Physical Readiness and Lifestyle Habits Among U.S. Navy Personnel during 1986, 1987, and 1988.

摘要

A 5-year Navy-wide longitudinal evaluation of factors related to health and physical readiness was launched in 1986. This report provides descriptive findings from the first three years of this study. Data were collected from randomly selected active duty Navy personnel. The total number of participants who provided any data during 1986 through 1988 was 8,308 (7,363 men and 940 women). Findings are presented for the overall sample as well as for several subgroups (men versus women, officers versus enlisted personnel, different age groups, groups with different lengths of naval service, and the four primary communities--land, surface, submarine, and air). Results are summarized from two primary perspectives: cross-sectional findings and longitudinal changes. Three year trends indicated substantial stability in physical readiness and lifestyle attitudes and behaviors. However, there were a fair number of small, but statistically significant, changes from 1986 to 1988 in both physical readiness and lifestyle behaviors in the direction of improved physical fitness and more healthful lifestyles. Data to be collected in the fourth and fifth years of this longitudinal study will be important for determining whether these trends continue. Keywords: Life style, Health behaviors, Health risks, Physical fitness, Navy men and women. (sdw)