Disease and nonbattle injuries sustained by Bulgarian military personnel during missions abroad, 2008-2012

Abstract

The aim of the study is to analyze the structure and dynamics of disease and non battle injuries (DNBI) sustained by Bulgarian military personnel, participating in missions abroad during the period 2008-2012. This survey was based on data from the annual reports for the health condition of Bulgarian armed forces (BAF) personnel. The spread of DNBI amongst military personnel was analyzed by determining indicators for incidence rate (per 1,000 combat-years) and distribution. Regression analysis was carried out for determining the trend of the DNBI incidence rate. Data for the military personnel deployed abroad were compared with the analogous for the BAF personnel in the country. A total of 8,593 cases of DNBI amongst personnel deployed abroad were registered for the period. The overall DNBI incidence varied between 1514 ‰ and 870.4 ‰ and exceeded registered in military units in the country. Statistically significant trend for its reduction (y= - 118.1x+1483; R²=0.565) was established, which followed the downward trend for the DNBI incidence in BAF for the period (y= - 44.47x + 1063; R² = 0.585). The fatality rate was 0 % (0 deaths). The diseases of respiratory system dominated the structure of DNBI with 39.09 % (mainly acute upper respiratory infections), followed by the diseases of digestive system with 17.51 % (mainly dental diseases), diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue – 11.96 %, non battle injuries - 6.25 % etc. The established higher levels of DNBI incidence among deployed forces require additional efforts and approaches of medical service to minimize it.