Age-Specific Morbidity and Mortality Rates Among U.S. Navy Enlisted Divers and Controls
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to compare age-specific hospitalization, disability, and mortality rates for diving-related and stress- induced disorders between U.S. Navy enlisted divers (n = 11,584) and a matched sample of nondiver enlistees (n = 11,517). Divers had significantly higher hospitalization rates than controls for the category of environmentally induced disorders (e.g., decompression sickness) and deflected nasal septum as well as for joint diseases at ages 23-28. Controls had significantly higher hospitalization rates for stress-related disorders (e.g., alcohol/drug abuse and transient situational disturbances) and circulatory diseases (e.g., cardiovascular disease). Higher rates of medical and physical evaluation board actions for stress-related disorders were observed among controls than divers. For both groups, medical board, physical evaluation board, and mortality rates increased with age as did hospitalization for musculoskeletal disorders, stress-related disorders, and circulatory diseases. Subsequent research will examine the long-term health effects associated with divers' hospitalizations for musculoskeletal conditions and job-related accidents.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1984
- Accession Number
- ADA146032
Entities
People
- A. Hoiberg
- C. Blood
Organizations
- Naval Health Research Center