Illness and injury risk and healthcare utilization, United States Air Force battlefield airmen and security forces, 2000-2005

Abstract

Objective: To study the illness and injury risk and healthcare utilization of male U.S. Air Force (USAF) battlefield airmen in comparison to male USAF security forces. Methods: Using data in electronic format, battlefield airmen (n = 2,089) and security forces personnel (n = 19,416) were identified and matched to data from the Military Health System, with analyses conducted to explore hospitalization risks and healthcare utilization differences. Results: Battlefield airmen were at an increased risk for hospitalizations for illnesses (HR = 1.35, 95% CI 1.03, 1.77), musculoskeletal conditions (HR = 2.28, 95% CI 1.47, 3.52), and injuries (HR = 3.34, 95% CI 2.38, 4.69) compared with security forces. Differences in the mean number of hospitalization days per person and mean outpatient medical costs also existed across the groups. Conclusions: Battlefield airmen are significantly more likely to be hospitalized for a number of illnesses and injuries in comparison to security forces. A surveillance study has been implemented to further explore these findings. Reprint and Copyright © by Association of Military Surgeons of U.S., 2009.