Accession Number:

ADA370222

Title:

Occupational Physical Demands and Hospitalization Rates in U.S. Navy Personnel

Descriptive Note:

Interim rept. Apr-Sep 98

Corporate Author:

NAVAL HEALTH RESEARCH CENTER SAN DIEGO CA

Personal Author(s):

• Vickers, Ross R., Jr.
• Hervig, Linda K.

Report Date:

1998-11-01

Pagination or Media Count:

37.0

Abstract:

This study examined the health effects of performing physically demanding jobs. Hospitalization rates for 41 diseases were examined in a sample of 59 U.S. Navy entry-level enlisted occupations. As predicted, higher physical demand ratings PDRs were associated with higher rates of musculoskeletal disease r .594, accidental injury r .627, and inguinal hernia r .594. Cellulitis r .600, alcohol abuse r .496, and acute alcohol intoxication r .643 were strong PDR correlates that were not predicted. Musculoskeletal disease, accidental injury, inguinal hernia, and cellulitis are logical consequences of physical exertion. Taking these four diseases as the health effects of occupational physical demands, a highly demanding occupation i.e., 9O percentile will have one more hospitalization per year for every 124 sailors at risk than will a low demand occupation i.e., 10th percentile.

Descriptors:

• *NAVAL PERSONNEL
• *STRESS(PSYCHOLOGY)
• *MUSCULOSKELETAL DISEASES
• JOBS
• HIGH RATE
• PERFORMANCE(HUMAN)
• HEALTH
• HOSPITALIZATIONS
• CELLS(BIOLOGY)
• ALCOHOLISM
• ACCIDENTS
• OCCUPATIONAL MEDICINE

Subject Categories:

• Medicine and Medical Research
• Anatomy and Physiology

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE