title: Diver Health Survey score and probability of decompression sickness among occupational dive guides and instructors.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This study attempted to correlate self-reported post-dive Diver Health Survey (DHS) scores with computed daily probability of decompression sickness (pDCS) values as a measure of decompression stress in occupational divers in the recreational diving industry.
  
  
  METHODS
  Divers completed the DHS form and their dive profiles were recorded electronically. The pDCS for each dive was calculated using the LE1 probabilistic model. Data were analysed using a mixed effects model.
  
  
  RESULTS
  DHS was not significantly associated with pDCS. Mean DHS on non-diving days was 1.6 and increased by 0.8 for each dive made during any day. Mean number of daily dives was 1.9 and mean DHS on diving days was 3.1.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Utility of the DHS for monitoring daily decompression stress among occupational divers working in the recreational diving industry in New Zealand remains unproven.
authors.affiliation: General Practitioner and Rural Hospital Doctor in Northland, New Zealand. gvanderHulst@dargavilledocs.co.nz
authors.forename: Greg A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: van der Hulst
authors.forename: Peter Lee
authors.initials: PL
authors.lastname: Buzzacott
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003665:Decompression Sickness / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D059026:Diagnostic Self Evaluation; D004242:Diving; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015233:Models, Statistical; D009520:New Zealand / Q000453:epidemiology; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011336:Probability; D057566:Self Report; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult