title: Health experience of 122 submarine crewmembers during a 101-day submergence.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The artificial environment encountered in submarine duty may affect the health of crewmembers. Previous studies of submariner health have not examined self-treatment habits or the incidence of minor health problems for which no care is sought from a health care provider. Our study examined patterns of minor medical problems and self-treatment among the crew of one submarine over a period of continued submergence for 101 d.
  
  
  METHODS
  Study data were obtained from three self-administered serial surveys of 122 medically screened U.S. Navy personnel onboard a submerged nuclear-powered submarine at the beginning, middle, and end of the study.
  
  
  RESULTS
  During the first half of the study, 82% had medical complaints, most commonly runny nose, difficulty sleeping, and backache. In the second half, 77% listed complaints, most commonly difficulty sleeping. Despite readily available medical care, self-medication for minor unreported health problems was common, with use of products such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, multi-vitamins, health supplements, topical preparations, and antihistamine/decongestants.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Planning for medical care in isolated environments should include consideration of inreported minor medical problems and self-treatment patterns.
authors.affiliation: Department of Preventive Medicine and Biometrics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA. w5umo@arrl.net
authors.forename: Wayne G
authors.initials: WG
authors.lastname: Horn
authors.forename: Terry L
authors.initials: TL
authors.lastname: Thomas
authors.forename: Karma
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Marino
authors.forename: Tomoko I
authors.initials: TI
authors.lastname: Hooper
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004327:Drinking Behavior; D015444:Exercise; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008889:Military Personnel; D016272:Occupational Health; D014481:United States