Health Risk Factors Associated with Acute Respiratory Illness Among U.S. Army Recruits Attending Basic Combat Training
Abstract
Background: Little is known regarding the role of smoking history and aerobic fitness inacute respiratory infection (ARI) risk in military trainees.Objective: Determine smoking history and run group association with ARI during U.S.Army Basic Combat Training (BCT).Methodology: A de-identified dataset from a nested case-control study (N=2,284) wasanalyzed for potential risk factors of ARI from surveys administered to diagnosed casesand healthy bunkmate controls. Logistical regression analysis was used to calculate oddsratios and confidence intervals.Results: The final multivariate logistic regression Total ARI model indicated smokingmore than one half pack/day among females (OR=1.46, 0.98-2.16) and males (OR=1.24,0.97-1.59) was associated with increased ARI. Also, associations tended to be largeramong less aerobically fit male and female trainees. Physical stress was also positivelyassociated with ARI while older age for both genders and body mass index for femaleswere protective. Conclusion: Health promotion strategies to reduce ARI risk may include early smokingcessation and higher initial aerobic fitness prior to BCT among younger aged recruits.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 11, 2012
- Accession Number
- AD1013074
Entities
People
- Jason B. Baumgartner
Organizations
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences