Preinduction Standards for Soldiers with a History of Asthma.
Abstract
Asthma is currently the most prevalent chronic disease of childhood, and disqualifying for Army service. This study investigates the utility of existing entrance standards for asthma by reviewing the noneffective rate for asthma among deployed soldiers during selected American wars. Soldiers are expected to be world wide deployable, and harsh climates, physical and mental stress, increased incidence of disease and high levels of pollution, dust and smoke make the modern battlefield difficult for asthmatics. The problem of asthmatics on the battlefield is exacerbated by the doctrinal lack of facilities to treat chronic medical conditions in Division level Medical Treatment Facilities. Tests for the evaluation of asthma are divided into screening and diagnostic tests. Each test is then evaluated for accuracy using sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value, and for cost by evaluating the test's direct costs, and expertise, time and administrative requirements. Test attributes are assigned weighted values and a decision matrix used to determine what tests would best serve the Army during entrance evaluation. The study finally proposes a working Army definition of Asthma, new, tightened entrance and mobilization standards for asthmatics and lays out one possible methodology for evaluating these patients. Asthma, Entrance Standards, Deployable, Medical Treatment Facilities, Evaluation of Asthma, Entrance Evaluation
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 03, 1994
- Accession Number
- ADA284510
Entities
People
- Bryan L. Martins
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College