Physical and Psychological Effects of Sustained Shipboard Operations on U.S. Navy Personnel.

摘要

Crew members of a U.S. Navy frigate and a guided missile cruiser were studied to determine if physical and psychological status undergo degradation during a period of high level readiness (Condition I or GQ). Objectives of the study included identifying the relationship between health and mood under these conditions. Crew members completed a health-symptoms checklist and a Profile of Mood States questionnaire. A sub-sample of crew members aboard both ships also completed questionnaires at four time periods during a 24-hour period; including prior to, and after, a period of GQ. The most commonly reported physical symptoms aboard both ships were physical fatigue, muscle aches, headaches, and muscle strain. Crewmen aboard the frigate reported significantly greater physical and psychological fatigue than crewmen aboard the cruiser. Among the sub-sample of crewmen who completed questionnaires at four intervals, a significant decline in tension/anxiety, anger/hostility, and depression over time was observed, although personnel aboard the cruiser reported significant increases in fatigue and confusion, and a significant decline in vigor immediately after a period of GQ. Tension/anxiety and fatigue were independently predictive of total health symptoms. Some decline in mood occurred between pre-GQ and post-GQ as indicated by a decline in vigor and an increase in fatigue and confusion among crew members of the cruiser. The decline in negative mood scores over time may indicate that some adaptation to sustained operations took place.