alcohol use and alcohol-related negative effects among U.S. military personnel stationed in different world regions and to examine factors that may account for regional differences. METHOD: Data were drawn from the 1998 Department of Defense Survey of Health Related Behaviors among Military Personnel, which had a large representative sample of active-duty U.S. forces. Heavy alcohol use and related negative effects (severe consequences, productivity loss and alcohol overuse) were examined in four regions (Asia, Europe, Hawaii and continental United States; N = 17,154; 86% men) using multivariate logistic regression models that controlled for demographic factors. RESULTS: U.S. military personnel stationed in Asia were significantly more likely to be heavy alcohol users than personnel stationed in the other regions. Productivity loss was also significantly greater in Asia, whereas severe consequences and alcohol overuse were not. Possible explanations for the findings include local regional culture, availability of alcohol, freedom from restraints, response to stress, military culture and selection effects. CONCLUSIONS: Heavy alcohol use of military personnel varies by region of assignment and may be attributable to a variety of factors. Future studies need to examine regional alcohol use in greater detail and to include measures specific to potential explanatory domains to permit a more complete understanding of underlying causal mechanisms of heavy drinking by U.S. forces in Asia. Current findings suggest that alcohol use prevention and early intervention programs should be tailored to take account of regional differences.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1980

Prevalence of Trichomonas vaginalis in Korean military Personnel.

A study of Trichomonas vaginalis in Korean military personnel, based on the discovery of motile trophozoites by prostate culture and urine wet smear methods, has been carried out during the period from May, 1975 to October, 1977. In the Army General Hospital clinics, specimens of prostatec secretion and urine were provided by the in- and out-patients without any noticeable genito-urinary symptoms. In a total of 977 specimens 33 cases were revealed positive for Trichomonas vaginalis. Of these, 23 cases were positive in both prostate culture and urine wet smear methods, 8 positive in the culture but negative in the wet smear, and 2 positive only in the wet smear. In comparing the demonstration rates for trichomonads by culture with those by smears, the former was more likely to give a positive result than the latter. The pattern of the incidence rate by age group was appreciably varied; 2.1 per cent in the 20-24 age group and 5.1 per cent from 25 to 29 and subsequently increased and reached a maximum of 5.7 per cent in the 40 and over age group. It was found that Trichomonas vaginalis in Korean military personnel is one of the important diseases with a high indicence, and that the eradication of this disease is possible with extensive public health education and the administration of specific therapeutic agents to patients with trichomoniasis.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1983

Comparison of hemoglobin values in black and white male U.S. military personnel.

Black and white male military personnel were studied to determine if hemoglobin (Hb) differences existed between the two groups, and if so, whether they were due to dissimilar nutrient intakes or to different patterns of vitamin and mineral self-therapy. Data analyses showed that black males (n = 331) had a 0.27 g/dl lower mean Hb than white males (n = 2268, P = 0.006). However, when only black (n = 60) and white (n = 371) subjects with known iron intakes at or above the recommended level were compared, the differences in the Hb of the two groups became smaller. The serum ferritin values of both of the latter groups appeared adequate for unimpaired Hb synthesis. The use of vitamin and mineral supplements did not differ significantly between the two groups. Adequate intakes of the hemopoietic nutrients resulted in higher Hb levels for both black and white males; at these levels of nutrient intakes the differences in the Hb values of black and white subjects were smaller than those previously reported. Studies comparing the Hb levels of black and white personnel should consider the level of iron intake of the two groups before drawing conclusions about the magnitude and implications of observed differences in Hb concentrations.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Trends in overweight and physical activity among U.S. military personnel, 1995-1998.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to deter mine whether changes in physical activity patterns account for the increasing prevalence of obesity, utilizing a large, representative sample of male and female U.S. military personnel. METHODS: Data from the 1995 and 1998 waves of the Department of Defense Survey of Health Related Behaviors among Military Personnel were utilized. Overweight was defined as body mass index > or =25. Respondents were classified as physically active if they reported > or =3 days/week of vigorous activity. Three sequential multivariate logistic regression models were analyzed separately for males and females with overweight regressed on year of study (1995 or 1998), demographic characteristics, and physical activity. RESULTS: Some 50% of military personnel in 1995 and 54% in 1998 were classified as overweight, representing a significant increase in overweight over the 3-year period for both males and females. Overweight military personnel were more likely to be male, older, African American or Hispanic, married, and enlisted personnel. Physical activity levels were high, with around 67% of the sample engaging in regular, vigorous physical activity. Although physical activity levels increased among male personnel between 1995 and 1998, there was not an independent association between physical activity and overweight, and changing physical activity patterns did not account for the increase in over weight from 1995 to 1998. CONCLUSIONS: The U.S. military is experiencing a trend toward increasing overweight that mirrors the pattern among the general population. The results of this study suggest that the rise in overweight among the military is not explained by a decrease in physical activity.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Stress, mental health, and job performance among active duty military personnel: findings from the 2002 Department of Defense Health-Related Behaviors Survey.

This study examined the extent to which high levels of occupational and family stress were associated with mental health problems and productivity loss among active duty military personnel. We analyzed data from the 2002 Department of Defense Survey of Health-Related Behaviors among Military Personnel, which provided extensive population-based information on 12,756 active duty personnel in all branches of the military worldwide. Military personnel reported higher levels of stress at work than in their family life. The personnel reporting the highest levels of occupational stress were those 25 or younger, those who were married with spouses not present, and women. Personnel with high levels of stress had significantly higher rates of mental health problems and productivity loss than those with less stress. We recommend that prevention and intervention efforts geared toward personnel reporting the highest levels of stress be given priority for resources in this population.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Mental disorders among U.S. military personnel in the 1990s: association with high levels of health care utilization and early military attrition.

OBJECTIVE: Epidemiological studies have shown that mental disorders are associated with reduced health-related quality of life, high levels of health care utilization, and work absenteeism. However, measurement of the burden of mental disorders by using population-based methods in large working populations, such as the U.S. military, has been limited. METHOD: Analysis of hospitalizations among all active-duty military personnel (16.4 million person-years) from 1990 to 1999 and ambulatory visits from 1996 to 1999 was conducted by using the Defense Medical Surveillance System. Rates of hospitalization, ambulatory visits, and attrition from military service were compared for persons with mental disorder diagnoses and those with diagnoses in 15 other ICD-9 disease categories. RESULTS: Mental disorders was the leading category of discharge diagnoses among men and the second leading category among women; 13% of all hospitalizations and 23% of all inpatient bed days were attributed to mental disorders. Six percent of the military population received ambulatory services for mental disorders annually in 1998 and 1999. Among a 1-year cohort of personnel, 47% of those hospitalized for the first time for a mental disorder left military service within 6 months. This attrition rate was significantly different from the rate of only 12% after hospitalization for any of the 15 other disease categories (range=11%-18%) (relative risk=4.04, 95% confidence interval=3.91-4.17). The difference remained significant after controlling for effects of age, gender, and duration of service. CONCLUSIONS: Mental disorders appear to represent the most important source of medical and occupational morbidity among active-duty U.S. military personnel. These findings provide new population-based evidence that mental disorders are common, disabling, and costly to society.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Risk factors for sexually-transmitted diseases among deployed U.S. military personnel.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Information regarding risk factors for STD transmission is needed to assist in designing and evaluating prevention and control programs for US military populations. GOAL OF THIS STUDY: To obtain STD risk factor data among deployed U.S. military personnel. STUDY DESIGN: A questionnaire survey was administered to military personnel deployed aboard ship for six months to South America, West Africa, and the Mediterranean during 1989-1991. RESULTS: Among 1,744 male subjects (mean age, 23 years; 71% white; 96% enlisted), 49% reported prior sexual contact with a prostitute and 22% reported a history of a STD before deployment. During the subsequent six-month deployment, 42% reported sexual contact with a prostitute, 10% reported inconsistent use of condoms, and 10% acquired a new STD. By logistic regression analysis, sexual contact with a prostitute during deployment was independently associated with young age, nonwhite race/ethnicity, and being unmarried or divorced; inconsistent use of condoms was associated with Hispanic race/ethnicity. CONCLUSION: These data indicate that deployed U.S. military personnel frequently engage in high-risk sexual behavior and that there is a continued need for comprehensive and culturally-sensitive STD prevention programs.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

The feasibility of an ambulatory surgery service for military personnel.

In the past, ambulatory surgery has been considered unsuitable for military personnel. In this pilot study, 69 members of the Israel Defense Forces underwent a variety of surgical procedures on an ambulatory basis in a central, university-affiliated general hospital. The waiting time for surgery was considerably reduced. The patients, the army, and the hospital staff were satisfied with the service. Although further study is needed, ambulatory surgery appears to be a suitable and advantageous modality for military personnel.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Heterosexual transmission of viral hepatitis and cytomegalovirus infection among United States military personnel stationed in the western Pacific.

A serosurvey of United States military personnel presenting to a sexually transmitted diseases (STD) clinic or reporting for routine physical examination in the Philippines was conducted to determine the risk factors for hepatitis B (anti-HBc), hepatitis C (anti-HCV), and cytomegalovirus (anti-CMV) infection. Among 470 male study subjects, 74 (15.7%) were positive for anti-HBc, five (1.1%) were positive for anti-HCV, and 232 (49.4%) were positive for anti-CMV. A history of a STD (odds ratio [OR] = 7.7) and contact with a female prostitute (OR = 2.3) were significantly associated with anti-HBc seropositivity after adjusting for age, race/ethnicity, foreign birth, and classification as either a STD or routine examination patient. Anti-CMV seropositivity was significantly associated with a history of a STD (adjusted OR = 2.0). These data suggest that in this military population, heterosexual activity was a risk factor for acquiring hepatitis B and CMV infection. United States military personnel stationed in high-risk areas of the western Pacific, particularly patients presenting to STD clinics, may need to be targeted for hepatitis B vaccination.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Incidence, etiology, and impact of diarrhea among deployed US military personnel in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

A health assessment survey was collected from US military personnel deployed to the Middle East taking part in the "Rest and Recuperation" program or on temporary assignment to Camp As Sayliyah Doha, Qatar, from January to December 2004. In addition, a concurrent clinic-based observational study was conducted to determine pathogen etiology and potential risk factors. From 28,322 health assessment surveys, overall self-reported incidence of diarrhea was 4.9 cases per 100 person-months. Disease incidence increased with rank and was higher in Iraq compared with Afghanistan. During this period, 109 US military personnel with acute diarrhea and 85 asymptomatic personnel were enrolled in the observational study. Enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) was the predominant pathogen (32%), followed by enteroaggregative E. coli (12%) and Salmonella spp. (6%). These data are consistent with previous reports implicating ETEC as the primary cause of acute diarrhea for military personnel deployed to this region.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Comparing tobacco use among incoming recruits and military personnel on active duty in the United States.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the tobacco use profile of recruits with that of military personnel on active duty to determine whether the military environment in some way induces service members to initiate tobacco use. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional survey of United States armed forces active duty and recruit personnel in 1994-95. SUBJECTS: 2711 military recruits and 4603 military personnel on active duty. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Comparative cigarette smoking and smokeless tobacco use prevalence between recruits and personnel on active duty controlling for age, sex, and race. Impact of demographic factors on the odds of smoking or using smokeless tobacco. RESULTS: Increases in tobacco use in American military personnel occurred exclusively in men. The highest tobacco use resided with white men on active duty (43% cigarette smoking; 24% smokeless tobacco use) and represents a doubling of tobacco use seen among white male recruits. Among non-white men, tobacco use increased 2-4 times between recruits and personnel on active duty. CONCLUSIONS: Efforts to reduce tobacco use by American military personnel on active duty should focus more on discouraging the initiation of tobacco use.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Skin disease in military personnel.

Skin disease, disease of the musculoskeletal system, and respiratory infections are the most frequent reasons for military personnel to seek medical care. The Oslo Military Clinic serves all of the military personnel in Oslo and the surrounding region, including officers and civilian employees. From September 1996 to May 1997, 1,360 patients were diagnosed and treated by the author, and the data are included in the following study. Upper respiratory disease was the primary reason for seeking medical attention in 26% of the patients, 21% visited the clinic because of disease or pain in the musculoskeletal system, and 16% suffered from a skin disease. Apart from the low number of female patients, the patient population and the disease spectrum observed in the military clinic are very similar to those in a general medical practice. Among the 222 patients suffering from a cutaneous disease, eczema (42 patients), allergy (excluding dermatitis) (34 patients), acne vulgaris (23 patients), and sexually transmitted diseases (28 patients) were the most prevalent processes. Other less prevalent skin diseases were fungal infections, herpes simplex infection, nevi, common warts, and superficial bacterial skin infections. Skin diseases seen in one patient only included erysipelas, herpes zoster, dermatitis herpetiformis, and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Good clinical skills in dermatology are of paramount importance in military medicine, and if possible, the military should appoint a dermatologist to its medical team to rapidly diagnose and treat the large number of patients with skin disorders.

Adult↗
PubMed1984

Sex and race differences in food preferences of military personnel.

The food preferences and selections of military personnel were studied to determine the effects of race and sex on food habits and to provide recommendations for menu planning. A food preference survey for 200 foods was administered to 653 personnel and a Food Selection Questionnaire to 1,719 personnel. Food preferences and selections were analyzed for the overall sample, for the two variables of race and sex, and for the four subsamples of white men, white women, black men, and black women. There were food preference differences among all of these groups for highly preferred, moderately preferred, and disliked foods. Women more highly preferred vegetables, salads, and fruit; tossed green salad was the most preferred food of both white and black women. In contrast, men never preferred a starch, a vegetable, or a salad more than women. Many of men's preferences were meat-containing; grilled steak was the most preferred food for both white and black men. Blacks preferred and selected fruit and fruit juices, confirming prior studies. Race could be predicted from food preference data in 77% of cases and sex in 70% of cases, demonstrating the generalizability of average food preferences for these subgroups.

Black or African American↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Trends in substance use among US military personnel: the impact of changing demographic composition.

This paper examines the impact of the military population's changing demographic composition on observed changes in substance use by military personnel. Cross-sectional data are drawn from the six Department of Defense Worldwide Surveys of Substance Abuse and Health Behaviors Among Military Personnel conducted in 1980, 1982, 1985, 1988, 1992, and 1995. Using the method of direct standardization to adjust for changes in demographic composition, trends in substance use are examined. Changes in heavy alcohol use were more affected by demographic changes in the military population than were changes in illicit drug use or cigarette use. Findings indicate that changes in demographic composition may need to be controlled when assessing trends from cross-sectional surveys.

Adult↗