-
Psychology Research and Behavior... 2024Resilience is considered as a protective factor that can assist individuals to reduce post-traumatic stress reactions. In recent years, armies in many countries have... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
Resilience is considered as a protective factor that can assist individuals to reduce post-traumatic stress reactions. In recent years, armies in many countries have widely implemented resilience training programs before deployment to prevent or reduce post-deployment combat stress reactions. Therefore, this study aims to review what is known about resilience interventions for military personnel in pre deployment.
METHODS
Based on Arskey and O'Malley's framework, a scoping review was completed. This review was performed through searching databases including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Medline and the Cochrane Library, and screening literature to extract data, finally summarizing the findings.
RESULTS
A total of 25 studies focusing on resilience interventions for military personnel in pre deployment were involved and analyzed using intervention approaches, outcome measures, intervention effects, and so on.
CONCLUSION
Based on the existing evidence in this review, it is cautiously believed that the resilience intervention program for military personnel before deployment is effective. However, there is no single effective best method even the same type intervention can make different effects in different situations and populations. Therefore, the population differences and context should be fully considered in constructing and implementing program to build military personnel resilience.
PubMed: 38912160
DOI: 10.2147/PRBM.S459220 -
Medical Engineering & Physics Jul 2024Poor utilization of earplugs among military personnel may be due to discomfort caused by the occlusion effect (OE). The OE occurs when an earplug occludes the ear canal,...
Poor utilization of earplugs among military personnel may be due to discomfort caused by the occlusion effect (OE). The OE occurs when an earplug occludes the ear canal, thereby changing bone conduction (BC) hearing and amplifying physiological noises from the wearer. There is a need to understand and reduce the OE in the human ear. A 3D finite element model of the human ear including a 3-chambered spiral cochlea was employed to simulate the OE caused by foam and aerogel earplugs. 90 dB sound pressure was applied at the ear canal entrance and BC sound was applied as vibration of the canal bony wall. The model reported the ear canal pressure and the displacements of the stapes footplate and cochlear basilar membrane with and without earplugs. Without BC stimulation, the foam earplug showed a greater pressure attenuation than the aerogel earplug. However, the foam earplug results were more affected by BC stimulation, with a maximum sound pressure increase of 34 dB, compared to the 21.0 dB increase with the aerogel earplug. The aerogel earplug's lower OE demonstrates its promise as an earplug material. Future work with this model will examine BC sound transmission in the cochlea.
Topics: Finite Element Analysis; Humans; Pressure; Ear Protective Devices; Ear; Bone Conduction; Models, Biological
PubMed: 38906574
DOI: 10.1016/j.medengphy.2024.104192 -
Chemosphere Jun 2024Given the growing concern over the deployment of toxic chemicals in warfare, the rapid and accurate removal and detection of cyanogen chloride (CK) as a blood agent has...
Given the growing concern over the deployment of toxic chemicals in warfare, the rapid and accurate removal and detection of cyanogen chloride (CK) as a blood agent has become increasingly critical. However, conventional physisorbents and chemisorbents used in military respirators are insufficient for the effective removal of CK. In this study, we demonstrate the chemisorption and sensing abilities of Co(m-DOBDC) (m-DOBDC = 4,6-dioxo-1,3-benzenedicarboxylate) for CK via electrophilic aromatic substitution (EAS) in humid environments. Unlike the chemisorption in triethylenediamine (TEDA) impregnated carbon materials, which generates by-products through hydrolysis, the electron-rich C5 sites in m-DOBDC ligands give rise to cyano substitution with CK. This leads to the formation of stable C-C bonds and chloride ions (Cl) coordinating with open Co sites. Such a mechanism prevents the generation of toxic by-products like cyanic acid and hydrochloric acid. Breakthrough experiments conducted in a packed-bed system conclusively demonstrated the superior CK removal capacity of Co(m-DOBDC) (1662 min/g), compared to TEDA-impregnated activated carbon (323 min/g) under humid conditions. Considering that MOF-74 series, isostructural with Co(m-DOBDC), barely adsorb CK under similar conditions, this finding marks a significant advancement in developing novel sorbents for CK removal. Moreover, this chemisorption not only exhibited rapid and highly efficient CK removal but also enabled colorimetric monitoring via the distinctive color change induced by the coordination of Cl acting as σ donors. These findings facilitate the development of adsorption and sensing equipment to protect military personnel from toxic chemical threats.
PubMed: 38906187
DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142633 -
PloS One 2024Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear is common in military setting; such an injury increase institutional costs and workforce strain, however, few studies have...
BACKGROUND
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear is common in military setting; such an injury increase institutional costs and workforce strain, however, few studies have investigated the mechanism and associated factors of ACL tear specifically in a military setting. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and mechanisms of ACL tears in military personnel at a military referral hospital in Iran.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
This cross-sectional study examined 402 military personnel who presented with knee complaints at a single referral Iranian military hospital. The ACL injury prevalence and mechanisms were assessed by physical examination, medical records, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the knee. Data were collected by an orthopedic resident.
RESULTS
Of the total 402 patients, 285 were diagnosed with ACL tears; the prevalence was 70.9%. The most common mechanism leading to ACL tear was noncontact events. The knee changing direction-knee pivoting (54%) was the most frequent lower limb status, followed by a fall with the knee in valgus position (20.7%). The most commonly associated activity was military training (63.9%) and sports activities (32.6%). The incidence of ACL injuries was higher in soldiers compared with officers during military training, but higher in officers during sports exercises (P = 0.002). Common associated injuries involved the knee meniscus and cartilage.
CONCLUSION
The findings support those of previous studies, that in military personnel, the most common knee injury is damage to the ACL, most frequently through noncontact events, specifically knee pivoting, during military activities rather than sports and among soldiers. These findings help develop ACL injury prevention programs.
Topics: Humans; Military Personnel; Iran; Cross-Sectional Studies; Male; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries; Adult; Prevalence; Female; Young Adult; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Anterior Cruciate Ligament
PubMed: 38905203
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303326 -
The British Journal of General Practice... Jun 2024The average age of the menopause in the United Kingdom is 52 but symptoms of the perimenopause (PMP) can start at 40 or earlier. The UK Armed Forces (UKAF) has a young...
BACKGROUND
The average age of the menopause in the United Kingdom is 52 but symptoms of the perimenopause (PMP) can start at 40 or earlier. The UK Armed Forces (UKAF) has a young demographic but women serving over the age of 40, potentially with PMP symptoms, has increased. Recent evidence suggested PMP management by Defence GPs was satisfactory but variable. Because of small numbers, Defence GPs have less exposure to the PMP than NHS GPs, a problem exacerbated for Uniformed GPs who have reduced clinical contact time due to military duties.
AIM
This study aimed to explore Defence GP knowledge and confidence in managing the PMP, identifying factors contributing to disparities.
METHOD
This study used a sequential mixed-methods approach. A survey with self-rating questions and vignettes was undertaken, followed by semi-structured interviews of selectively sampled respondents.
RESULTS
164 out of 542 Defence GPs responded to a survey, which identified reasonable knowledge (91.3% managing cases per guidelines) but reduced confidence (54.3%). Regression analysis identified case exposure to the PMP, education, and gender as significant factors affecting confidence in PMP management. Themes identified from interviews which were felt to affect knowledge and confidence included: Characteristics of the GP (such as gender); lifelong learning and reflective practice; professional exposure to, and awareness of, the PMP; the changing demographic of Defence; an integrated PMP service to provide experiential learning. Case exposure and experiential learning emerged as the main drivers for confidence. For Uniformed GPs, this was affected by limited clinical time, but confidence returned once exposed to just a few PMP cases.
CONCLUSION
Establishing an integrated PMP service in Defence was seen as crucial for improving care as well as providing educational opportunities through experiential learning for Defence GPs.
Topics: Humans; Female; Perimenopause; United Kingdom; Middle Aged; Male; General Practitioners; Primary Health Care; Clinical Competence; Adult; Surveys and Questionnaires; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Attitude of Health Personnel; Military Personnel
PubMed: 38902071
DOI: 10.3399/bjgp24X738057 -
Psychological Trauma : Theory,... Jun 2024There is inadequate evidence regarding the symptom profile of people who have posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) over time. The goal of this study was to determine the...
OBJECTIVE
There is inadequate evidence regarding the symptom profile of people who have posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) over time. The goal of this study was to determine the consistency of symptoms in people with PTSD over successive assessments.
METHOD
The sample comprised military personnel who participated in the Army Study to Assess Risk and Resilience in Servicemembers. Participants completed the PTSD Checklist, and this sample included those who completed two assessments.
RESULTS
There were 1,164 participants with two consecutive PTSD diagnoses. Only 212 (18.2%) of participants reported the same number of symptoms over both timepoints. Intrusive memories, distress to reminders, avoidance, detachment, and sleep problems were among the most reported symptoms at the second assessment not reported initially.
CONCLUSIONS
The observed pattern of findings indicate that although PTSD diagnoses often remain consistent over time, the symptoms that comprise this diagnosis can fluctuate. Clinicians should be sensitive to the changing symptoms that PTSD patients can display over time. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).
PubMed: 38900517
DOI: 10.1037/tra0001710 -
Journal of Strength and Conditioning... Jul 2024Scott, KM, Kreisel, BR, Florkiewicz, EM, Crowell, MS, Morris, JB, McHenry, PA, and Benedict, TM. The effect of cautionary versus resiliency spine education on maximum... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Scott, KM, Kreisel, BR, Florkiewicz, EM, Crowell, MS, Morris, JB, McHenry, PA, and Benedict, TM. The effect of cautionary versus resiliency spine education on maximum deadlift performance and back beliefs: A randomized control trial. J Strength Cond Res 38(7): e341-e348, 2024-The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of cautionary information about the spine vs. a message of spine resiliency on maximum deadlift (MDL) performance and beliefs regarding the vulnerability of the spine. This cluster randomized control trial involved 903 military new cadets (n = 903) during their mandatory fitness test in cadet basic training (mean age 18.3 years, body mass index 23.8 kg·m-2, 22% female). Subjects were cluster randomized to 3 groups. The cautionary group received a message warning them to protect their backs while deadlifting, the resiliency group received a message encouraging confidence while deadlifting, and the control group received the standardized Army deadlift education only. The outcome measures were MDL weight lifted and perceived spine vulnerability. Significance was set at alpha ≤0.05. There were no between-group differences in weight lifted (p=0.40). Most subjects believed that the spine is vulnerable to injury. Three times as many subjects who received the resiliency education improved their beliefs about the vulnerability of their spines compared with those receiving the cautionary education (p<0.001). This study demonstrated the potential for brief resiliency education to positively influence beliefs about spine vulnerability, whereas cautionary education did not impair performance.
Topics: Humans; Female; Male; Military Personnel; Adolescent; Young Adult; Weight Lifting; Back Injuries; Spine; Adult
PubMed: 38900182
DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000004783 -
BMJ Military Health Jun 2024The 2014 West Africa Ebola virus disease outbreak prompted the deployment to Sierra Leone of non-governmental organisations and the UK Joint Inter-Agency Taskforce... (Review)
Review
The 2014 West Africa Ebola virus disease outbreak prompted the deployment to Sierra Leone of non-governmental organisations and the UK Joint Inter-Agency Taskforce including personnel from the UK Defence Medical Services (DMS). Some of these military personnel partnered with the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) as an example of Defence Healthcare Engagement (DHE).UK DMS mentors assisted RSLAF to plan and upscale Ebola treatment units. Use of military analysis and planning tools facilitated robust and flexible plans to be produced while under significant time and resource constraints. Macrosimulation exercises enabled large numbers to be trained and standard operating procedures to be developed.Fundamental to success was a mutual respect between the DHE partners while maintaining host nation primacy throughout. DHE in this example offered advantages over non-governmental organisations. Transferable lessons for future DHE from the RSLAF-UK DMS partnership are described in this paper.
PubMed: 38897642
DOI: 10.1136/military-2023-002665 -
BMJ Military Health Jun 2024Combat exposure has been associated with the emergence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in military personnel; however, not all veterans are negatively...
INTRODUCTION
Combat exposure has been associated with the emergence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in military personnel; however, not all veterans are negatively impacted by their operational experience. In many instances, the absence of symptoms following operational service is attributed to resilience. This study explored the construct of resilience by examining the relationship between levels of deployment-related exposures and psychological symptoms, as well as identifying factors that may contribute to resilience and emerging risk.
METHOD
Participants were special forces personnel who completed self-report questionnaires 1 month before deployment and 4 months post deployment. Subgroups were created based on psychological reactivity to deployment exposures, representing risk, vulnerability and resilience. Regression analysis assessed the contribution of factors that were predictive of risk or resilience groups specifically.
RESULTS
Results showed the overall levels of psychological reactivity in this population post deployment were low; however, differences between risk and resilience subgroups were found. Subthreshold indicators of psychological reactivity, as well as deployment factors such as increased deployment frequency and time spent away from home, were found to contribute to differences between risk and resilient trajectories.
CONCLUSION
Findings reflect a military population with low psychological symptoms despite high trauma exposure. However, subtle underlying differences between subgroups suggest that the early identification of risk and emerging trajectories is possible. Risk and resilience in military populations needs to consider subthreshold indicators and individual differences over time.
PubMed: 38897637
DOI: 10.1136/military-2024-002724 -
Lakartidningen Jun 2024In the armed forces, marching still remains a major component in the training of the young recruits. In the following we describe a young recruit who, following...
In the armed forces, marching still remains a major component in the training of the young recruits. In the following we describe a young recruit who, following instructions, prophylactically used adhesives to prevent chafing. The recruit developed an allergic contact dermatitis with generalized spreading. The adhesive products recommended are sold on a global market and are extensively used. Allergic contact dermatitis from these products have so far only been reported from Sweden. Unfortunately, even though the first cases were reported some years ago, new cases are still diagnosed. When medical devices are recommended to be used on the skin for a prolonged time and under extreme conditions, sensitization and a subsequent allergic contact dermatitis must be considered.
Topics: Humans; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact; Dermatitis, Occupational; Military Personnel; Male; Adhesives; Patch Tests; Young Adult
PubMed: 38896037
DOI: No ID Found