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Multinational comparison study of aircraft pilot healthcare avoidance behaviour
W R Hoffman1,2, P K Patel3, J Aden4
1Department of Neurology, Brooke Army Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, TX, 78234USA.
Occupational Medicine (Oxford, England)
|September 2, 2023
Summary
Healthcare avoidance is common in US and Canadian pilots fearing loss of flying status. Rates are similar, though US pilots show a slightly higher likelihood of this behavior.
Area of Science:
- Aerospace Medicine
- Occupational Health
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Pilots require medical certification for flying status.
- Fear of losing medical certification can lead to healthcare avoidance.
- This behavior impacts pilot health, aeromedical screening, and aviation safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the prevalence and types of healthcare avoidance behavior between US and Canadian pilots.
- To investigate the influence of fear of losing flying status on healthcare seeking behaviors.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional internet surveys were conducted in the US and Canada.
- Data from certified pilots in both countries were analyzed for comparison.
- A multivariable logistic regression model was used to assess influencing factors.
Main Results:
- 56% of US pilots and 55% of Canadian pilots reported healthcare avoidance.
- No statistically significant difference in prevalence was found between the two countries (P=0.578).
- US pilots were slightly more likely to report healthcare avoidance (OR 1.22).
Conclusions:
- Healthcare avoidance due to fear of status loss is highly prevalent in both US and Canadian pilots.
- The study highlights a significant issue affecting pilot well-being and aviation safety.
- Further research may explore interventions to mitigate this behavior.
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