title: Sexual function in F-111 maintenance workers: the study of health outcomes in aircraft maintenance personnel.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In Australia, four formal F-111 fuel tank deseal/reseal (DSRS) repair programs were implemented over more than two decades, each involving different processes and using a range of hazardous substances. However, health concerns were raised by a number of workers. The "Study of Health Outcomes in Aircraft Maintenance Personnel" was commissioned by the Australian Department of Defence to investigate potential adverse health outcomes as a result of being involved in the deseal/reseal processes.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To compare measures of sexual function in F-111 aircraft fuel tank DSRS maintenance workers, against two appropriate comparison groups.
  
  
  METHODS
  Exposed and comparison participants completed a postal questionnaire which included general questions of health and health behavior, and two specific questions on sexual functioning. They also completed the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire. Logistic regression was used to explore exposure status and outcome while adjusting for potential confounders.
  
  
  METHODS
  The three outcomes of interest for this study were the proportion of participants with erectile dysfunction (ED) according to the IIEF, the proportion with self-reported loss of interest in sex, and the proportion with self-reported problems with sexual functioning.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Compared with each of the comparison groups, a larger proportion of the exposed group reported sexual problems and were classified as having ED according to the IIEF. In logistic regression, the odds of all three outcomes were higher for exposed participants relative to each comparison group and after adjustment for potentially confounding variables including anxiety and depression.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There was a consistent problem with sexual functioning in the exposed group that is not explained by anxiety and depression, and it appears related to DSRS activities.
authors.affiliation: Greater Western Area Health Service, Population Health, Dubbo, NSW, Australia.
authors.forename: Anthony
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Brown
authors.affiliation: Centre for Clinical Epidemiology & Biostatistics, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Gibson
authors.affiliation: Centre for Clinical Epidemiology & Biostatistics, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia;. Electronic address: meredith.tavener@newcastle.edu.au.
authors.forename: Meredith
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tavener
authors.affiliation: Centre for Clinical Epidemiology & Biostatistics, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.
authors.forename: Maya
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Guest
authors.affiliation: Centre for Clinical Epidemiology & Biostatistics, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.
authors.forename: Catherine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: D'Este
authors.affiliation: Priority Research Centre for Gender, Health and Ageing, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.
authors.forename: Julie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Byles
authors.affiliation: Centre for Clinical Epidemiology & Biostatistics, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Attia
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterans' Affairs, Health Studies, Australian Government, Canberra, ACT, Australia.
authors.forename: Keith
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Horsley
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterans' Affairs, Primary Care Policy Group, Canberra, ACT, Australia.
authors.forename: Warren
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Harrex
authors.affiliation: Defence Health Service Division, Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT, Australia.
authors.forename: James
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ross
mesh_terms: D000401:Aircraft; D001359:Aviation; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D015386:Hazardous Substances / Q000009:adverse effects; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D038801:International Classification of Diseases; D008297:Male; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D009790:Occupations; D020018:Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
chemical_list: D015386:Hazardous Substances