The interaction between military education and health: a survey among conscripts undergoing officer training in Norway

An increasing number of soldiers are unable to finish their military training because of health problems. In the summer of 1999, 236 (96%) of 246 officer training school applicants in Harstad, Northern Norway, were enrolled in the survey. Those selected for military education estimated their physical condition better (p < 0.02), participated in athletic sport more frequently (p < 0.05), and smoked four times less (p < 0.001) than those who were dismissed. Thirty-nine percent of those accepted for further military education went to see the doctor during the 3-week introductory period compared with 20% among those who were dismissed (p < 0.002). The overall consultation rate in the introductory period was 52.5 per 100 cadet months. During the rest of the education, the consultation rate dropped significantly to 43.1 (p < 0.02). The magnitude of health-related problems during military education is a concern from a medical point of view and can, at least in part, be attributed to the level of physical activity of the military education.     

Economic problems in military public health

There are discussed the problems of military treatment and prophylactic institution (TPI) functioning under conditions of market reform of Russian public health. Main marketing concepts in military health are determined and some recommendations on work improvement in TPI of the Armed Forces in the system of obligatory medical insurance are presented, granting population paid medical services. It is necessary to form a new type of director--military and medical manager.     

Oral health of ambulatory care patients

OBJECTIVES: This project assessed the clinical oral health status of Veterans Administration (VA) patients and examined the relationship between oral health and both sociodemographic factors and dental care utilization. METHODS: Data were collected on 538 users of VA ambulatory medical care. Oral health was assessed by clinical examinations, and dental use and sociodemographic information are based on self-report. RESULTS: Younger, more educated VA patients with higher incomes had more teeth, fewer untreated and treated root caries, and were less likely to be edentulous or to have dentures. Dental utilization emerged as the most important aspect of veterans' oral health status, even after sociodemographic factors were controlled. Compared with the general population, veterans have poorer oral health with the exception of coronal caries. CONCLUSION: Compared with national studies, VA patients appear to have worse oral health. The importance of sociodemographic factors and dental utilization that has been found in other studies applies to veterans' oral health as well.     

Detecting post-deployment mental health problems in primary care

Post-deployment mental health problems are a source of potential concern for health professionals and politicians in military forces in the world; the UK Armed Forces are no exception. This article examines practical ways in which General Practitioners in Primary Care can enhance their ability to detect post-deployment mental health problems and offers suggestions on immediate management and assessment, based on contemporary evidence and clinical experience.     

中老年人口腔健康状况调查

 目的 了解中老年组人群口腔健康状况、患病状况及趋势.方法 采用第三次全国口腔健康流行病学调查方案,对中年组(35～44岁)、老年组(65～74岁)人群口腔内龋齿、牙周健康状况的临床检查及口腔内义齿的修复检查等.结果 35～44岁、65～74岁组恒牙患龋率分别为86.7%和98.1%;牙龈出血率为71.0%和59.8% ;牙周袋率23.2%和37.4%;义齿非正规修复为2.7%和14.2%.结论 中老年组患龋率、义齿非正规修复率随着年龄的增加而升高.牙龈出血、牙石检出率中年组高于老年组.