Authors: Frilander, Heikki¹; Miranda, Helena¹; Mutanen, Pertti²; Martelin, Tuija³; Pihlajamäki, Harri⁴; Viikari-Juntura, Eira⁵

Source: Military Medicine, Volume 177, Number 9, September 2012 , pp. 1069-1074(6)

Publisher: AMSUS - Association of Military Surgeons of the U.S.

Abstract:

ABSTRACT

Objectives: The aim was to investigate time trends in musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among Finnish conscripts over a period of 40 years. Methods: A nationally representative health examination survey (the Health 2000 study) was carried out in 2000-2001 among 10,000 adult Finns. All 18- to 50-year-old men were further sampled (n = 2674) and those with completion of the 6 to 12 month compulsory service were included. (n = 2296). Time trends in consultations because of MSDs during service and findings at call-up examinations were analysed. Results: From 1967 to 2006 altogether 4872 MSD-related consultations were done, most commonly because of problems in the ankle or foot, knee, or back. The proportion of conscripts visiting military health care because of MSDs increased 1.6-fold (from 44 to 72%). The average number of MSD-related consultations per conscript tripled. The proportion of conscripts with ≥6 consultations increased 5-fold and those seeking care for multisite symptoms increased 10-fold. No increase in symptoms or findings before service could be seen at preservice examinations. Conclusions: Conscripts seek care because of musculoskeletal symptoms considerably more often nowadays than before. More attention should be focused to the prevention of traumatic and overexertion injuries of the lower limbs, although the reasons for increasing careseeking should be further investigated.

Document Type: Research article

Affiliations: 1: Centre of Expertise for Health and Work Ability, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Topeliuksenkatu 41 a A, FI-00250, Helsinki, Finland. 2: Statistics and Health Economics, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Topeliuksenkatu 41 a A, FI-00250, Helsinki, Finland. 3: National Institute for Health and Welfare, FI-00271 Helsinki, Finland. 4: Research Department, Centre for Military Medicine, Helsinki, FI-00301 Helsinki, Finland. 5: Disability Prevention Centre, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Topeliuksenkatu 41 a A, FI-00250, Helsinki, Finland.

Publication date: 2012-09-01

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