Health Of Soldiers Research Articles

Sense of Coherence and Past and/or Present Mental Health Problems Among Conscripts at Military Call-up in Northern Finland.

Sense of coherence (SOC) refers to the psychosocial aspects and origins of health. Sense of coherence is related to physical and psychological health and quality of life. Military studies on SOC are commonly related to military deployment or operations, military training, and military fitness. Sense of coherence is assessed using a self-report scale. The total score of the scale indicates the level of SOC. Psychometric research studies over 2 past decades, however, suggest that the SOC scale is a multidimensional measure, and the latent factors should be considered as separate dimensions of SOC. Thus far, there are no previous factorial structure studies of the SOC scale in military contexts or in military populations. The dimensions of SOC have not been investigated in relation to mental health and subjective well-being of soldiers, military personnel, or military recruits/conscripts. This study examined the structure of the self-report SOC scale among 2614 military conscripts at military call-up (before obligatory military service) in Northern Finland. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to test 4 different structure models based on previous studies of the SOC scale (1-, 2-, or 3-factor models). The dimensions of SOC were investigated in relation to conscripts' self-reported past and/or present mental health problems. Demographic variables were explored. Nonparametric tests for group and pairwise analyses were used. The 11-item 2-factor model fitted the data best. The 2-factor structure represented the cognitive behavioral (comprehensibility and manageability) and motivational (meaningfulness) dimensions of SOC. The motivational dimension was higher among conscripts who reported past but no present mental health problems as compared to conscripts who reported past and present mental health problems. A similar difference was not found in the cognitive behavioral dimension. Both cognitive behavioral and motivational dimensions of SOC were higher among conscripts who reported not having past or present mental health problems. SOC among conscripts is a 2-dimensional model. The experience of recovery from past mental health problems is related to a stronger motivational dimension (meaningfulness towards life), which shows upon obligatory military service and training. Sense of coherence motivational aspect may be useful when training recruits. Demographic variables, such as economic situation, family structure, and parents' employment, should be considered when assessing past and/or present mental health problems and SOC.

A comprehensive review of dietary supplements mission-specific health and performance enhancement in military soldiers

A comprehensive review of dietary supplements mission-specific health and performance enhancement in military soldiers

RE: Posting Holistic Health and Fitness Reels on Social Media Platforms to Improve Soldier Health in the Brigade

RE: Posting Holistic Health and Fitness Reels on Social Media Platforms to Improve Soldier Health in the Brigade

Military rations: Nutritional, sensorial and technological quality and their effects on military physical exercise in extreme environments.

In recent years, many countries have significantly increased military spending, mainly due to geopolitical instability in several regions and the potential risk of armed conflicts spreading worldwide. In this context, understanding the nutritional needs of soldiers in different climates (warm, cold and high altitude) is important and directly impacts the performance and health of soldiers, especially in extreme environments. The amount of liquids, calories, and macro- and micronutrients contained in military rations must be determined considering the type of exercise, duration and environment. Military rations, in addition to being nutritionally adequate, must be practical, sustainable and easy to consume at any temperature and situation. Given these considerations, this study aimed to review scientific knowledge regarding the convenience, sensory attributes and nutritional components of military rations. Furthermore, this review studied the factors influencing soldiers' appetite, gut microbiota and nutritional needs during training or combat in extreme environments (warm, cold and high altitude). This exploration further advances our understanding of contemporary nutritional strategies for military personnel, contributing to future research and highlighting areas that must be developed.

Posting Holistic Health and Fitness Reels on Social Media Platforms to Improve Soldier Health in the Brigade.

As of 2020 Holistic health and fitness (H2F) teams have been embedded into brigades to engage Soldiers in Preventative Mental, Physical, Nutritional, Spiritual, and Sleep Readiness services. This represents a change in Army culture from a focus on testing to one of wellness because of increasing sleep concerns, mental health concerns, and injury rates. Soldier awareness of H2F services, where to find them, how to use them, and command endorsement of H2F professional's services has been limited and not well studied. Most soldiers fall into the Generations Y and Z categories, and this population tends to access information primarily from social media sources. Social media platforms therefore represent potentially effective ways to reach these individuals to increase their awareness of H2F services. This quality improvement project used therapist produced brief interactive videos covering the topics of sleep hygiene and consequences of sleep supplement use and sleep deprivation, mental readiness, and journaling as a form of mindfulness. Video reels were posted to one brigade H2F's social media (Facebook and Instagram) platforms to improve Soldier awareness and engagement in wellness activities in these areas. Data were tracked before and after the initiation of the reel series via Facebook and Instagram MetaBusiness Suite, and via utilization tracking for H2F occupational therapy group and 1:1 visits. Data tracked before and after the initiation of the video series revealed an 898.2% increase in Facebook access, including reel reach, and increases in 1:1 and group sleep and mental readiness visits to the H2F occupational therapist. The use of social media to facilitate soldier awareness and use of H2F mental and sleep readiness services is a viable option for H2F units seeking to enhance their reach in these areas. The project created very little demand on the local therapist's time or to brigade resources and may help increase Soldier accessing of H2F resources online and directly.

The Effects of Burnout, Team Support, and Perceived Leader Effectiveness on Career Intentions Among JAG Corps Personnel.

Destructive interpersonal relationships at work may result in negative feelings among employees that hinder personal and organizational productivity, which may also result in high levels of job disengagement and subsequent career turnover intentions. Leaders play a key role in creating work environments conducive to optimizing employee performance, organizational culture, and workplace well-being. Social support, which may include support from one's supervisor, colleagues, and loved ones, has been shown to reduce strains and perceived stressors at work. In the Army, the Judge Advocate General's Corps (JAGC) personnel have a unique position as lawyers and legal staff and have been shown to have high rates of burnout. To promote soldier health, well-being, and career longevity, it is important to understand the impact interpersonal relationships have on career intentions. The current study assesses the relationship between perceived leadership effectiveness and career intentions as moderated by burnout measured by job disengagement and team care activities in JAGC personnel. The Walter Reed Army Institute of Research conducted a survey to understand factors affecting the well-being of the JAGC's soldier and civilian personnel as requested by the JAGC. JAGC personnel were administered several questionnaires covering a range of work and mental health topics. Job disengagement, career intentions, team care activities, and general leadership were assessed. A total of 831 JAGC personnel completed the survey, the majority (92%) of which were soldiers. Among soldiers, first lieutenants and captains (∼49%) were the majority. The sample largely consisted of men (∼63%), White individuals (∼76%), married individuals, (70%), and individuals with graduate degrees (∼81%). One in four participants (∼29%) experienced high levels of disengagement, with their work. Over two-thirds of participants agreed that their immediate supervisor is an effective leader. When asked about career intentions, the majority of JAGC participants (54%) indicated that they would probably or definitely stay in the JAGC until retirement. Ordinal logistic regressions were conducted to assess the relationship between perceived leader effectiveness and career intentions, assessing the main effects of job disengagement and team care activities, and the interactions between those variables. No interaction effects were found to be significant, but main effects for perceived leader effectiveness were significant. JAGC personnel reported higher levels of job disengagement for those with career intentions that were undecided or definitely leaving the JAGC after their current obligation. Those who were engaged in more team care activities had lower levels of disengagement. While the majority of the JAGC participants indicated career intentions to stay in the JAGC until retirement, increasing perceived effectiveness of leaders could help increase attrition and career intentions to stay in the JAGC beyond one's current obligation.

Examining the mediating role of personality traits in the relationship between psychological empowerment and mental health in soldiers

Examining the mediating role of personality traits in the relationship between psychological empowerment and mental health in soldiers

Optimising Combat Readiness: Practical Strategies for Integrating Physiological and Psychological Resilience in Soldier Training.

This narrative review examines the intricate psychophysiological interplay between cognitive functions and physical responses within military personnel engaged in combat. It elucidates the spectrum of responses elicited by symmetric and asymmetric warfare alongside specialised combat scenarios, including close-quarters and subterranean warfare. Central to this discourse is the emphasis on integrating training programs beyond physical conditioning to encompass psychological resilience and decision-making efficacy under duress. The exploration further ventures into applying advanced technologies such as virtual reality and wearable devices, highlighting their pivotal role in augmenting training outcomes and supporting soldier health. Through a detailed analysis of psychophysiological variations across different military branches of service, the narrative review advocates for bespoke training regimens and support frameworks tailored to address the unique exigencies of each service branch. Concluding observations stress the importance of evolving military training paradigms, advocating for adopting realistic, immersive training simulations that mirror the complexities of the contemporary battlefield. This synthesis aims to contribute to the ongoing discourse on optimising military training protocols and enhancing the operational readiness and well-being of armed forces personnel. This narrative review is essential for military psychologists, trainers, and policymakers, aiming to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical implementation in military training programs.

Островки милосердия. Российские медики во время военных действий на Северном Кавказе в 1990 — начале 2000-х гг

At the turn of the XX–XXI centuries, Russia had to conduct active military operations twice to suppress the hotbed of separatism, crime and terrorism in the North Caucasus. Serious military medicine forces had to be involved. Meanwhile, the participation of medical professionals in two Chechen operations is still on the periphery of attention of domestic researchers. In the 1990s and early 2000s, the Russian mass media wrote that military doctors were helping wounded and sick servicemen of the federal troops directly on the front line and in rear hospitals, often informed the general public about maintaining the mental health of recent front-line soldiers, and also never ignored the assistance to the civilian population (women, the elderly, children) of the Chechen Republic. Some press publications described the most successful and complex operations performed by Russian military surgeons. In many publications of those years, you can also find reports about the doctors who distinguished themselves the most during the active hostilities and were awarded high state awards, including the Gold Star of the Hero of the Russian Federation. The practical activities of Russian doctors in the North Caucasus in the 1990s and early 2000s resulted not only in the saving of the lives of the vast majority of wounded soldiers, but also in restoration of the Chechen health system, prevention of epidemics and successful fight against numerous infectious diseases.

Battlefield Vitality: Soldier Health Monitoring and Position Tracking System Using BLYNK IoT Platform

Abstract: Soldiers, pivotal in defending national security, often face injuries and disappearances during missions. To ensure their well-being and track their locations, the System for Tracking Soldier Position and Monitoring Health employs IoT technology and the Blynk platform. Integrating NodeMCU8266, PULSE oximeter, LM35 temperature sensor, NEO 6M GPS, and a push button, this system monitors vital health metrics and relays real-time GPS coordinates. Instant updates on soldiers' conditions and precise locations are transmitted, aiding swift interventions. The GPS module communicates coordinates and Google Maps links, facilitating seamless tracking. This system's efficiency lies in promptly relaying crucial health data, ensuring rapid responses and bolstering soldier safety.

Oral Health Hygiene Status And Factors Related To Oral Health Of Soldiers Of Bangladesh Army Attended Mobile Dressing Station (MDS), Khagrachari Cantonment

Background: Oral health is the state of the mouth, oral cavity, teeth and oro-facial structures that enables individuals to perform essential functions like eating, breathing and speaking, and encompasses psychosocial dimensions such as self-confidence, well-being and the ability to work without pain, discomfort and embarrassment. The aim of this study was to asses oral health hygiene status and to bring into focus the factors related to oral health of the soldiers serving in Bangladesh Army and also to find out the factors related to behavior, the oral health status and socio demographic status among them. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 108 purposively selected soldiers of Bangladesh Army who attended Mobile Dressing Station (MDS), Khagrachari Cantonment during the period of August to September 2022. Data were collected by face to face interview using a semi-structured questionnaire and by check list reviewing medical documents. Results: The Mean (±SD) age of the participants was 32.50(±2.08) years and ages of them were between 20-45 years. Among the participants, 78.70% were married, 54.62% and 45.38% were SSC and HSC qualified respectively. Maximum participants (76%) used to brush their teeth in the morning. 86% participants used tooth paste and 11.12% participants used tooth powder as cleaning materials. Usually 48% visited dental clinic for gum bleeding. 71% of the participants had no bad habits of affecting the oral health except 15% were with a habit of smoking. Among 46% participants with abnormal gingival colour, had the habit of taking gul (6.9%), some participants (9.35%) with the habit of smoking were found with bleeding gum. A remarkable number of respondents (6.24%) with gum swelling had the habit of taking gul. Among all, 44% of the participants had swelling of gum. 43% of participants had abnormal gingival colour and 5% had gingival ulceration. Conclusion: Lack of personal and oral health awareness among the soldiers lead to various types of oral disease which needs to exhilarate for a healthy life. Bangladesh Armed Forces Med J Vol 56 No (1) June 2023, pp 14-20

Soldier Health and Position Tracking System

The Soldier Health and Position Tracking System (SHRYS) is an integrated technological solution designed to address the multifaceted challenges associated with monitoring and ensuring the well-being of military personnel in dynamic and unpredictable operational environments. This system amalgamates state-of-the-art wearable devices, GPS technology, and health monitoring sensors to provide comprehensive real-time insights into soldiers' physical conditions and locations. The wearable devices continuously collect vital health metrics such as heart rate, body temperature, and activity levels, fostering a proactive approach to healthcare management. Simultaneously, the GPS technology enables precise and continuous tracking of soldiers' positions on the battlefield. The collected data is then transmitted to a centralized monitoring system, where advanced analytics and machine learning algorithms assess soldiers' health trends, detect anomalies, and facilitate timely medical interventions. The SHPTS aims to enhance the overall situational awareness of military commanders, optimize resource allocation, and ultimately ensure the optimal health and safety of soldiers deployed in challenging and high-risk scenarios. This innovative system stands at the forefront of leveraging technology to safeguard the well-being and operational effectiveness of military personnel.

The Prevalence of Sexual Harassment and Bullying Among Norwegian Afghanistan Veterans: Does Workplace Harassment Disproportionately Impact the Mental Health and Life Satisfaction of Female Soldiers?

Experiencing sexual harassment and bullying during military service can lead to negative consequences for a soldier's mental health and life satisfaction, including increased risk of depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress. No studies have to date investigated the prevalence and correlates of sexual harassment and bullying among Norwegian Afghanistan veterans, despite the increased global focus on these topics. In 2020, 6,205 Norwegian Afghanistan veterans (8.3% women) completed an online post-deployment survey, including questions about experiences of sexual harassment, bullying, mental health, and life satisfaction. Compared to their male counterparts, female veterans experienced significantly more sexual harassment and bullying during Afghanistan deployment (3.2% vs. 0.04% for experiencing sexual harassment, and 4.0% vs. 1.0% for bullying) and during other military services (14.3% vs. 0.4% for sexual harassment, and 15.9% vs. 3.7% for bullying). Sexual harassment was associated with younger age and experiencing childhood sexual harassment for both women and men, with men also having longer deployments. Bullying was associated with longer deployments and childhood sexual harassment for women, while men who reported bullying more often had longer deployments, held an officer rank, were less inclined to have a spouse/intimate partner, and reported childhood sexual harassment and bullying. Both sexual harassment and bullying were associated with increased risk of mental health problems and reduced life satisfaction for women, but this was only true for bullying among men. Despite lower reported rates of workplace harassment compared to studies from other cultures, this study demonstrates that sexual harassment and bullying in the military can negatively impact soldiers' mental health and life satisfaction. Notably, female veterans' mental health and life satisfaction appear to be particularly affected by sexual harassment during military service, an association not seen in males. This underscores the need for gender-specific, cultural, and context-sensitive prevention and support for workplace harassment experiences.

The Impact of War on Mental Health in Cameroon's North-west and South-west Regions: A Psycho-traumatology Perspective

Background: The war is a major poly-traumatic event, which leads to massive population displacements. The question of the evaluation and psychological care of psychotraumatised people is an urgent matter.
 Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the impact of the ongoing war in North-west & South-West (NOSO) on the mental health of soldiers and civilians, focusing on war-induced trauma.
 Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in different settings in the NOSO. Data was collected from 203 participants, two years after the war began, using a structured questionnaire that included sections on sociodemographic information, trauma-related issues, and mental health.
 Results: The study found that levels of depression and anxiety were relatively average. However, those who were directly exposed to military actions, physical violence, or severe human suffering had higher levels of anxiety, depression, stress, and trauma-related symptoms. The war experience varied by gender, age, involved actors (soldiers vs civilians), and living conditions.
 Conclusion: The results imply that the degree of exposure to violence and living circumstances had distinct effects on the mental health of those afflicted by the war. The study also found a number of stresses, including physical and sexual assault, kidnapping, and abuses committed by military personnel. Subsequent investigations ought to devise efficacious measures to bolster the welfare of residents amidst this arduous period.

The program of psychological preparedness of servicemen is the basis of readiness for military and professional activities

Given the current events, the supply of weapons and military equipment by partner countries and its rapid development in everyday military life, the nature of combat operations against the Russian aggressor, we can conclude that modern combat does not exclude the occurrence of close combat between military personnel, units (groups) and the enemy, which may turn into hand-to-hand combat. The analysis of combat operations and experience has shown that most close combat engagements in wartime are conducted indoors, in populated areas, in wooded areas, in a limited area, in trenches, etc. In addition to the above, hand-to-hand combat is possible in cases of absence or loss of personal weapons and in conditions where the use of personal weapons is impossible or inappropriate for any reason.
 The use of hand-to-hand combat means is a weapon that cannot be seen, but is always available to the soldier. The ability to master hand-to-hand combat techniques in certain situations when facing the enemy can be the only means and factor in achieving a successful outcome in combat, preserving the life and health of subordinate personnel, personal and fellow soldiers.
 The training of military personnel and structural units in general for hand-to-hand combat in close combat in order to increase the combat capability of troops remains an urgent issue in modern combat. After all, hand-to-hand combat is an effective factor and element in the development and improvement of the physical, psychological and combat readiness of military personnel.
 Thus, it is expedient to develop, substantiate and experimentally test the effectiveness of the program of psychological preparedness of servicemen for military and professional activities based on the use of hand-to-hand combat.

Real-time Soldier Health and Location Tracking System

To improve military personnel's overall health and operational efficiency, the Soldier's Health Monitoring and Position Tracking System integrates innovative technology in a comprehensive way. Military commanders are guaranteed complete situational awareness with this system's combination of real-time health monitoring and exact position tracking. Vital physiological indicators including heart rate, temperature, and blood oxygen levels are continuously collected and analysed as part of the health monitoring element. The measurements are sent wirelessly to a command centre, so any possible health problems may be identified quickly and responded to quickly. In order to keep meticulous records of each soldier's exact whereabouts in the field, the system simultaneously makes use of cutting-edge GPS and INS technology. The seamless integration of geo-spatial information with health data gives commanders a comprehensive picture of the troops' physical state and where they are. Military authorities may make educated judgements based on the collective health and positioning data using the system's user interface, which provides an intuitive dashboard for real-time monitoring. The data will be sent to the command centre via the Internet of Things. Components of the suggested system include gearbox modules, small wearable physiological equipment, and sensors. As a result, the suggested gear may be used to provide a cheap method of protecting the precious human life on the battlefield. Using global positioning system (GPS) and cellular service mobile phone (GSM) technology, this device can wirelessly monitor the soldier's vitals, including his or her heart rate and temperature.

Real-time Soldier Health Monitoring System Using IoT

Real-time Soldier Health Monitoring System Using IoT

Real-time Soldier Health Monitoring System Using IoT and Blynk Cloud

Real-time Soldier Health Monitoring System Using IoT and Blynk Cloud

IOT based Soldier Health Monitoring and Position Tracking System

Abstract: An Internet of Things-based system for tracking a soldier's position and health during combat operations is one technological advancement that makes it possible to monitor a soldier's whereabouts and health in real time. The system goals are to protect soldiers and improve their effectiveness in combat. The system utilizes various sensors and devices such as heart rate monitors, temperature sensors, GPS, and accelerometers to gather data on the soldier’s vital signs and movements. This data is then transmitted wirelessly to a central monitoring system, which analyzes it and provides real-time feedback to the commanding officers. By monitoring soldier’s vital signs, the system can quickly identify any health issues that may arise, such as fatigue or dehydration, and alert the appropriate medical personnel. The system also tracks soldier’s positions and movements, allowing commanders to make informed decisions about deployment and resource allocation. All things considered, a position tracking and health monitoring system for soldiers based on the Internet of Things is a useful instrument for ensuring their safety and wellbeing in combat

The Effect of a Combined Mindfulness and Yoga Intervention on Soldier Mental Health in Basic Combat Training: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial

Background. Depression, anxiety, and sleep problems are prevalent in high-stress occupations including military service. While effective therapies are available, scalable preventive mental health care interventions are needed. This study examined the impact of a combined mindfulness and yoga intervention on the mental health of soldiers in Basic Combat Training (BCT). Methods. U.S. Army soldiers ( N = 1,896 ) were randomized by platoon to an intervention or training-as-usual condition. Soldiers in the intervention condition completed Mindfulness-Based Attention Training (MBAT), engaged in daily 15 min mindfulness practice, and participated in 30 minutes of hatha yoga 6 days per week. Surveys were administered at baseline (T1, prior to training), week 4 of BCT (T2), week 6 (T3), and week 9 (T4). Results. A significant time-by-condition interaction predicting positive screens for depression found that screens decreased at a faster rate from T1 to T4 in the intervention condition (-12.6%) compared to training-as-usual (-7.2%) ( b = − 0.18 , SE = 0.07 , p = 0.028 ). While positive anxiety screens decreased over time across conditions, the time-by-condition interaction found no significant differences in the rate of these decreases by condition ( b = 0.09 , SE = 0.09 , p = 0.273 ). A significant time-by-condition interaction predicting positive screens for sleep problems found that sleep problems decreased in the intervention condition (-1.4%) but increased in training-as-usual (2.0%) ( b = − 0.68 , SE = 0.16 , p = 0.027 ). Conclusion. The mindfulness and yoga intervention was associated with a greater reduction in positive screens for depression and sleep problems among soldiers during high-stress training. Limitations include reliance on self-report and the inability to disaggregate the effects of mindfulness versus yoga. Mindfulness and yoga may enable personnel in high-stress occupations to sustain their mental health even in the context of significant psychological demands. This trial is registered with NCT05550610.