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Study
Abstract
Objective:
To determine the association between psychiatric evacuation from Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF) and demographic, military, and deployment characteristics of deploying Service members. The increased frequency of psychiatric evacuations since 2004 has been anecdotally attributed to the cumulative effects of multiple deployments, or the increased reliance on Reserve and National Guard units, but quantitative evidence is lacking.
Study Design:
This observational study used retrospectively-collected deployment and aeromedical evacuation records to calculate psychiatric evacuation rates, characterize the evacuation circumstances, and quantify the rates of re-deployment after evacuation. Descriptive statistics were used to compare characteristics for psychiatric evacuees with those of other deployers. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to assess the likelihood of psychiatric evacuation based on Service, component, personal demographics, year of military accession, theater of first deployment, and number of deployments. Statistical significance was assessed at a 95% confidence level.
Population Studied:
All Service members evacuated from OEF/OIF from January 2003 through September 2010 with a primary or secondary psychiatric diagnosis (ICD-9 codes 290 – 319), on their evacuation record; and a 20% random sampling of all other deployers who did not psychiatrically evacuate (N = 364,047).
Principle Findings:
After applying sample weights, a total of 0.3% (n = 5887) deployers experienced one or more psychiatric evacuations. Relative to other deployers, psychiatric evacuees were significantly over-represented by females (14.8% versus 11.4%); age group 17 – 24 years (55.4% versus 44.8); whites (69.9% versus 65.6%); and those with a high school diploma or less (83.8% versus 73.6%); those never married (49.1% versus 47.8%); and those with one or two dependents (37.1% versus 34.7%). Elevated psychiatric evacuation rates were observed inconsistently across both combat and noncombat duty assignments. A total of 3951 (67.1%) of evacuees evacuated upon first deployment and 1553 (26.4%) of evacuees evacuated on second deployment. Among all psychiatric evacuees, 4754 (80.8%) never turned to theater or redeployed after they evacuated. Depression (24.9%), post-traumatic stress disorder (24.9%), and psychotic illness (18.4%) accounted for two-thirds of evacuation diagnoses. Drug and alcohol-related disorders accounted for less than 3% of psychiatric evacuations. After adjusting for personal demographics and deployment characteristics, Army Active Duty members had the highest likelihood of psychiatric evacuation, followed by Army National Guard (AOR = 0.852, 95% CI 0.790, 0.919), Army Reserve (AOR = 0.825, 95% CI 0.740, 0.919), Navy Reserve (AOR = 0.585, 95% CI 0.461, 0.742), and Marine Active Duty (AOR = 0.390, 95% CI 0.353, 0.0.430).
Conclusions:
This study identified psychiatric evacuation as primarily an Army burden, and an Active Duty burden within the Army. While other studies have linked violent combat-related exposures to adverse, post-deployment mental and behavioral health outcomes, the contribution of multiple deployments or prolonged combat exposure to an outcome of psychiatric evacuation is not apparent in these findings. Further study is warranted to isolate and mitigate the underlying causes of this growing and costly contributor to unit attrition.
- Publication Status: Published
- Sponsoring Organization: Defense Health Agency (formerly TRICARE Management Activity)
- Sponsoring Office: Defense Health Agency (formerly TRICARE Management Activity)
- Congressionally Mandated: No
- Funding Source: Defense Health Agency (formerly TRICARE Management Activity)
- Release Date/Publication: January 01, 2015
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Citation: Wilmoth MC, Williams TV, et.al., Factors associated with psychiatric evacuation among service members deployed to operation enduring freedom and operation iraqi freedom, january 2004 to september 2010. Mil Med. 2015 Jan;180(1):53-60.
Study
Abstract
This analysis estimated the incidence rates of acute respiratory infections (ARIs) during the first year of military service for service members in 16 cohorts (designated 1999 through 2014) based on the years in which they began their service. That first year of service was divided into two separate follow-up periods: the first 3 months of service (corresponding to the period of initial entry training) and the next 9 months of service (months 4-12). The surveillance period covered service members whose first years of service were before and after the 2011 resumption of the administration of adenovirus vaccines, types 4 and 7, to enlisted trainees at the beginning of their initial training periods. In general, the findings were that incidence rates of ARIs were relatively high for the cohorts who did not receive the vaccines, and that the rates were dramatically lower in the cohorts (2012-2014) who did receive the vaccines. These observations pertained to both the first 3 months of service and the next 9 months of service. Possible interpretations of these findings and the limitations of the study methods are discussed.
- Publication Status: Published
- Sponsoring Organization: Defense Health Agency (formerly TRICARE Management Activity)
- Sponsoring Office: Armed Forces Health Surveillance Center
- Congressionally Mandated: No
- Funding Source: Defense Health Agency (formerly TRICARE Management Activity)
- Release Date/Publication: December 01, 2015
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Citation: O'Donnell FL, Taubman SB. Follow-up analysis of the incidence of acute respiratory infections among enlisted service members before and after the 2011 resumption of adenovirus vaccination of basic trainees. MSMR. 2015 Dec;22(12):2-7.
Study
Abstract
BACKGROUND:
Ratios of women graduating from the only US military medical school and entering surgical internships were reviewed and compared with national trends.
METHODS:
Data were obtained from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences graduation announcements from 2002 to 2012.
RESULTS:
There were 1,771 graduates from 2002 to 2012, with 508 female (29%) and 1,263 male (71%) graduates. Female graduates increased over time (21% to 39%; P = .014). Female general surgery interns increased from 3.9% to 39% (P = .025). Female overall surgical subspecialty interns increased from 20% in 2002 to 36% in 2012 (P = .046). Women were represented well in obstetrics (57%), urology (44%), and otolaryngology (31%), but not in neurosurgery, orthopedics, and ophthalmology (0% to 20%).
CONCLUSIONS:
The sex disparity between military and civilian medical students occurs before entry. Once in medical school, women are just as likely to enter general surgery or surgical subspecialty as their male counterparts. Increased ratio of women in the class is unlikely to lead to a shortfall except in specific subspecialties.
- Publication Status: Published
- Sponsoring Organization: Defense Health Agency (formerly TRICARE Management Activity)
- Sponsoring Office: Walter Reed National Military Medical Center/Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences
- Congressionally Mandated: No
- Funding Source: Defense Health Agency (formerly TRICARE Management Activity)
- Release Date/Publication: October 01, 2014
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Citation: Vertrees A, Laferriere N, Elster E, Shriver CD, Rich NM. Female military medical school graduates entering surgical internships: are we keeping up with national trends? Am J Surg. 2014 Oct;208(4):550-5.
Study
Abstract
OBJECTIVE:
To determine the factor structure of persistent postconcussive syndrome symptoms in a blast-exposed military sample and validate factors against objective and symptom measures.
SETTING:
Veterans Affairs medical center and military bases.
PARTICIPANTS:
One hundred eighty-one service members and veterans with at least 1 significant exposure to blast during deployment within the 2 years prior to study enrollment.
DESIGN:
Confirmatory and exploratory factor analyses of the Rivermead Postconcussion Questionnaire.
MAIN MEASURES:
Rivermead Postconcussion Questionnaire, PTSD (posttraumatic stress disorder) Symptom Checklist-Civilian, Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression scale, Sensory Organization Test, Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test, California Verbal Learning Test, and Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System subtests.
RESULTS:
The 3-factor structure of persistent postconcussive syndrome was not confirmed. A 4-factor structure was extracted, and factors were interpreted as reflecting emotional, cognitive, visual, and vestibular functions. All factors were associated with scores on psychological symptom inventories; visual and vestibular factors were also associated with balance performance. There was no significant association between the cognitive factor and neuropsychological performance or between a history of mild traumatic brain injury and factor scores.
CONCLUSION:
Persistent postconcussive symptoms observed months after blast exposure seem to be related to 4 distinct forms of distress, but not to mild traumatic brain injury per se, with vestibular and visual factors possibly related to injury of sensory organs by blast.
- Publication Status: Published
- Sponsoring Organization: Defense Health Agency (formerly TRICARE Management Activity)
- Sponsoring Office: Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center
- Congressionally Mandated: No
- Funding Source: Agency, office or organization under authority of the Sec Def (not affiliated to Army, Navy, or Air Force)
- Release Date/Publication: January 01, 2015
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Citation: Franke LM, Czarnota JN, Ketchum JM, Walker WC. Factor analysis of persistent postconcussive symptoms within a military sample with blast exposure. J Head Trauma Rehabil. 2015 Jan-Feb;30(1):
Study
Abstract
The Department of Defense Serum Repository (DoDSR) contains a growing archive of sera from service members collected to perform medical surveillance, clinical diagnosis, and epidemiologic studies to identify, prevent, and control diseases associated with military service. The specimens are a mandatory collection under DoD and U.S. regulations and do not include informed consent for uses beyond force health protection. Any use of the specimens for research requires deidentification of the samples and must be approved by Institutional Review Boards. However, as expansion of the DoDSR is contemplated, ethical considerations of sample collection, storage, and use must be carefully reconsidered. Other similar programs for research use of specimens collected for public health purpose are also undergoing similar reviews. It is recommended that at a minimum, service members are informed of the potential storage and use of their specimens and are allowed to opt out of additional use, or a broad informed consent is provided. The DoDSR provides a tremendous resource to the DoD and global health community, and to ensure its continued existence and improvement, the DoD must stay consistent with all principles of research ethics.
- Publication Status: Published
- Sponsoring Organization: Defense Health Agency (formerly TRICARE Management Activity)
- Sponsoring Office: Armed Forces Health Surveillance Center
- Congressionally Mandated: No
- Funding Source: Defense Health Agency (formerly TRICARE Management Activity)
- Release Date/Publication: October 01, 2015
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Citation: Pavlin JA, Welch RA. Ethics, Human Use, and the Department of Defense Serum Repository. Mil Med. 2015 Oct;180(10 Suppl):49-56.
Study
Abstract
INTRODUCTION:
Knowledge of disease burden attributable to functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGD) in travelers is lacking, despite the high incidence of travelers' diarrhea (TD) associated with increased FGD risk. One tool for assessing the impact of disease on health-related quality of life is the health utility index (HUI), which values health states based on preferential health outcomes. Health utilities can be used as preference weights in the estimation of quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs).
METHODS:
Six months following travel to Egypt or Turkey, 120 US military personnel completed a survey on TD during deployment, health-related quality of life (SF-36), and the onset of functional bowel disorders (Rome II). Elements from the SF-36 were used to develop SF-6D values, which were combined with health state valuations to enable calculation of HUI scores for each subject. Mean index scores were compared across functional outcomes, specific symptoms, and demographic profiles.
RESULTS:
The presence of FGD significantly reduced index scores, with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and dyspepsia showing the greatest impact (-0.17 and -0.19, respectively) compared with those with no FGD (p < 0.05). Importantly, however, several individuals met multiple FGD outcome definitions. Additionally, a number of symptoms associated with abnormal bowel habits and abdominal pain were associated with reduced index scores regardless of outcome.
CONCLUSION:
FGD are associated with significant morbidity as assessed by HUIs. Given the strong link between TD and FGD as well as the large number of travelers from the developed to the developing world, additional study is needed to further understand this association and efforts aimed at primary disease prevention are warranted.
Published 2015. This article has been contributed to by US Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.
- Publication Status: Published
- Sponsoring Organization: Defense Health Agency (formerly TRICARE Management Activity)
- Sponsoring Office: Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences
- Congressionally Mandated: No
- Funding Source: Agency, office or organization under authority of the Sec Def (not affiliated to Army, Navy, or Air Force)
- Release Date/Publication: July 01, 2015
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Citation: Porter CK, et. al., Establishment of Health Utility Indices for Post-Infectious Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders in Active Duty US Military. J Travel Med. 2015 Jul-Aug;22(4):237-41.
Study
Abstract
OBJECTIVE:
The objectives of this study were to describe the epidemiology of HIV in the United States Air Force (USAF) from 1996 through 2011 and to assess whether socio-demographic characteristics and service-related mobility, including military deployments, were associated with HIV infection.
METHODS:
We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of USAF personnel who were HIV-infected during the study period January 1, 1996 through December 31, 2011 and a matched case-control study. Cases were USAF personnel newly-diagnosed with HIV during the study period. Five randomly-selected HIV-uninfected controls were matched to each case by age, length of service, sex, race, service, component, and HIV test collection date. Socio-demographic and service-related mobility factors and HIV diagnosis were assessed using conditional logistic regression.
RESULTS:
During the study period, the USAF had 541 newly diagnosed HIV-infected cases. HIV incidence rate (per 100,000 person-years) among 473 active duty members was highest in 2007 (16.78), among black/ African-American USAF members (26.60) and those aged 25 to 29 years (10.84). In unadjusted analysis restricted to personnel on active duty, 10 characteristics were identified and considered for final multivariate analysis. Of these single (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 8.15, 95% confidence interval [CI] 5.71-11.6) or other marital status (aOR 4.60, 95% CI 2.72-7.75), communications/ intelligence (aOR 2.57, 95% CI 1.84-3.60) or healthcare (aOR 2.07, 95% CI 1.28-3.35) occupations, and having no deployment in the past 2 years before diagnosis (aOR 2.02, 95% CI 1.47-2.78) conferred higher odds of HIV infection in adjusted analysis.
CONCLUSION:
The highest risk of HIV infection in the USAF was among young unmarried deployment-naïve males, especially those in higher risk occupation groups. In an era when worldwide military operations have increased, these analyses identified potential areas where targeted HIV prevention efforts may be beneficial in reducing HIV incidence in the USAF military population.
- Publication Status: Published
- Sponsoring Organization: Defense Health Agency (formerly TRICARE Management Activity)
- Sponsoring Office: Walter Reed National Military Medical Center
- Congressionally Mandated: No
- Funding Source: Agency, office or organization under authority of the Sec Def (not affiliated to Army, Navy, or Air Force)
- Release Date/Publication: May 01, 2015
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Citation: Hakre S, Mydlarz DG, Dawson P, Danaher PJ, Gould PL, Witkop CT, Michael NL, Peel SA, Scott PT, Okulicz JF. Epidemiology of HIV among US Air Force Military Personnel, 1996-2011. PLoS One. 2015 May 11;10(5):
Study
Abstract
Numerous studies document the health benefits of a physically active lifestyle, but relatively few document the hazards of physical activity. Because of the requirement for physical fitness to complete their mission, the United States military services have a vested interest in understanding the benefits and risks of physical activity including exercise and sports. One of these risks is injury. Rates and proportion of injuries caused by exercise- and sports-related (ESR) activities have not been reported previously across the services.
PURPOSE:
The purposes of this population survey were to (1) document the rates and proportion of all injuries caused by ESR activities among military personnel, (2) compare rates across the military services, and (3) describe the causes and types of ESR injuries as well as associated days of limited activity.
STUDY DESIGN:
Descriptive epidemiology study.
METHODS:
The Defense Manpower Data Center administered the web-based 2008 Status of Forces Survey of Active Duty Service Members to a random sample of active-duty personnel. In all, 10,692 servicemembers completed the survey, which included questions about injuries from any cause and from exercise and sports during the previous year. Responses were weighted to produce population estimates for injury rates (any injury and ESR injury). Percentage distributions were used to describe activities, injury types, days of limited activity, and contributing factors for ESR injuries.
RESULTS:
There were 49% of servicemembers who sustained an injury from any cause in the previous year; 25% had an ESR injury. Thus, 52% of all injuries were ESR injuries. ESR injury rates ranged from 20% for the Navy to 33% for the Marine Corps. Running accounted for 45% of ESR injuries. Forty percent of ESR injuries were sprains and strains. As an indicator of injury severity, 35% of ESR injuries required more than 2 weeks of limited activity.
CONCLUSION:
This study quantified the overall incidence of injuries and the large proportion that are caused by exercise and sports among military personnel, a population of healthy, physically active adults. Prevention strategies should focus on running, weight training, basketball, and football. Recommendations include adherence to evidence-based practices to reduce the occurrence of ESR injuries.
- Publication Status: Published
- Sponsoring Organization: Defense Health Agency (formerly TRICARE Management Activity)
- Sponsoring Office: Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences
- Congressionally Mandated: No
- Funding Source: Undetermined
- Release Date/Publication: November 01, 2015
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Citation: Hauret KG, Bedno S, Loringer K, Kao TC, Mallon T, Jones BH. Epidemiology of Exercise- and Sports-Related Injuries in a Population of Young, Physically Active Adults: A Survey of Military Servicemembers. Am J Sports Med. 2015 Nov;43(11):2645-53.
Study
Abstract
BACKGROUND:
Clostridium difficile associated disease (CDAD) has risen in incidence and the experience in the US military has not been described.
METHODS:
We evaluated the U.S. military's database and identified CDAD cases and demographic characteristics among affected military personnel from 1998 to 2010.
RESULTS:
2,423 cases were identified. CDAD incidence was 13.2 cases (95% CI: 12.7-13.7) per 100 K p-yr and increased over study years. CA-CDAD and HA-CDAD incidence was 5.5 (95% CI: 5.2, 5.9) per 100 K p-y and 1.3 (95% CI: 1.2, 1.4) per 1,000 hospitalizations respectively. Females comprised a larger proportion of CA-CDAD than HA-CDAD (25.5% vs. 19.3%; p < 0.001) cases as did Air Force service (29% vs. 23.4%; p < 0.01). On multivariate analysis female gender, Coast Guard or Air Force service, and a married status was associated with CA-CDAD whereas Male gender and Marine Corps service were associated with HA-CDAD cases.
CONCLUSIONS:
CDAD has increased among military personnel, with female cases more likely to be community associated. Gender, marital status and branch of service had the strongest association with CDAD subtype. Further work is needed to evaluate the epidemiologic factors that have led to these increased rates in otherwise low-risk populations and associated sequelae.
- Publication Status: Published
- Sponsoring Organization: Defense Health Agency (formerly TRICARE Management Activity)
- Sponsoring Office: Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences/Armed Forces Health Surveillance Center
- Congressionally Mandated: No
- Funding Source: Agency, office or organization under authority of the Sec Def (not affiliated to Army, Navy, or Air Force)
- Release Date/Publication: December 01, 2013
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Citation: Gutiérrez RL, Riddle MS, Porter CK. Epidemiology of Clostridium difficile infection among active duty United States military personnel (1998-2010). BMC Infect Dis. 2013 Dec 28;13:609.
Study
Abstract
BACKGROUND:
Human rhinovirus (HRV) is a major cause of influenza-like illness (ILI) in adults and children. Differences in disease severity by HRV species have been described among hospitalized patients with underlying illness. Less is known about the clinical and virologic characteristics of HRV infection among otherwise healthy populations, particularly adults.
OBJECTIVES:
To characterize molecular epidemiology of HRV and association between HRV species and clinical presentation and viral shedding.
STUDY DESIGN:
Observational, prospective, facility-based study of ILI was conducted from February 2010 to April 2012. Collection of nasopharyngeal specimens, patient symptoms, and clinical information occurred on days 0, 3, 7, and 28. Patients recorded symptom severity daily for the first 7 days of illness in a symptom diary. HRV was identified by RT-PCR and genotyped for species determination. Cases who were co-infected with other viral respiratory pathogens were excluded from the analysis. We evaluated the associations between HRV species, clinical severity, and patterns of viral shedding.
RESULTS:
Eighty-four HRV cases were identified and their isolates genotyped. Of these, 62 (74%) were >18 years. Fifty-four were HRV-A, 11HRV-B, and 19HRV-C. HRV-C infection was more common among children than adults (59% vs. 10%, P<0.001). Among adults, HRV-A was associated with higher severity of upper respiratory symptoms compared to HRV-B (P=0.02), but no such association was found in children. In addition, adults shed HRV-A significantly longer than HRV-C (P trend=0.01).
CONCLUSIONS:
Among otherwise healthy adults with HRV infection, we observed species-specific differences in respiratory symptom severity and duration of viral shedding.
- Publication Status: Published
- Sponsoring Organization: Defense Health Agency (formerly TRICARE Management Activity)
- Sponsoring Office: Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences
- Congressionally Mandated: No
- Funding Source: Undetermined
- Release Date/Publication: January 01, 2015
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Citation: Chen WJ, et. al., Epidemiologic, clinical, and virologic characteristics of human rhinovirus infection among otherwise healthy children and adults: rhinovirus among adults and children. J Clin Virol. 2015 Mar;64:74-82.
Study
Abstract
Energy drinks (EDs) are highly caffeinated beverages usually containing herbal ingredients promoted and consumed for purported improvements in attention and athletic performance. The popularity of EDs among adolescents and young adults has steadily increased for more than a decade. Reports suggest U.S. military populations consume EDs with greater frequency as compared to age-matched civilian populations. This article reviews the literature and outlines the current body of evidence evaluating the human performance benefits and potential harms associated with ED use.
- Publication Status: Published
- Sponsoring Organization: Defense Health Agency (formerly TRICARE Management Activity)
- Sponsoring Office: Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences
- Congressionally Mandated: No
- Funding Source: Undetermined
- Release Date/Publication: April 01, 2014
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Citation: Johnson LA, Foster D, McDowell JC. Energy drinks: review of performance benefits, health concerns, and use by military personnel. Mil Med. 2014 Apr;179(4):375-80.
Study
Abstract
Use of energy drinks and energy shots among military personnel is controversial. High amounts of caffeine (the primary active ingredient in these products) may impact performance of military duties. The impact of caffeine overconsumption and potential subsequent side effects that might be experienced by service members with unique roles and responsibilities is a concern. Reported here are the prevalence of use, reasons for use, and side effects associated with consumption of energy drinks and energy shots among several populations of active duty personnel in the US military. A snowball survey was sent to over 10,000 active duty personnel. A total of 586 (∼6% response rate) individuals completed a 30-item electronic survey. Over half of respondents (53%) reported consuming an energy drink at least once in the past 30 days. One in five (19%) reported energy shot consumption in the prior 30 days. One in five (19%) also reported consuming an energy drink in combination with an alcoholic beverage. Age and gender were significantly associated with energy drink consumption. Young male respondents (18-29 years) reported the highest use of both energy drinks and energy shots. Among those reporting energy drink and energy shot use, the most common reasons for consumption were to improve mental alertness (61%) and to improve mental (29%) and physical (20%) endurance. Nearly two-thirds (65%) of users self-reported at least one side effect. The most commonly reported side effects included increased pulse rate/palpitations, restlessness, and difficulty sleeping. Use of energy products among military personnel is common and has the potential to impact warrior health and military readiness.
- Publication Status: Published
- Sponsoring Organization: Defense Health Agency (formerly TRICARE Management Activity)
- Sponsoring Office: Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences
- Congressionally Mandated: No
- Funding Source: Defense Health Agency (formerly TRICARE Management Activity)
- Release Date/Publication: October 01, 2014
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Citation: Stephens MB, Attipoe S, Jones D, Ledford CJ, Deuster PA. Energy drink and energy shot use in the military. Nutr Rev. 2014 Oct;72 Suppl 1:72-7.
Study
Abstract
The aim of this study was to document risk factors for any injury and sports- and exercise-related injuries, including personal and occupational stress among active duty service members (SMs) in the Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, and Navy. A total of 10,692 SMs completed the April 2008 Status of Forces Survey of Active Duty Members. The survey asked about demographics, personal stress and occupational stress, injuries from any cause, and participation in sports- and exercise- related activities in the past year. The survey used a complex sampling procedure to create a representative sample of SMs. Logistic regression was used to examine the associations of injury outcomes with potential risk factors. 49% of SMs sought medical care for an injury in the past year and 25% sustained a sports- and exercise-related activities injury. Odds of injury were higher for the Army and Marine Corps than for the Air Force or Navy. This survey showed that higher personal and occupational stress was associated with higher risks of injury. SMs who experienced higher levels of personal or occupational stress reported higher risks of injuries. The effects of stress reduction programs on injury risks should be evaluated in military and other young physically active populations.
- Publication Status: Published
- Sponsoring Organization: Defense Health Agency (formerly TRICARE Management Activity)
- Sponsoring Office: Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences
- Congressionally Mandated: No
- Funding Source: Undetermined
- Release Date/Publication: November 01, 2014
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Citation: Bedno S, Hauret K, Loringer K, Kao TC, Mallon T, Jones B. Effects of personal and occupational stress on injuries in a young, physically active population: a survey of military personnel. Mil Med. 2014 Nov;179(11):1311-8.
Study
Abstract
IMPORTANCE:
Improvement has been anecdotally observed in patients with persistent postconcussion symptoms (PCS) after mild traumatic brain injury following treatment with hyperbaric oxygen (HBO). The effectiveness of HBO as an adjunctive treatment for PCS is unknown to date.
OBJECTIVES:
To compare the safety of and to estimate the efficacy for symptomatic outcomes from standard PCS care alone, care supplemented with HBO, or a sham procedure.
DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS:
Multicenter, double-blind, sham-controlled clinical trial of 72 military service members with ongoing symptoms at least 4 months after mild traumatic brain injury enrolled at military hospitals in Colorado, North Carolina, California, and Georgia between April 26, 2011, and August 24, 2012. Assessments occurred before randomization, at the midpoint, and within 1 month after completing the interventions.
INTERVENTIONS:
Routine PCS care was provided in specialized clinics. In addition, participants were randomized 1:1:1 to 40 HBO sessions administered at 1.5 atmospheres absolute (ATA), 40 sham sessions consisting of room air at 1.2 ATA, or no supplemental chamber procedures.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES:
The Rivermead Post-Concussion Symptoms Questionnaire (RPQ) served as the primary outcome measure. A change score of at least 2 points on the RPQ-3 subscale (range, 0-12) was defined as clinically significant. Change scores from baseline were calculated for the RPQ-3 and for the total RPQ. Secondary measures included additional patient-reported outcomes and automated neuropsychometric testing.
RESULTS:
On average, participants had sustained 3 lifetime mild traumatic brain injuries; the most recent occurred 23 months before enrollment. No differences were observed between groups for improvement of at least 2 points on the RPQ-3 subscale (25% in the no intervention group, 52% in the HBO group, and 33% in the sham group; P = .24). Compared with the no intervention group (mean change score, 0.5; 95% CI, -4.8 to 5.8; P = .91), both groups undergoing supplemental chamber procedures showed improvement in symptoms on the RPQ (mean change score, 5.4; 95% CI, -0.5 to 11.3; P = .008 in the HBO group and 7.0; 95% CI, 1.0-12.9; P = .02 in the sham group). No difference between the HBO group and the sham group was observed (P = .70). Chamber sessions were well tolerated.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE:
Among service members with persistent PCS, HBO showed no benefits over sham compressions. Both intervention groups demonstrated improved outcomes compared with PCS care alone. This finding suggests that the observed improvements were not oxygen mediated but may reflect nonspecific improvements related to placebo effects.
- Publication Status: Published
- Sponsoring Organization: Defense Health Agency (formerly TRICARE Management Activity)
- Sponsoring Office: Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences
- Congressionally Mandated: No
- Funding Source: Undetermined
- Release Date/Publication: January 01, 2015
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Citation: Miller RS et al., Effects of hyperbaric oxygen on symptoms and quality of life among service members with persistent postconcussion symptoms: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA Intern Med. 2015 Jan;175(1):43-52.
Study
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Our objective was to analyze the association between deployment characteristics and diagnostic rates for major depression and substance use disorder among active duty personnel.
METHODS: Using active duty personnel serving between 2001 and 2006 (n = 678,382) and deployment information from the Contingent Tracking System, we identified individuals diagnosed with substance use disorders and major depression from TRICARE health records. We performed logistic regression analysis to assess the effect of deployment location and length on these diagnostic rates.
RESULTS: Increased odds of diagnosis with both conditions were associated with deployment to Iraq or Afghanistan compared with nondeployed personnel and with Army and Marine Corps personnel compared with Navy and Air Force personnel. Increases in the likelihood of either diagnosis with deployment length were only observed among Army personnel.
CONCLUSIONS: There were increased substance use disorders and major depression across services associated with combat conditions. It would be important to assess whether the public health system has adequate resources to handle the increasing need of mental health services in this population.
- Publication Status: Published
- Sponsoring Organization: Defense Health Agency (formerly TRICARE Management Activity)
- Sponsoring Office: Defense Health Agency (formerly TRICARE Management Activity)
- Congressionally Mandated: No
- Funding Source: Navy
- Release Date/Publication: March 01, 2013
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Citation: Shen YC, Arkes J, Williams TV. Effects of Iraq/Afghanistan deployments on major depression and substance use disorder: analysis of active duty personnel in the US military. Am J Public Health. 2012 Mar;102 Suppl 1:S80-7.
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