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Mortality surveillance in the U.S. Army, 2005-2011
Brent E Mancha1, Eren Youmans Watkins1, Jerrica N Nichols1
1Behavioral Health Surveillance Section, Behavioral and Social Health Outcomes Program (BSHOP) Epidemiology & Disease Surveillance Portfolio (EDS) Army Institute of Public Health (AIPH),U.S. Army Public Health Command (USAPHC), 5158 Blackhawk Road, E1570, Aberdeen Proving Ground-Edgewood Area (APG-EA), MD 21010.
Military Medicine
|December 4, 2014
Summary
U.S. Army mortality rates decreased for combat and accident deaths between 2005-2011, but suicide rates significantly increased, surpassing U.S. general population trends. Firearm use was prominent in suicides and homicides.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Military Medicine
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Understanding mortality trends in military populations is crucial for targeted health interventions.
- Previous studies have indicated varying mortality patterns within the U.S. Army.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze mortality rates in U.S. Army Soldiers from 2005 to 2011.
- To compare these rates with the U.S. general population.
- To identify trends in specific causes of death.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the Department of Defense Medical Mortality Registry for Soldiers aged 18-64.
- Calculated age- and sex-adjusted annual mortality rates (AR) using linear regression.
- Examined proportions of underlying causes of death.
Main Results:
- Significantly decreased AR for combat deaths (AAPC = -15.2%, p=0.04) and accident deaths (AAPC = -5.4%, p=0.002).
- Significantly increased AR for suicides (AAPC = 10.6%, p=0.001).
- Army suicide AR trend differed significantly from the U.S. general population (AAPC = 11.0% increase, p<0.001).
Conclusions:
- Combat and accident death rates declined, while suicide rates rose.
- The U.S. Army's suicide rate increase outpaced the general U.S. population.
- Transportation incidents accounted for 70% of accident deaths; firearms were used in nearly 70% of suicides and homicides.