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Multiphasic health profiles of Navy divers
Undersea Biomedical Research
|March 1, 1983
Summary
This study screened 197 U.S. Navy divers, finding normal results overall but noting hearing loss, high pulmonary function, and prevalent obesity. These findings support ongoing diver health surveillance.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Diving Medicine
- Preventive Medicine
Background:
- Comprehensive medical surveillance is crucial for monitoring the health of specialized populations.
- U.S. Navy divers undergo rigorous training and demanding operational conditions.
- Understanding the health status of divers informs occupational safety and long-term well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a multiphasic medical screening of qualified U.S. Navy divers.
- To establish a baseline health profile for this occupational group.
- To assess the feasibility of using screening data for longitudinal health investigations.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study involving 197 U.S. Navy divers.
- Included personal history, medical history, psychological testing, physical exams, anthropometry, audiometry, blood tests, pulmonary function tests, ECG, X-rays, and vision tests.
- Data presented in a descriptive format.
Main Results:
- Most medical examination results were within normal limits.
- Observed decrements in auditory function at low and high frequencies.
- Pulmonary function test values were elevated compared to the general population.
- Obesity was prevalent based on clinical and anthropometric assessments.
Conclusions:
- Periodic medical surveillance of occupational divers is feasible.
- Findings highlight potential areas for targeted health interventions in divers, such as hearing protection and obesity management.
- This data can support longitudinal studies on diver health and performance over time.