Armed Forces Personnel Research Articles

Fatness Predicts Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factor Profile Better than Fitness in Healthy Men A Discriminant Analysis Approach

Fitness is healthy and can help to reduce, but not eliminate, the negative effects of obesity. As a result,identifying variables for categorizing individuals into high-risk or low-risk groups is critical.The study’s goalwasto determine the relationship between fitness, fatness, and cardiovascular disease risk factors as well as to construct a discriminant model for categorizing individuals as high-risk or low-risk. A total of 120 in-service healthy armed forces personnel aged 25 to 49 years were randomly selected as subjects for this study and were measured for the selected fitness and fatness variables, namely cardio respiratory endurance, muscular endurance, muscular leg and back strength, flexibility, weight, waist circumference, hip circumference, waist-hip ratio, body mass index, waist to height ratio, and fat percentage. The findings revealed that fitness variables contribute little to CVD risk factors than specific fatness characteristics, which appear to play a larger role.Based on selected fitness and fatness indicators, a discriminant model was developed to classify subjects into high and low cardiovascular disease risk groups. The group centroid was found to be 0.829. The model validity was determined to be 80.6 per cent based on the classification matrix. Finally, the findings of the study suggest that age and waist circumference play an important role in distinguishing individuals with high and low CVD risk

Bariatric Surgery Should Be Offered to Active-Duty Military Personnel: a Retrospective Study of the Canadian Armed Forces’ Experience

PurposeLike most Western armies, obesity affects Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) personnel. Bariatric surgery is an effective treatment for obesity. However, this is not yet accepted for active-duty soldiers in most countries. The CAF have approved bariatric surgery since 2005. Our aim is to assess weight loss, resolution of obesity-related comorbidities, and impacts of bariatric surgery on military careers.Materials and MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the perioperative data, long-term bariatric results, and military outcomes of 108 CAF active-duty military personnel who underwent bariatric surgery in Canada over a 61-month period.ResultsThe cohort was predominantly male (66.7%) with a mean preoperative body mass index (BMI) of 43.6 ± 5.8 kg/m2. Roux-Y gastric bypass was performed in 59 patients, sleeve gastrectomy in 29, and gastric banding in 20. All the surgeries were performed laparoscopically. The total body weight loss at the last follow-up visit was 22.5 ± 11.0%. Remission or improvement of hypertension was observed in 91.2%, diabetes in 85.7%, gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD) in 43.6%, sleep apnea in 43.1%, and dyslipidemia in 42.9%. One patient (0.9%) was medically released due to postoperative complications. Fifteen patients (13.9%) were deployed postoperatively. The combined deployable and possibly deployable statuses increased from 35.4% preoperatively to 47.9% postoperatively.ConclusionThis is the largest series of bariatric surgeries performed in active-duty military personnel. Bariatric surgery is effective and safe and improves deployability without impairing military careers. These results are relevant to the military of many industrialized countries. Bariatric surgery should be considered for all active-duty military personnel who meet surgical criteria for the treatment of obesity.Graphical

Using CT scans to determine the optimal sizes of hard armour plates to protect the torso for UK female Armed Forces personnel

IntroductionHard armour plates provide coverage to essential anatomical structures in the torso that, if injured, would likely be responsible for death before damage control surgery can be undertaken. Existing front...

Evaluation of Styloid Process Length using Multidetector Computed Tomography Scan in Indian Population: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: The length of the Styloid Process (SP) has been a subject of research since Eagle's case report on a syndrome characterised by symptoms related to a painful elongated SP. Various modalities including orthopantomogram, digital radiography, cadaveric measurements, and Multidetector Computerised Tomography (MDCT) scanning have been used to study SP length. The present study aims to determine the normal SP length in the Indian population, specifically among armed forces personnel, using MDCT scans. Aim: To measure the SP length in the Indian population using MDCT scans and establish a cut-off length to define elongation. Materials and Methods: A single centre cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Radiology, Command Hospital Pune, Maharashtra, India from January 2023 to March 2023. The SP length was measured in 402 patients referred for CT scans of the head and Paranasal Sinus (PNS), utilising 3D Multiplanar Reformation (MPR), curved reformat, and volume rendering techniques. The patients were divided into six age groups: Group I (<20 years), Group II (21 to 30 years), Group III (31 to 40 years), Group IV (41 to 50 years), Group V (51-60 years), and Group VI (>60 years). Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 28.0, and significance was set at p-value <0.05. Results: Among the 402 patients, 210 were males, and 192 were females, with a mean age of 43.8±16.7 years. The mean SP length across all patients was 23.24±3.92 mm. The mean length was 23.74±4.50 mm on the right side and 22.74±3.72 mm on the left side, with no statistically significant difference between them (p-value=0.058). There was a significant gender difference, with males having a mean length of 23.67±4.12 mm and females 22.77±3.64 mm (p-value=0.011). The SP length increased significantly with age, demonstrating a notable difference between age groups. The upper limit of normal (90th percentile) ranged from 25.74 mm for patients <20 years to 28.91 mm for patients >60 years. Conclusion: A statistically significant difference in SP length was observed between genders, with a significant increase in length with age. In the Indian population, an SP length greater than 28 mm should be considered elongated.

PERCEIVED CAREER PLANNING AND JOB SATISFACTION IN MALAYSIAN ARMED FORCES: THE ROLE OF CAREER DEVELOPMENT AS A MEDIATOR

This study examines the relationship between career planning and job satisfaction of Armed Forces personnel in Malaysia. It determines the mediating effect of career development on the relationship between career planning and job satisfaction. This study was conducted because there is negligible attention given to the effects of career planning and career development on job satisfaction, mainly in the Malaysian Armed Forces context. The IBM Social Science Statistical Package (IBM SPSS) application was used in the data analysis using descriptive and inferential analysis. The outcomes displayed three important findings: First, the significant relationship between career planning and job satisfaction. Second, the relationship between career development and job satisfaction was significant. Third, the result statistically confirms that the effect of career planning on job satisfaction is indirectly affected by career development in the organisational sample. Further, the study discusses the contributions and recommendations based on the significant findings. In conclusion, the career planning among Malaysian Armed Forces personnel should be explained and aligned with their career development since it will affect their job satisfaction and increase their work performance in national defence and security.

A multi-centric study to estimate prevalence of anaemia in venous blood samples in apparently healthy children between 6-59 months age of armed forces personnel

A multi-centric study to estimate prevalence of anaemia in venous blood samples in apparently healthy children between 6-59 months age of armed forces personnel

Montreal Cognitive Assessment scores of Veterans and Canadian Armed Forces personnel seeking mental health treatment

LAY SUMMARY The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) is a test of mild cognitive impairment that is commonly administered to military personnel seeking mental health treatment. However, there is little research on the average MoCA score for military Veterans. This study looked at MoCA scores provided by Canadian Armed Forces members and Veterans receiving services for an operational-related mental health condition. Scores below the cut-off for mild cognitive impairment were not uncommon and were related to education level, as well as to severity of posttraumatic stress disorder and depression. These findings will help clinicians better contextualize score variation among clients.

Training the Armed Forces personnel in COVID-19 contact tracing: a Portuguese case study

Abstract Background Local contact tracing teams needed to be reinforced in preparation for a peak in Covid-19 cases. The Portuguese Armed Forces showed availability and their members initiated a formal training facilitated by the Public Health Unit (PHU) of Amadora. Health systems must be prepared to respond to all threats, as the COVID-19 pandemic showed us the need for quick task shifting and the training of non-experts’ workers. Objectives The aim of the project was to develop contact tracing skills by non-health professionals, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The training program was held online, with a total duration of 48 hours, distributed by the topics described: introduction to health and epidemiology concepts, the national guidelines, and the information systems (13h). We privileged demonstrative and participatory training methods, followed by continuous supervision of each contact tracing survey and constant feedback (35h). Learning support materials were sent out to assist the trainees, including written and video support. Results More than 200 personnel - sailors, soldiers and airmen - were trained. Each Lisbon and Tagus Valley area PHU was reinforced with a team of military professionals in order to support the contact tracing process, with an increase in the number of surveys completed. We highlight as positive aspects: increased number of contact tracing surveys carried out; growth of inter-institutional partnerships; freeing up of specialized PHU resources to other important tasks. As for negative aspects we focus on the complexity in health communication, the limited time for training, and the lack of specific health knowledge of the trainees. Conclusions This pandemic revealed the Portuguese need for a transdisciplinary approach in the provision of care, specially at a Public Health level. Training programs like these highlight the vital role of reshaping and reorganizing the healthcare workforce answering Public Health necessities. Key messages • Training programs for non-health workers must be prepared to reinforce health systems when necessary. The reinforcement of contact tracing teams by the Portuguese Armed Forces was a great example. • A transdisciplinary approach in the provision of care was essential during the COVID-19 pandemic. Specific training of non-health workers can be planned in time to respond to health threats.

Estimation of Lost Man Days among the Viral Hepatitis Patients Attended at a Tertiary Level Hospital in Bangladesh

Introduction: Viral hepatitis can cause a range of health problems and can be fatal. It is also prevalent in Bangladesh Armed Forces personnel and causing significant number of loss of man days. Objective: To assess the total loss of man days due to viral hepatitis of army personnel admitted/treated in hospital. Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted at Combined Military Hospital (CMH), Dhaka among military persons. Total 103 hepatitis patients were selected by simple random sampling from June to November 2014. Data were collected by semi-structured questionnaire and analyzed by using ‘Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version -19. Results: The age range was between 20 to 43 years and mean age was 33.2 ± 5.8 years. Most of them suffered from hepatitis B (68.9%). Considering the rank structure, majority (51.4%)were Non Commissioned Officers (NCOs) and stayed in sainik line (46.6%). Due to reporting at Out Patient Department (OPD), 76.7% got 1-7 days sick rest and 73.8% have lost 1-7 man-days. Mean total man days lost was 55 ± 36 days. Mean admission days at hospital were 17 ± 13.7 days and the highest percentage was NCO (47.1%) followed by Sainik (39.7%). Total admission days of Sainik was not significantly association with admission days of NCO. But significant association was found within losing total man days between these two groups (χ2 = 4.88, p < .05). Conclusion: The results confirm the significant loss of man days due to viral hepatitis infection in Armed Forces Personnel which should be considered as a public health problem. JAFMC Bangladesh. Vol 18, No 1 (June) 2022: 30-33

Prevalence of Diseases and Pattern of Medicine Used by Retired Armed Forces Personnel Attending at a Military Hospital

Introduction: Retired armed forces personnel constitute a large group of population whose treatment is ensured by the armed forces. Their disease prevalence and medicine use pattern will help the authority to take more effective decision for managing their ailments. Objectives: To observe the medicine use patterns and disease prevalence among retired armed forces personnel. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional prescription evaluation was carried out on 546 prescriptions obtained from Others Rank (ORs) Pharmacy of Combined Military Hospital (CMH), Dhaka from mid June to mid July, 2020. According to World Health Organization’s (WHO) core prescribing indicators analysis, number of drugs/prescription, percentage of drug written in generic name, percentage of prescription with an injection, percentage of prescription with antimicrobials and percentage of prescription containing local purchase drugs were calculated. Results: All the patients were male and their age ranges from 38 to 84 years with mean age of 58.6 years. Half of the patients were in 55 to 64 years age groups. About 43% patients had two chronic diseases. The average number of drugs per prescription was 5.3 drugs. Patients with single disease required less number of drugs/prescription (3.7) compared to patients having two (5.6) and multiple diseases (8.2). Hypertension was the most frequent diagnosis (n=330) and diabetes was the 2nd frequent diseases (n=307). Conclusion: The average number of drug per prescription corresponds to the number of diseases. The retired armed forces personnel with active adult life (55-64 years) suffer more than the elderly (more than 65). Hypertension and diabetes mellitus are the most prevalent diseases. JAFMC Bangladesh. Vol 18, No 1 (June) 2022: 12-15

Work method control of Nigerian armed forces personnel: Roles of psychological detachment and conscientiousness

Our study investigated the moderating roles of psychological detachment and conscientiousness on work method control of the Nigerian armed forces. The study sample comprised 252 military personnel (female= 33%; mean age = 32.98 years, SD = 5.04 years). Hierarchical multiple regression analysis indicated psychological detachment to not moderate work method control. The interaction of conscientiousness and psychological detachment was associated with lower work method control. Conscientiousness, rather than work detachment, explained the military organisation's sense of work method control. Findings are consistent with the personality trait theory in understanding conscientiousness and its vital role in the well-being of security forces.

Post-traumatic growth among UK military personnel deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan: data from phase 3 of a military cohort study.

Post-traumatic growth (PTG) refers to beneficial psychological change following trauma. This study explores the sociodemographic, health and deployment-related factors associated with PTG in serving/ex-serving UK armed forces personnel deployed to military operations in Iraq or Afghanistan. Multinomial logistic regression analyses were applied to retrospective questionnaire data collected 2014-2016, stratified by gender. PTG scores were split into tertiles of no/very low PTG, low PTG and moderate/large PTG. A total of 1447/4610 male personnel (30.8%) and 198/570 female personnel (34.8%) reported moderate/large PTG. Male personnel were more likely to report moderate/large PTG compared with no/very low PTG if they reported a greater belief of being in serious danger (relative risk ratio (RRR) 2.47, 95% CI 1.68-3.64), were a reservist (RRR 2.37, 95% CI 1.80-3.11), reported good/excellent general health (fair/poor general health: RRR 0.33, 95% CI 0.24-0.46), a greater number of combat experiences, less alcohol use, better mental health, were of lower rank or were younger. Female personnel were more likely to report moderate/large PTG if they were single (in a relationship: RRR 0.40, 95% CI 0.22-0.74), had left military service (RRR 2.34, 95% CI 1.31-4.17), reported better mental health (common mental disorder: RRR 0.37, 95% CI 0.17-0.84), were a reservist, reported a greater number of combat experiences or were younger. Post-traumatic stress disorder had a curvilinear relationship with PTG. A moderate/large degree of PTG among the UK armed forces is associated with mostly positive health experiences, except for post-traumatic stress disorder.

Post-traumatic growth amongst UK armed forces personnel who were deployed to Afghanistan and the role of combat injury, mental health and pain: the ADVANCE cohort study.

Post-traumatic growth (PTG) is a positive psychological consequence of trauma. The aims of this study were to investigate whether combat injury was associated with deployment-related PTG in a cohort of UK military personnel who were deployed to Afghanistan, and whether post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and pain mediate this relationship. 521 physically injured (n = 138 amputation; n = 383 non-amputation injury) and 514 frequency-matched uninjured personnel completed questionnaires including the deployment-related Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory (DPTGI). DPTGI scores were categorised into tertiles of: no/low (score 0-20), moderate (score 21-34) or a large (35-63) degree of deployment-related PTG. Analysis was completed using generalised structural equation modelling. A large degree of PTG was reported by 28.0% (n = 140) of the uninjured group, 36.9% (n = 196) of the overall injured group, 45.4% (n = 62) of amputee and 34.1% (n = 134) of the non-amputee injured subgroups. Combat injury had a direct effect on reporting a large degree of PTG [Relative risk ratio (RRR) 1.59 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.17-2.17)] compared to sustaining no injury. Amputation injuries also had a significant direct effect [RRR 2.18 (95% CI 1.24-3.75)], but non-amputation injuries did not [RRR 1.35 (95% CI 0.92-1.93)]. PTSD, depression and pain partially mediate this relationship, though mediation differed depending on the injury subtype. PTSD had a curvilinear relationship with PTG, whilst depression had a negative association and pain had a positive association. Combat injury, in particular injury resulting in traumatic amputation, is associated with reporting a large degree of PTG.

Outcome of Excision of Primary Pterygium with Bare Sclera Technique: A Study of 80 Eyes in Malaysia

In this retrospective study of 166 patients with Pterygium, it was more predominant in males (66.9%) and in 31-40 years age group (69.9%). Irritation was the most common symptom (29.5%), while 13.8% were asymptomatic. Seventy four patients (44.6%) were armed forces personnel and the rest were civilian patients in this study A total of 248 pterygia (146 mild, 94 moderate and 8 advanced) were noted in this study. Standard procedure of excision of the growth with bare sclera technique was performed in 80 eyes wherever indicated (nasal or temporal in 66 eyes, both nasal and temporal in7 eyes). During the follow up period two complications (granuloma of conjunctiva and recurrence of pterygium) were noted. Small (5 mm size) granuloma occurred during the early postoperative period in 10 out of 80 eyes (12.5%), which healed completely with medical treatment without any need of surgical intervention. The recurrence of pterygium occurred in 19 out of 80 eyes (23.7%). The mean duration of recurrence was 5.5 months with a range varying from 2 to 12 months period. Recurrence of pterygium was observed to be higher in armed forces personnel (11 out of 19 eyes, (57.9%)) than in civilian patients (8 out of 19 eyes, 42.1%). There was early recurrence of pterygium in armed forces personnel (mean duration 5.1 months) than in civilian patients (mean duration 6.6 months). The modified technique of this with addition of intraoperative conjunctival auto graft to reduce the recurrence rate of pterygium is in progress.

Randomised Controlled Study on Measures to Increase Vaccination Rates among German Armed Forces Soldiers.

Vaccination is one of the most effective medical measures for preventing infectious diseases. Even though there are recommendations for specific occupational groups that have an increased risk of infection, e.g., armed forces personnel, there are gaps in the vaccination rates of this personal. We conducted a randomised and controlled cohort study to examine whether a computerised reminder system would increase the vaccination rates of active soldiers over a period of twelve months. A total of 506 soldiers with a mean age of 27.7 ± 6.5 years (experimental group (EG)) and 27.9 ± 6.3 years (control group (CG)) were included in our study. Only 26.2% of the EG and 31.3% of the CG had received the required vaccinations at the beginning of our study. The vaccination rates for influenza (50.5% and 49.1%) and tick-borne encephalitis (57.1% and 60.7%) were particularly low, for measles, mumps, and rubella they were high (94.3% and 97.8%). A highly significant increase (p < 0.001) in vaccination rates was observed for both groups during our study. The results revealed considerable vaccination gaps among German armed forces soldiers. Despite a highly significant increase in vaccination rates during the study, there is still a clear need for action.

Analysis of Recruitment and Selection Quality Improvement on The Indonesian National Armed Forces Personnel: A Case Study of The Garuda Task Force in MINUSCA

Peacekeeping-related research has increased in the last two decades as the number and complexity of peacekeeping operations, and the associated resource commitments have increased. However, studies investigating recruitment and selection issue remains understudied. Indonesia is known as a contributing country that deploys uniformed personnel as peacekeepers and serves under the banner of the United Nations. Efforts to ensure competent peacekeeping forces can be carried out through an objective recruitment and selection process. By reviewing the literature, this article aims to analyze the improvement of the quality of recruitment and selection of the personnel of the Garuda Task Force, particularly the Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA). The results show the need to improve the quality of recruitment and selection of TNI personnel starting from the planning stage, vacancy announcement, to the selection stage, which consists of potential screening candidates, and selection interviews. In order to improve the recruitment and selection process, it is necessary to pay attention to the key factors both from the perspective of the employer and the candidate.

Mental health outcomes of male UK military personnel deployed to Afghanistan and the role of combat injury: analysis of baseline data from the ADVANCE cohort study

The long-term psychosocial outcomes of UK armed forces personnel who sustained serious combat injuries during deployment to Afghanistan are largely unknown. We aimed to assess rates of probable post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and mental health-associated multimorbidity in a representative sample of serving and ex-serving UK military personnel with combat injuries, compared with rates in a matched sample of uninjured personnel. This analysis used baseline data from the ADVANCE cohort study, in which injured individuals were recruited from a sample of UK armed forces personnel who were deployed to Afghanistan and had physical combat injuries, according to records provided by the UK Ministry of Defence. Participants from the uninjured group were frequency-matched by age, rank, regiment, deployment, and role on deployment. Participants were recruited through postal, email, and telephone invitations. Participants completed a comprehensive health assessment, including physical health assessment and self-reported mental health measures (PTSD Checklist, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7). The mental health outcomes were rates of PTSD, depression, anxiety, and mental health-associated multimorbidity in the injured and uninjured groups. The ADVANCE study is ongoing and is registered with the ISRCTN registry, ISRCTN57285353. 579 combat-injured participants (161 with amputation injuries and 418 with non-amputation injuries) and 565 uninjured participants were included in the analysis. Participants had a median age of 33 years (IQR 30-37 years) at the time of assessment. 90·3% identified as White and 9·7% were from all other ethnic groups. The rates of PTSD (16·9% [n=89] vs 10·5% [n=53]; adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1·67 [95% CI 1·16-2·41], depression (23·6% [n=129] vs 16·8% [n=87]; AOR 1·46 [1·08-2·03]), anxiety (20·8% [n=111] vs 13·5% [n=71]; AOR 1·56 [1·13-2·24]) and mental health-associated multimorbidity (15·3% [n=81] vs 9·8% [n=49]; AOR 1·62 [1·12-2·49]) were greater in the injured group than the uninjured group. Minimal differences in odds of reporting any poor mental health outcome were noted between the amputation injury subgroup and the uninjured group (AOR range 0·77-0·97), whereas up to double the odds were noted for the non-amputation injury subgroup compared with the uninjured group (AOR range 1·74-2·02). Serious physical combat injuries were associated with poor mental health outcomes. However, the type of injury sustained influenced this relationship. Regardless of injury, this cohort represents a group who present with greater rates of PTSD than the general population, as well as increased psychological burden from multimorbidity. The ADVANCE Charity.

Role of GeneXpert in Diagnosis of Covid-19 Among Armed Forces Personnel of Bangladesh

Bangladesh is one of the several countries which have successfully faced the challenge of recent Covid-19 pandemic. After the first emergence of the outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 virus in China, it rapidly spread over the whole world. From the very beginning of the pandemic, Bangladesh government has taken all sorts of effective measures to save millions of lives. In the perspective of the Covid-19 situations in Bangladesh Armed Forces, AFIP Dhaka Cantonment has still been contributing very successfully to combat this situation. By December 2020, Covid-19 laboratories of AFIP performed 90,495 RT-PCR tests and 15,595 were found positive. Besides RT-PCR tests another very sensitive and rapid method named GeneXpert is being used to provide the Covid-19 test reports within 1 hour. By using this GeneXpert test system AFIP immensely helped the patients who require emergency treatment intervention, for dead bodies requires immediate religious rituals, personnel who needs urgent reports to go overseas and also for VIPs and VVIPs in situations of urgency. For the last 1 year during this pandemic, AFIP has been providing the Covid-19 diagnostic facilities with utmost accuracy and quality of the tests. It is the honour and pride of this renowned and prestigious institution to render its continuous service in the critical period of our nation. J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2022; 40: 78-83

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF): Our Experience at a Tertiary Hospital

Objective: To share our experience of managing Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever cases at tertiary care hospital.&#x0D; Study Design: Hospital based case series.&#x0D; Place and Duration of study: Medicine department Combined Military Hospital Peshawar, from 2017 to 2019.&#x0D; Methodology: A total of 10RT-PCR positive cases of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever were included in the study. Data were collected retrospectively from Stat office of the hospital. All cases which were PCR negative, having multiple co-morbid conditions and having alternative diagnoses were excluded from the study. Demographic, epidemiological, clinical and laboratory parameters were noted on a specially designed Proforma.&#x0D; Results: All patients were males armed forces personnel employed in the tribal areas of KPK. All patients initially developed fever and generalized body pains. Among them 2 (20%) patients developed petechial rash and 1(10%) suffered from epistaxis, melena and hematuria. All (100%) of the patients’ lab data revealed leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, elevated ALT and LDH. Complete recovery was noted in all patients. 8 (80%) of the patients received ribavirin and platelet transfusion. All patients under study also received oral Vitamin C supplement. Average hospital stay was 14 days.&#x0D; Conclusion: Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever is a fatal disease. People visiting to endemic areas are at particular risk such as soldiers. It is manifested by fever, petechial rash and thrombocytopenia. Treatment is supportive. The role of oral vitamin C supplements and ribavirin to hasten recovery needs further high-powerstudies andshould be given to all suspected and confirmed cases.

Lipid Profile Status amongst the Pilots of Kuwait Air Force

Introduction: Dyslipidemia has been established as one of the most important modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Dyslipidemia is highly prevalent in the general population of Kuwait as well as in armed forces personnel. Objective: To assess the prevalence of dyslipidemia amongst the pilots of Kuwait Air Force. Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in Medical Directorate, Armed Forces Hospital Kuwait from July 2017 to June 2018. One hundred and twentysix Kuwaiti Air Force pilot were included in this study. Lipid profile [Total Cholesterol (TC), Triglyceride (TG), Low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and High density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C)] were measured from fasting blood and were categorized based on the National Cholesterol Education Programme Adult Treatment Panel III criteria (NCEP-ATP III). Results: Mean (±SD) age of the 126 participants was 32.5±7.4 years. Among them 56.3% were current smoker. As per BMI (Body Mass Index) criteria 49.2% and 26.2% of the pilots were overweight and obese respectively. Most common lipid abnormality was high LDL-C (46%), followed by high TC (39.7%), low HDL-C 36.5%) and high TG (18.3%). Positive correlation between BMI and TG level and LDL-C level (r=0.273, p=0.001 &amp; r=0.177, p=0.049 respectively) and negative correlation between BMI and HDL-C (r= -0.286, p=0.001) were found. BMI was found to be an independent predictive factor for dyslipidemia. Conclusions: Dyslipidemia and obesity was alarmingly high in the pilots of Kuwait Air Force and should be considered as a matter of medical concern. JAFMC Bangladesh. Vol 17, No 2 (December) 2021: 71-75