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Number of chronic conditions and professional longevity of aviators
1Saratov Medical University, Russia.
Methods:
The number of chronic medical conditions (NCMC) experienced by an individual may be a measure of health and predictor of the disqualification of aviators. Subjects were 727 medically disqualified and 807 current pilots and navigators in the Russian Air Forces. All chronic conditions reported in medical files were extracted.
Results:
Disqualification was earlier for subjects who had diagnoses of chronic conditions at age 29 (chi 2 = 82.24, p < 0.0001). Disqualification was proportionate to the NCMC at age 32 (chi 2 = 98.32, p < 0.0001) and at 37 (chi 2 = 105.41, p < 0.0001). For 37-yr-old aviators age at disqualification was influenced more by the NCMC than by military rank.
Discussion:
The NCMC influenced subsequent disqualification for many years after health assessment. This influence was significant and independent from the aviator's speciality, final military rank, position, age at entering flying school, or town or country of origin.
Conclusion:
NCMC is a good measure of health and predictor of disqualification of aviators.