Military medicine
-
Vitamin D is a nutrient with emerging roles in cardiovascular, immune, and musculoskeletal function. Vitamin D (VITD) levels are inversely correlated with weight status in adults. This study was designed to determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency in a retrospective sample of overweight or obese Soldiers who had attended weight management classes at Fort Bliss, Texas. ⋯ In a multivariate logistic regression model, non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic race were significant predictors of both VITD deficiency and insufficiency. The high rate of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency in this sample of Soldiers is concerning. Given the important roles of VITD in the body, it is imperative that further study of both normal and overweight Soldiers be conducted in order to determine prevalence.
-
Home exercise programs (HEP) are an integral part of any physical therapy treatment plan, but are especially important in theater. The primary aim of this study was to determine if the number of exercises prescribed in a HEP was associated with compliance rate of Service Members (SM) in theater with a secondary aim of determining variables associated with compliance and noncompliance. ⋯ SM prescribed 4 or more exercises had a lower rate of compliance than those prescribed 2 or fewer. SM who left the base at least once per week also had a lower rate of compliance.
-
To calculate the annual rate of psychiatric evacuation of U.S. Service members out of Iraq and Afghanistan and identify risk factors for evacuation. ⋯ Risk for psychiatric evacuation is highest among the Army Active Component. A strong link between multiple deployments or combat-related exposure and psychiatric evacuation is not apparent. Increased risk among post-2001 accessions suggests further review of changes in recruitment, training, and deployment policies and practices.