Analysis of respiratory disease spectrum among the ship crews of naval afloat units

Abstract

Objective To analyze the respiratory disease spectrum among the ship crews of naval afloat units from 2005 to 2014 and features of diseases in the last dozen of years, so as to provide evidence for future medical support of our naval afloat units. Methods Statistical analyses were made on the medical data of all the Military Health Statistical Reports from the Naval Logistics Command from January 2005 to November 2014, features of the disease were summarized, and finally a comparative study was performed on the respiratory system disorders encountered by naval afloat units in the past years. Results (1) The top 5 diseases that occurred among the naval afloat units from 2005 to 2014 were: upper respiratory tract infection, tonsillitis, trauma, ringworm, simple diarrhea, accounting for 61.7% of all the diseases, with the incidence of upper respiratory tract infection (39.0%) being the first of all the disorders. (2) The top five system diseases among the naval afloat units from 2005 to 2014 were: respiratory system, digestive system, trauma, musculoskeletal system, skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders, accounting for 93% of all the diseases, with the incidence of upper respiratory tract infection (53%) being the first of all system disorders. (3) The top five respiratory disorders that occurred among the naval afloat units during the same time span were: upper respiratory tract infection, tonsillitis, rhinitis, bronchitis and pneumonia, with the incidence of upper respiratory tract infection being the first, accounting for 74% of all the respiratory system disorders. (4) During the time span of 2005 to 2013, the incidence of upper respiratory tract infection among the naval afloat units fluctuated between 93% and 110%. Conclusions The respiratory system disorders were the most common diseases that occurred among the naval afloat units. With this reason, it was of positive significance to pay special emphasis on the prevention and treatment of respiratory diseases, the upper respiratory tract infection in particular. Key words: Disease spectrum; Naval vessel; Respiratory system; Upper respiratory tract infection