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At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1977

Joint Committee on Aviation Pathology: XVIII. Correlation of occurrence of aircraft accidents with biorhythmic criticality and cycle phase in U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, and civil aviation pilots.

The correlation of occurrence of aircraft accidents to critical and negative phases of the biorhythm cycles was investigated. Data from 880 U.S. Air Force pilot-involved accident cases were studied and added to 4,279 previously reported cases. The data were tested by chi-square analysis under the null hypothesis that there is no effect of biorhythm on aviation accidents. Under this hypothesis, the expected number of accidents occurring on critical days should be 179.13 for the U.S. Air Force; there were 179. In analyzing the effect of biorhythmic criticality for pilot-involved cases from all sources, there were were 300 individual chi-square values computed. The frequency of these values by their percentile distribution so closely matched the theoretical distribution that there was no evidence whatsoever to indicate an effect of biorhythmic criticality. There no correlation between multiply negative or individually negative phases of the biorhythm cycles and aircraft accidents in the U.S. Air Force or in the combined pilot-involved accident group.

Accidents, Aviation↗
PubMed1996

Self-reported menstrual concerns of U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army rated women aircrew.

A comprehensive anonymous questionnaire survey of all U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force rated female aircrew, with age- and duty-matched males, was conducted. This report addresses the menstrual concerns part of the questionnaire, which sought information from women on discomfort problems during the menstrual cycle and methods used for combating this discomfort. Five hundred sixty-seven women were surveyed. Only 9% of respondents admitted to having any menstrual complaints and, of these, only 17% attempted to take themselves off the flight schedule during the problem days. Even so, 41% of all women aircrew admitted to taking some form of medication for menstrual discomfort while on flight status. Most respondents to this section of the questionnaire were openly hostile, seemingly sensitive to sex-specific questions. This could be a safety-of-flight issue, in that menstrual symptoms could be a serious in-flight distraction to the female aircrew member.

Chi-Square Distribution↗
PubMed1996

General characteristics of U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army rated male and female aircrew.

The issue of women flying military combat aircraft has been controversial. We conducted a comprehensive survey, via anonymous questionnaire, of all U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force rated female aircrew and an equal number of age- and duty-matched male aircrew. We are reporting on the general information section of the questionnaire here: age, time in the military, flight role, desire to remain in the military, marital status, number of children, spousal encouragement of career, type of aircraft flown, aircraft mishap and injury history, and reasons for extended period of illness/medical incapacitation to fly. Males' and females' responses in most areas surveyed were very similar. However, women were more than twice as likely to have been medically grounded for a period of more than 30 days. Not all the excess groundings were due to pregnancies. The responses to this section of the questionnaire indicate that female military officer aircrew are similar to their male counterparts. About 20% of married female aircrew do not postpone pregnancies in deference to their military careers.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Women in combat: concerns of U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army rated male and female aircrew.

The issue of women flying military aircraft in a combat role has been very controversial. We conducted a comprehensive survey, via anonymous questionnaire, of all U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force rated female aircrew, with an equal number of age- and duty-matched male aircrew. Here we report on the women in combat section of the questionnaire: should women be allowed to fly aircraft on combat missions? if allowed to do so, should they have the option of doing so? The great majority of women (87%) felt that they should be allowed to fly aircraft on combat missions, whereas only 41% of the men agreed. If women were allowed to fly in combat, both genders felt that women should be forced to do so on an equal basis with the men. Major concerns were that there be no quotas, that combat slots be opened to the best qualified, and prisoner-of-war concerns. Many women opined that they should not be forced to go into combat because they believe men are not forced to do so. There seemed to be a great deal of animosity between men and women concerning women flying in combat.

Age Factors↗
PubMed2002

Generalizability of U.S. Air Force studies: 1990 and 2000 demographic distribution comparison of U.S. active duty Air Force personnel and the U.S. general population.

A cross population comparison of U.S. Air Force active duty personnel data and U.S. general population estimates from 1990 and 2000 was conducted to compare "nonmodifiable" modifiers (sex, age, and race/ethnicity distributions). Two focus areas for the study were a determination of generalizability for Air Force studies using these modifiers and a discussion of limitations on comparisons between the populations. The populations were stratified by sex and then by age and race separately. Overall, the Air Force has a younger population, a higher percentage of men, and a similar rank order for race/ethnicity distributions (except for Hispanic men in 2000). When race was stratified by sex, the Air Force has a higher percentage of black women, which increased from 1990 to 2000. This baseline research should benefit future genetic epidemiologic research in determining susceptibility or disease predisposition in a large population sample that is similar to the U.S. general population.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Clinical procedures for the neuropsychological evaluation of U.S. Air Force pilots.

The neuropsychological assessment of U.S. Air Force pilots presents several unique problems given their relatively high cognitive functioning. The U.S. Air Force currently has a baselining procedure whereby student pilots undergo computerized cognitive assessment. The intent of this assessment is to archive premorbid data against which to compare potential future postinsult performance. The current work provides the background, clinical methods, and data needed to assess pilots who have suffered cortical insult such as trauma, disease, or exposure to toxins. Methods are delineated for pilots with premorbid testing and for pilots without such testing.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

The epidemiology of tuberculosis in the U.S. Air Force, 1987.

In preparation for a major revision of the Air Force tuberculosis (TB) prevention and control program, we reviewed tuberculosis cases treated at Air Force hospitals and the U.S. Air Force tuberculin skin testing program for 1987. The highest rates of active TB cases and infection were observed in the Pacific overseas region. Active tuberculosis cases occurred most frequently in white male retirees and in Asian dependent females. Nineteen cases (9% of total TB cases) occurred in children under the age of 5. Only 46-60% of individuals with a positive Purified Protein Derivative-Tuberculin were placed on isoniazid (INH) chemoprophylaxis. Flying status personnel were less likely to have either active disease or TB infection than non-flying active duty members. Based upon these findings, Air Force tuberculosis prevention and control program efforts should de-emphasize screening of low risk active duty populations and stress timely reporting and case finding, compliance with therapy, and initiation of INH chemoprophylaxis in accordance with existing guidelines. Young children who are contacts of active TB cases should receive special emphasis.

Female↗
PubMed1995

Tuberculosis infection in U.S. Air Force dentists.

PURPOSE: To determine if U.S. Air Force dentists have a significantly higher prevalence of infection from M. tuberculosis than a similar no-dentist group. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A written survey instrument was sent to all active duty Air Force dentists and lawyers. The survey asked individuals to voluntarily and anonymously give information regarding positive tuberculin skin testing which was subsequently treated with antituberculosis medication. Only positive responses which occurred during the time the respondent was practicing as a dentist or lawyer in the Air Force were counted. Significant exposures were considered to have occurred in those persons who were evaluated by a physician and actually put on a course of antituberculosis medication. RESULTS: The dentists returned 82.7% of the 1256 surveys sent, of which 2.37% indicated a significant exposure. The lawyers returned 79.6% of 1321 surveys, of which 1.47% were positive for significant exposure. Chi-square analysis indicated no significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.14).

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Rethinking nonseminomatous testicular cancer in U.S. Air Force pilots: case presentation and literature review.

A U.S. Air Force F-15 pilot presented with a painless testicular mass. Nonseminomatous germ cell tumor (NSGCT) of the testis was diagnosed at orchiectomy. Retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) yielded pathology stage IIa disease when 2 of 21 abdominal lymph nodes were positive. The patient immediately underwent adjuvant chemotherapy consisting of etoposide and cisplatin. Follow-up tumor markers, abdominal and chest CT scans were negative. Randomized, prospective studies have shown excellent response rates to low volume metastatic disease. This pilot's risk of sudden incapacitation due to this tumor following orchiectomy, RPLND, and immediate adjuvant chemotherapy is below the 1% threshold set forth by the U.S. Air Force for unrestricted flying waiver. Chemotherapy for testicular cancer carries significant morbidity risks that may complicate a pilot's return to status and these are reviewed. The overall recovery from chemotherapy is poorly quantified and needs to be further evaluated to optimize a pilot's return to flying status.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

U.S. Air Force Mobile Ophthalmic Surgery Team.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to report the evolution of the U.S. Air Force Mobile Ophthalmic Surgical Team (MOST). METHODS: U.S. Air Force ophthalmologists at Wilford Hall Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas, designed a small, portable, rapid-response eye surgical team. Field testing with humanitarian deployments refined the deployment package and provided operational training. RESULTS: MOST successfully deployed to Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Africa 42 times since 1991, with 50,287 patients examined/treated and 4,812 surgeries performed. Realistic readiness training was provided for 80% of U.S. Air Force ophthalmologists and Army, Navy, and Reserve colleagues. Subsequent modifications to the MOST improved its capability while reducing the size and weight of the team, equipment, and supplies by 50%. CONCLUSIONS: Using MOST humanitarian missions as a refining model, U.S. Air Force deployable ophthalmic assets are modular, lightweight, and multifunctional, which allows commanders to custom-build an appropriate response to each unique contingency, disaster, or humanitarian need with mission-ready ophthalmologists.

Altruism↗
PubMed2006

Cancer incidence in the U.S. Air Force: 1989-2002.

BACKGROUND: Cancer incidence in U.S. Air Force active duty (AFAD) personnel is unknown. Defining the epidemiology may support more effective prevention and clinical services. METHODS: Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) for invasive cancer in AFAD personnel during 1989-2002 were determined using U.S. national incidence rates as the reference. SIRs were adjusted for age and race. Cutaneous squamous and basal cell carcinomas (CAs) were excluded. RESULTS: There were 2750 cases: 1986 in men and 764 in women. The all-cancers SIRs were for men, 0.50 (95% CI: 0.48-0.53), and for women, 0.96 (95% CI: 0.89-1.03). Among men, the 10 most frequent cancers (77.6% of total) were, in descending order: melanoma; testicular CA; prostate CA; non-Hodgkin lymphoma; follicular/papillary thyroid CA; Hodgkin's Disease; colorectal CA; brain neuroepithelial CA; and (tied) bladder CA and oral squamous cell CA. Among women, the 10 most frequent cancers (88.1% of total) were, in descending order: breast CA; cervical CA; follicular/papillary thyroid CA; melanoma; Hodgkin's Disease; colorectal CA; (tied) non-Hodgkin lymphoma and ovarian epithelial CA; vulvar CA; and (tied) brain neuroepithelial CA and oral squamous cell CA. Compared with the U.S. population, cancer type-specific SIRs were significantly increased for cervical CA, prostate CA, and vulvar CA (range, 1.44-3.54). SIRs were significantly decreased for bladder CA (men), brain neuroepithelial CA, colorectal CA (men), Hodgkin's Disease (men), non-Hodgkin lymphoma, oral squamous cell CA (men), and testicular CA (range, 0.31-0.68). The remaining SIRs were not significantly different from unity. CONCLUSIONS: The cancer experience of the AFAD population differs substantially from that of the U.S. population.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

U.S. Air Force pilot selection and training methods.

BACKGROUND: U.S. Air Force (USAF) pilot selection and training procedures have changed substantially in the last several years. Pilot selection procedures were augmented with the introduction of computer-based testing to assess pilot aptitude. Training procedures have changed in an effort to modernize the training fleet and provide better, more specialized training earlier in the training process. RESULTS: Despite several studies showing the utility of USAF pilot aptitude tests for predicting training performance, results of a recent policy capturing study suggest that this information is often ignored by pilot candidate selection boards. The two largest sources of USAF pilot trainees relied heavily on measures of officership when making selection decisions. Cumulative research findings suggest that USAF pilot selection decisions could be improved by making better use of currently available personnel attribute data. Further improvements could be expected from the addition of a structured selection interview and measures of personality.

Humans↗
PubMed1992

Recent developments in U.S. Air Force pilot candidate selection and classification.

Recent U.S. Air Force policy decisions regarding Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training (SUPT) have eliminated the need to classify pilot candidates into training specialties prior to entering primary jet training. Under the new system, specialized training assignments will occur at the completion of primary jet training and will be based on flying and academic performance, student preferences, and aircraft availability. Another significant change to the SUPT program was the development of a refined pilot candidate selection model that reduced potential threats to test compromise and gaming strategies.

Aptitude Tests↗
PubMed1997

Male-female performance on U.S. Air Force pilot selection tests.

BACKGROUND: Recently, the U.S. Air Force conducted several studies to examine sex differences on pilot selection tests and training performance. METHODS: Research has focused on mean score performance, the structure of ability, the predictive utility of pilot selection tests, and the causal role of ability and prior flying knowledge in the acquisition of additional flying knowledge and flying skills. DISCUSSION: Despite male-female mean score differences on pilot selection tests, confirmatory factor analyses indicated that the same factors were being measured for both groups. In studies of predictive bias, no evidence of differential validity was found for male vs. female pilot trainees. An examination of causal models of ability and prior flying knowledge on the acquisition of additional flying knowledge and flying skills showed similar structure for men and women.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

U.S. Air Force aeromedical evacuation of obstetric patients in Europe.

U.S. Air Force (USAF) regulations do not recommend the routine movement of obstetrical patients greater than 34 weeks gestation. However, U.S. Department of Defense and embassy physicians throughout Europe continually request aeromedical movement of obstetrical patients greater than 34 weeks gestation. Therefore, a year-long prospective review of obstetric patient movement within the military aeromedical system in Europe was undertaken to evaluate the need for and safety of transporting pregnant women over 34 weeks gestation. Civilian studies demonstrate the safety of transporting these patients, but these studies generally address short-range transport by helicopter. By contrast, the USAF operates a high-volume, long-range aeromedical evacuation system with large fixed-wing aircraft. Of the 13,095 patients reported for military aeromedical movement within the study time frame, 329 patients were uneventfully airlifted for obstetrical reasons. This study suggests that long distance movement by fixed-wing aircraft of obstetric patients at any gestational age can be done safely in the USAF military aeromedical system.

Air Ambulances↗
PubMed1982

Simulation of alternative designs of a cardiovascular risk reduction program for the U.S. Air Force.

A screening and intervention program, soon to be implemented by the U.S. Air Force, will screen personnel for cardiovascular risk and treat those at highest risk. Design alternatives were analyzed relating to the organization and method of delivery of this health service program. A simulation model was devised to aid the analysis. It includes the effect of turnover of personnel, the effect of treatment on the therapy group, and the effect of aging on blood pressure and cholesterol level. The model determines how the overall incidence of cardiovascular disease in the U.S. Air Force may be expected to change each year through a 20-year period under each of several design policies. Results are given to justify the choice of several design options, and the scope of future improvements in the simulation are outlined. It appears possible to achieve a reduction of one-third in the calculated risk of cardiovascular disease, and this more than justifies the risk reduction program, based on a cost-effectiveness study performed earlier. All design decisions have not been made but will await the result of a demonstration implementation. The demonstration will produce more accurate data on initial distribution of risk factors and effect of therapy, which in turn will permit a sharpening of the analyses presented here.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Predictors of low physical fitness in a cohort of active-duty U.S. Air Force members.

BACKGROUND: Each branch of the U.S. armed forces has standards for physical fitness as well as programs for ensuring compliance with these standards. In the U.S. Air Force (USAF), physical fitness is assessed using submaximal cycle ergometry to estimate maximal oxygen uptake (VO2(max)). The purpose of this study was to identify the independent effects of demographic and behavioral factors on risk of failure to meet USAF fitness standards (hereafter called low fitness). METHODS: A retrospective cohort study (N=38,837) was conducted using self-reported health risk assessment data and cycle ergometry data from active-duty Air Force (ADAF) members. Poisson regression techniques were used to estimate the associations between the factors studied and low fitness. RESULTS: The factors studied had different effects depending on whether members passed or failed fitness testing in the previous year. All predictors had weaker effects among those with previous failure. Among those with a previous pass, demographic groups at increased risk were toward the upper end of the ADAF age distribution, senior enlisted men, and blacks. Overweight/obesity was the behavioral factor with the largest effect among men, with aerobic exercise frequency ranked second; among women, the order of these two factors was reversed. Cigarette smoking only had an adverse effect among men. For a hypothetical ADAF man who was sedentary, obese, and smoked, the results suggested that aggressive behavioral risk factor modification would produce a 77% relative decrease in risk of low fitness. CONCLUSIONS: Among ADAF members, both demographic and behavioral factors play important roles in physical fitness. Behavioral risk factors are prevalent and potentially modifiable. These data suggest that, depending on a member's risk factor profile, behavioral risk factor modification may produce impressive reductions in risk of low fitness among ADAF personnel.

Adolescent↗