J95 health surveillance in Multinational Division South West (Bosnia): July-November 1996.
A modified version of the J95 morbidity reporting system, called J95a, was used in the Multinational Division South West (MND SW) during Operation Resolute 2. The broad scope of the 'Other Diseases' and 'Other Injuries' event codes were reduced, with codes being added for specific areas of interest which were 'ENT Problems', 'Sports Injuries' and 'Training Injuries'. Designated medical centres from all nations in the division reported on a monthly basis to HQ MND SW, enabling the morbidity profile to be monitored. The first attendance rates in MND SW were twice as high as those experienced by the whole of the British Army, though the rate of working days lost was only a third. Almost half (49%) of the working time lost in the division was due to injuries and orthopaedic problems. The disease and injury distribution showed considerable differences compared to the SHAPE planning figures, with the disease rates experienced being between half and two thirds of those predicted, whilst the injury rates experienced were between four and six times as high as those predicted. This evidence suggests that the planning figures need to be re-assessed for operations other than war. Further investigation into the aetiology of injuries causing loss of working time is recommended, particularly sports injuries and orthopaedic problems.
Owen
J P
JP
Medical Branch, HQ 1, Armd Div., UK.
Macmillan
A H
AH
D017522:Bosnia and Herzegovina / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D008889:Military Personnel; D009017:Morbidity; D011159:Population Surveillance / Q000379:methods*; D014480:United Nations; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology