Nonbattle injury among deployed troops: an epidemiologic study

Mil Med. 2009 Dec;174(12):1256-62. doi: 10.7205/milmed-d-02-6008.

Abstract

(n = 150) Nonbattle injury (NBI) continues to be a leading cause of morbidity among troops currently deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. To assess NBI incidence, impact, and risk factors, a survey was given to soldiers during mid- or postdeployment from Iraq, Afghanistan, and surrounding region, from January 2005 through May 2006. Among 3,367 troops completing a survey, 19.5% reported at least one NBI, and 85% sought care at least once for their symptoms. Service component, rank, and unit type were among factors associated with differential NBI risk. Twenty percent stated that NBI resulted in back-up personnel being called or shift change to cover impacted duties, and among those reported having been grounded from flight status, a third were the result of NBI. NBI continues to be a problem in recent deployments, and given the findings on individual and potential operational impact indicators, NBI should be viewed as a primary force health protection problem.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Afghan Campaign 2001-
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Iraq War, 2003-2011
  • Male
  • Military Personnel / statistics & numerical data*
  • Population Surveillance
  • Regression Analysis
  • Risk Factors
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • United States / epidemiology
  • Wounds and Injuries / epidemiology*
  • Wounds and Injuries / etiology