Survey on Quality of Life, General Health and Related Demographic Factors in the Personnel of a Military Force: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background and Aim: The specific characteristics of people's work in the military force can affect the general health and quality of life of these people. The aim of this study was carried out to assess the quality of life and general health of the personnel of a military force and effective factors. Methods: The present research is a descriptive cross-sectional study in 2017. Four hundred members of a military force were selected by simple random sampling based on inclusion and exclusion criteria from Bandar Abbas, Bushehr and Mahshahr cities. The data collection tools included a self-report questionnaire consisting of three as demographic characteristics, a 36-item (SF-36) and a GHQ-28 general health questionnaire. Finally, the data were entered into SPSS software version 16 and it examined with descriptive statistics (frequency, mean and standard deviation) and also analytical statistics such as independent t-test, one-way ANOVA and Tukey test for multiple comparisons. Results: The results showed that Staffs quality of life scores were moderate. Also, the average of general health score had a normal condition without symptoms. On the quality of life subscales, pain and physical function had the highest and lowest mean, respectively. The lowest average score in subscale’s depression in general health. There was a statistically significant relation between the quality of life score and all demographic variables except military-grade (P<0.05). General health score had a significant relation with the majority of demographic variables, especially the Participant’s income level (P <0.05). Conclusion: It seems that training and supportive measures are needed to maintain and improve the existing conditions. The military environment, due to its special circumstances, requires wise and more precise management to maintain the core assets, which are its manpower. Therefore, according to the demographic and social factors affecting the dependent variables of quality of life and general health of staffs should be supported