Age-specific morbidity among Navy pilots.

This study compares the morbidity (hospitalization) rates by age of male Navy aviators (n = 22,417) with rates for three male control populations: nonpilot aircrew officers (n = 9,483), unrestricted line officers (n = 55,593), and staff officers (n = 46,565). Aircrew members and pilots have the highest hospitalization rates of the four officer groups for both total admissions and for most of the 16 major diagnostic categories. Younger pilots have the highest rates for the disorders of tooth development and eruption and accidental injuries (primarily sports-related) while one of the highest rates for older pilots is observed for circulatory diseases. Compared to civilian samples, the four officer populations are considerably healthier. To further protect the health of Navy personnel, a health risk profile should be developed, implemented, and used as the initial step in reducing and eliminating health risk factors.