Factors That Influence Health Care-Seeking Behavior and Health Information Disclosure Among U.S. Air Force Pilots

Area of Science:

• Aerospace Medicine
• Occupational Health
• Qualitative Research

Background:

• Pilot health care avoidance is prevalent but poorly understood.
• Factors influencing disclosure and utilization of care by pilots require investigation.
• U.S. Air Force (USAF) pilots' perceptions are crucial for improving aeromedical care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore factors encouraging and discouraging health care disclosure and utilization among USAF pilots.
• To gather pilot recommendations for enhancing the USAF aeromedical health care system.
• To understand the aeromedical provider/aviator relationship to inform interventions.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative assessment involving interviews with 21 USAF pilots.
• Exploration of perceptions regarding seeking medical care and health care utilization.
• Identification of factors influencing disclosure and the provider/aviator relationship.

Main Results:

• Key barriers to disclosure and utilization include fear of medical revocation, stigma, and provider mistrust.
• Encouraging factors for disclosure and utilization are unit-embedded services, accessibility, and condition severity.
• Pilot recommendations for improving care access and disclosure were collected.

Conclusions:

• Flight surgeons must prioritize building trust with pilots to mitigate health care avoidance.
• Addressing pilot concerns about medical revocation and stigma is essential.
• Improving access to care and fostering trust can enhance pilot health outcomes.