A Health-Risk Appraisal of Naval Special Operations Forces Personnel Executive Summary
Abstract
The relationship between exposure to extreme physical and mental activities and adverse environments to the susceptibility to injuries, disease, and death has not been examined for Special Operations Forces (SOF) personnel. The purpose of the Health Risk Appraisal (HRA) was to assess individual health risk levels related to the personal lifestyle factors. A 62-question survey was developed, implemented, and analyzed in order to assess general health behaviors and status, and to examine special warfare issues specific to the environment and tasks of the SOF personnel. Respondents were 971(48 + 16.1 years) male active-duty, reserve, and retired members of the Sea, Air, Land/ Underwater Demolition Teams (SEAL/UDT). Evaluation of these results used national health promotion and disease prevention objectives set forth by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Results from the self-reported study showed low smoking rates and high physical activity rates; low prevalences of coronary artery disease (CAD), diabetes, and obesity (overweight) were also found. These were considered positive health findings for this group. Unhealthy behaviors included high smokeless tobacco use rates, heavy drinking, low safety belt use, and drunk driving. There was also a high prevalence of cancer/tumors, musculoskeletal problems, sexually transmitted diseases, esophagitis, and pre-cancerous skin lesions.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 14, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA375314
Entities
People
- K. R. Johnson
- M. Q. Wang
Organizations
- Naval Aerospace Medical Research Laboratory