Disease spectrum and risk factors of temporarily grounded military aircrews in 2012-2021

ZHENG Longlong; TENG Yue; WU Jun; DANG Jiyu; JIANG Tao; YE Zhongming; KONG Zhen; YANG Qian; WANG Junling

doi:10.3969/j.issn.2097-1753.2023.05.007

Abstract：Objective To analyze the disease spectrum of temporarily grounded military aircrews and explore the risk factors.Methods The data of 344 military aircrews who were medically identified as disqualified for flight during recuperation in Dujiangyan Special Servicemen Recuperation Center of PLA Air Force was retrospectively analyzed.Results In the disease spectrum of temporarily grounded military aircrews,the most common diseases were liver dysfunction(17.15%),hypertension(9.88%)and cervical and lumbar spine related diseases(7.85%).In terms of aircraft types,hypertension was more prevalent among crews for transport aircraft,bombers and early warning aircraft(χ2=7.41,P=0.025),cervical and lumbar spine related diseases(χ2=15.53,P＜0.001)and renal calculus(χ2=6.15,P=0.036)were more common among fighter pilots,and leukopenia(χ2=7.15,P=0.010)was more prevalent in helicopter crews.Compared with aircrews under 45,the risk of flight suspension due to hypertension among pilots aged 45 and older was significantly higher(OR=7.958,95%CI:2.867～22.092,P＜0.001).Compared with pilots,air technicians were at higher risk of flight suspension due to hypertension(OR=2.328,95%CI:0.908～5.972,P=0.079).In addition,compared with crews for transport aircraft,bombers,early warning aircraft and helicopters(OR=4.965,95%CI:1.385～17.790,P=0.014)(OR=5.126,95%CI:1.342～19.580,P=0.017),the risk of flight suspension due to cervical and lumbar spine related diseases was significantly higher for fighter pilots.Conclusion There are significant differences in the disease spectrum of temporarily grounded military aircrews for different aircraft types.During health checkups,personalized examination and evaluation,treatments and physical training should be provided for aircrews of different aircraft types.Meanwhile,targeted guidance should be offered to prevent such diseases as cervical and lumbar spine related diseases.Faster recovery can help reduce the rates of grounding and improve the overall health of military aircrews.