Accession Number:

ADA183015

Title:

Psychosocial Risk Factors for Upper Respiratory Infection: An Exploratory Study

Descriptive Note:

Interim rept.

Corporate Author:

NAVAL HEALTH RESEARCH CENTER SAN DIEGO CA

Personal Author(s):

• Vickers, Jr., Ross R.
• Hervig, Linda K.
• Edwards, Earl A.

Report Date:

1986-09-01

Pagination or Media Count:

14.0

Abstract:

Previously reported correlates of upper respiratory infections URIs were studied in an initial attempt to develop a risk profile for URIs. The criterion was the number of upper respiratory infections during military basic training. URIs were more frequent among recruits reporting a past history of frequent colds, frequent cold sores, and who were white R2 .176. Alcohol consumption was a significant bivariate predictor of URIs, but did not add significantly to the prediction of URIs controlling for these other factors. Smoking history, age, and neurotic tendencies did not significantly predict URIs in this sample. The results demonstrated the feasibility of a psychosocial risk profile for URIs, but more satisfactory profile should be possible with improved measurement of URIs and potential predictors such as smoking as well as consideration of other possible risk factors not included in this study. Keywords Infectious Disease, Risk Factors, Demographic Characteristics, Personality, Alcohol, Coffee.

Descriptors:

• *INFECTIOUS DISEASES
• *RESPIRATORY DISEASES
• ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION
• BIVARIATE ANALYSIS
• COFFEE
• DEMOGRAPHY
• ILLNESS
• MILITARY TRAINING
• PERSONALITY
• PREDICTIONS
• RECRUITS
• RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
• RISK
• SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY
• TOBACCO SMOKING

Subject Categories:

• Personnel Management and Labor Relations
• Medicine and Medical Research

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE