Self-management of unreported musculoskeletal injuries in a U.S. Army brigade

Abstract

Background: There is a paucity of literature describing the accuracy of musculoskeletal injury reporting in the U.S. Army. Purpose: To investigate symptom-management behaviors as well as factors associated with seeking medical treatment among active duty Soldiers who reported that they had concealed at least one musculoskeletal injury. Methods: Anonymous surveys were completed by Soldiers (N = 1,388; 1,269 males, 74 females, and 45 no response) assigned to an Infantry Brigade Combat Team. Soldiers were asked to self-report injuries sustained in the last 12 months and whether or not they reported those injuries to a medical provider. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze treatment alternatives. Chi-square test was used to assess any significant relationships between injury and various demographics. Results: There were 808 (58%) Soldiers who stated they had an injury that they did not report. Overthe- counter pain relief medication (81%) was the most commonly selected alternative treatment. Conclusion: Overthe- counter pain medication was frequently used for symptom management among Soldiers who did not report their injury to a medical provider.