Medication use in a group of aircraft mechanics.
BACKGROUND
Aeromedical studies of human factors have focused on the pilot and pilot error rather than on aircraft maintenance workers and maintenance error. This is a report of a survey on medication use in a group of U.S. Air Force aircraft mechanics.


METHODS
A questionnaire was used to retrospectively examine aircraft mechanic medication use, side effects experienced, and return to work.


RESULTS
Of those surveyed, 67% (26/39) returned to work while taking medication that could potentially impair job performance.


CONCLUSIONS
For flying safety reasons, occupational medicine education for aircraft mechanics and their supervisors should address on-the-job use of prescribed medication and self-medication.
Sneeder
W H
WH
Masters of Public Health Division of Occupational and Environmental Health, Johns Hopkins University School of Hygiene and Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA. whsneedmd@aol.com
D000060:Accidents, Aviation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000337:Aerospace Medicine; D001359:Aviation; D003071:Cognition / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D008889:Military Personnel / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D009048:Motor Skills / Q000187:drug effects; D016272:Occupational Health; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012494:Sampling Studies; D012646:Self Administration / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012651:Self Medication / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States