Analysis of the Change of Health Status Among the Republic of Korea Air Force Soldiers During Military Service.
10.3961/jpmph.2014.47.4.230
- Author:
Seok Ju YOO
1
;
Won Ju PARK
;
Kwan LEE
;
Hyun Sul LIM
;
Hyun Jin KIM
;
Suk Ho LEE
Author Information
1. Aerospace Medical Center, Republic of Korea Air Force, Cheongju, Korea.
- Publication Type:Original Article ; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
- Keywords:
Military personnel;
Life style;
Body mass index;
Alanine transaminase
- MeSH:
Alanine Transaminase/blood;
Asian Continental Ancestry Group;
Body Mass Index;
Exercise;
*Health Status;
Humans;
Internet;
Life Style;
Military Personnel/*statistics & numerical data;
Questionnaires;
Republic of Korea
- From:Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
2014;47(4):230-235
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate whether the health status of Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) soldiers changed after one year of military service. METHODS: We selected 483 ROKAF soldiers from the 11 749 recruits who participated in the 2011 physical examination. The selected soldiers underwent another physical examination in 2012 for advancement to senior airman. Data from 2011 and 2012 were merged. To collect data on lifestyle, a questionnaire was sent to all included subjects via the military intranet e-mail service. RESULTS: The percentage of recruits with an abnormal alanine transaminase level (normal range <40 IU/L) decreased from recruitment (13.7%) to the following year (2.7%). Moreover, the percentage of obese soldiers (body mass index > or =25 kg/m2) decreased from recruitment (20.5%) to the following year (10.4%). There was a significant change in mean duration of exercise carried out each day before (0.8+/-1.3 hours) and after (1.0+/-0.7 hours) joining the ROKAF service. CONCLUSIONS: These ROKAF soldiers were generally in good health before and after joining the armed service. After one year of military service, the health status of most soldiers improved, especially with respect to body mass index and alanine transaminase level.
