The influence of immigrant background and parental education on overweight and obesity in 8-year-old children in Norway

BACKGROUND

Little is known about the prevalence of overweight/obesity and socio-economic position (SEP) in children with immigrant background in Scandinavia. The purpose of this study is to examine the prevalence of overweight/obesity by immigrant background among children in Norway and to explore the role of SEP in explaining differences in weight status.

METHODS

Anthropometric data from 8,858 children (age 8.3 years) from the population-based Norwegian Childhood Growth Study were used. Information about immigrant background, country of origin, and parental education (used as an indicator of SEP) were provided by Statistics Norway. For children with immigrant background, regional background was determined based on country of origin. Prevalence ratios (PR) were estimated for overweight/obesity and weight-to-height-ratio (WHtR) ≥ 0.5 by immigration and regional background, using generalized estimating equation log-binominal models adjusting for sex, age, survey year (model 1), residential area, population density (model 2) and parental education (model 3).

RESULTS

Children with immigrant background had a higher prevalence of overweight/obesity and WHtR ≥ 0.5 than non-immigrant background children. Adjusted for parental education, children with an immigrant background from Southern and Eastern Europe, Asia except South-Asia, and Africa had a higher prevalence of overweight/obesity [PR: 1.37 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.10-1.72), 1.28 (1.05-1.57), 1.47 (1.13-1.91), respectively] than children with a non-immigrant background. Children originating from Asia except South-Asia had a higher prevalence of WHtR ≥ 0.5 (PR: 1.64, CI: 1.25-2.15) compared to non-immigrant background children. The adjustment for parental education did not substantially change the results.

CONCLUSION

Children with immigrant background had higher prevalence of overweight/obesity than non-immigrant background children. The difference varied according to region of origin but not substantially according to parental education. There is a need for culturally acceptable preventative measures targeting the parents of immigrant background children.

The test-retest reliability of the Military Physical Loading Questionnaire (MPLQ)

INTRODUCTION

Despite the high prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries, there is a shortage of data quantifying the risk factors attributable to cumulative occupational demands among UK Military personnel. We developed a new comprehensive questionnaire that examines occupational and operational physical loading during military service. The aim of this study was to examine the test-retest reliability of the Military Physical Loading Questionnaire (MPLQ).

METHODS

Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were used to evaluate the test-retest reliability (4-week interval) of the MPLQ on 18 occupational and 18 operational items in 50 male (mean age: 36 years; SD ±7.9) UK military personnel. A stratified analysis based on duration of Service (0-10 years, 11-20 years and ≥21 years) was conducted to assess whether stability of task items was dependent on participant length of recall. Internal consistency was assessed by Cronbach's alpha (α) coefficients.

RESULTS

Reliability of individual operational items ranged from fair to almost perfect agreement (ICC range: 0.37-0.89; α range: 0.53-0.94) with most items demonstrating moderate to substantial reliability. Overall scores related to occupational items showed substantial to almost perfect agreement between administrations (ICC range: 0.73-0.94; α range: 0.84-0.96). Stratifying by duration of Service showed similar within group reliability to the entire sample and no pattern of decreasing or increasing reliability with length of recall period was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

It is essential that data used in planning UK military policy and health services are as accurate as possible. This study provides preliminary support for the MPLQ as a reliable self-report instrument for assessing the cumulative lifelong effects of occupational loading in UK military personnel. Further validation studies using larger and more demographically diverse military populations will support its interpretation in future epidemiological research.

Centre-level variation in outcomes and treatment for otitis media with effusion and hearing loss and the association of hearing loss with developmental outcomes at ages 5 and 7 years in children with non-syndromic unilateral cleft lip and palate: The Cleft Care UK study. Part 2

OBJECTIVES

To explore centre-level variation in otitis media with effusion (OME), hearing loss and treatments in children in Cleft Care UK (CCUK) and to examine the association between OME, hearing loss and developmental outcomes at 5 and 7 years.

SETTING AND SAMPLE POPULATION

Two hundred and sixty-eight 5-year-old British children with non-syndromic unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) recruited to CCUK.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Children had air and bone conduction audiometry at age 5. Information on grommet and hearing aid treatment was obtained from parental questionnaire and medical notes. Hearing loss at age 5 was defined as >20 dB in the better ear and history of OME and hearing loss was determined from past treatment. Children with sensorineural hearing loss were excluded. Associations were examined with speech, behaviour and self-confidence at age 5 and educational attainment at age 7. Centre variation was examined using hierarchical models and associations between hearing variables and developmental outcomes were examined using logistic regression.

RESULTS

There was centre-level variation in early grommet placement (variance partition coefficient (VPC) 18%, P=.001) and fitting of hearing aids (VPC 8%, P=.03). A history of OME and hearing loss was associated with poor intelligibility of speech (adjusted odds ratio=2.87, 95% CI 1.42-5.77) and aspects of educational attainment.

CONCLUSIONS

Hearing loss is an important determinant of poor speech and treatment variation across centres suggest management of OME and hearing loss could be improved.

Cleft Care UK study. Part 5: child psychosocial outcomes and satisfaction with cleft services

Objectives

To describe the impact of cleft service centralization on parental perceptions of child outcomes and satisfaction with care from the Cleft Care UK (CCUK) study and compare them to the Clinical Standards Advisory Group (CSAG) study that took place 15 years earlier.

Setting and Sample Population

A subgroup of respondents from a UK multicentre cross-sectional study (CCUK) of 5-year-olds born with non-syndromic unilateral cleft lip and palate.

Materials and Methods

Data on parents’ perceptions of child self-confidence and their satisfaction with treatment outcomes and service provision were collected via self-report questionnaires. Data were compared with findings from the 1998 CSAG study.

Results

Fewer parents in the CCUK study perceived their children as having poor self-confidence than in the 1998 CSAG study (8 and 19%, respectively). At least 81% of parents report satisfaction with the child’s facial features after surgery and 98% report being satisfied with the care received. These results are similar to those reported in 1998. There is no evidence of an adverse impact on families’ ability to attend appointments at the cleft clinic following centralization. Levels of reported problems (around 30%) with attendance were similar to those reported by CSAG.

Conclusion

Centralization of cleft services appears to have improved parental perceptions of some child outcomes but has made little difference to already high levels of parental satisfaction with cleft care services. Centralization is not associated with an increase in the proportion of families who find it difficult to attend appointments.

Structural outcomes in the Cleft Care UK study. Part 2: dento-facial outcomes

OBJECTIVES

To compare facial appearance and dento-alveolar relationship outcomes from the CSAG (1998) and CCUK (2013) studies.

SETTING AND SAMPLE POPULATION

Five-year-olds born with non-syndromic unilateral cleft lip and palate. Those in the original CSAG were treated in a dispersed model of care with low-volume operators. Those in CCUK were treated in a more centralized, high-volume operator model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We compared facial appearance using frontal view photographs (252 CCUK, 239 CSAG) and dental relationships using study models (198 CCUK, 223 CSAG). Facial appearance was scored by a panel of six assessors using a standardized and validated outcome tool. Dento-alveolar relationships were scored by two assessors using the 5-Year-Olds' Index. Ordinal regression was used to compare results between surveys.

RESULTS

Excellent or good facial appearance was seen in 36.2% of CCUK compared with 31.9% in CSAG. In CCUK, 21.6% were rated as having poor or very poor facial appearance compared with 27.6% in CSAG. The percentage rated as having excellent or good dento-alveolar relationships was 53.0% in CCUK compared with 29.6% in CSAG. In CCUK, 19.2% were rated as having poor or very poor dento-alveolar relationships compared to 36.3% in CSAG. The odds ratios for improved outcome in CCUK compared to CSAG were 1.43 (95% CI 1.03, 1.97) for facial appearance and 2.29 (95% CI 1.47, 3.55) for dento-alveolar relationships.

CONCLUSIONS

Facial and dento-alveolar outcomes were better in CCUK children compared to those in CSAG.

Centralization of cleft care in the UK. Part 6: a tale of two studies

Objectives

We summarize and critique the methodology and outcomes from a substantial study which has investigated the impact of reconfigured cleft care in the United Kingdom (UK) 15 years after the UK government started to implement the centralization of cleft care in response to an earlier survey in 1998, the Clinical Standards Advisory Group (CSAG).

Setting and Sample Population

A UK multicentre cross-sectional study of 5-year-olds born with non-syndromic unilateral cleft lip and palate. Data were collected from children born in the UK with a unilateral cleft lip and palate between 1 April 2005 and 31 March 2007.

Materials and Methods

We discuss and contextualize the outcomes from speech recordings, hearing, photographs, models, oral health and psychosocial factors in the current study. We refer to the earlier survey and other relevant studies.

Results

We present arguments for centralization of cleft care in healthcare systems, and we evidence this with improvements seen over a period of 15 years in the UK. We also make recommendations on how future audit and research may configure.

Conclusions

Outcomes for children with a unilateral cleft lip and palate have improved after the introduction of a centralized multidisciplinary service, and other countries may benefit from this model. Predictors of early outcomes are still needed, and repeated cross-sectional studies, larger longitudinal studies and adequately powered trials are required to create a research-led evidence-based (centralized) service.

A cross-sectional survey of 5-year-old children with non-syndromic unilateral cleft lip and palate: the Cleft Care UK study. Part 1: background and methodology

Objectives

We describe the methodology for a major study investigating the impact of reconfigured cleft care in the United Kingdom (UK) 15 years after an initial survey, detailed in the Clinical Standards Advisory Group (CSAG) report in 1998, had informed government recommendations on centralization.

Setting and Sample Population

This is a UK multicentre cross-sectional study of 5-year-olds born with non-syndromic unilateral cleft lip and palate. Children born between 1 April 2005 and 31 March 2007 were seen in cleft centre audit clinics.

Materials and Methods

Consent was obtained for the collection of routine clinical measures (speech recordings, hearing, photographs, models, oral health, psychosocial factors) and anthropometric measures (height, weight, head circumference). The methodology for each clinical measure followed those of the earlier survey as closely as possible.

Results

We identified 359 eligible children and recruited 268 (74.7%) to the study. Eleven separate records for each child were collected at the audit clinics. In total, 2666 (90.4%) were collected from a potential 2948 records. The response rates for the self-reported questionnaires, completed at home, were 52.6% for the Health and Lifestyle Questionnaire and 52.2% for the Satisfaction with Service Questionnaire.

Conclusions

Response rates and measures were similar to those achieved in the previous survey. There are practical, administrative and methodological challenges in repeating cross-sectional surveys 15 years apart and producing comparable data.

Functional outcomes in the Cleft Care UK study--Part 3: oral health and audiology

Objectives

To compare oral health and hearing outcomes from the Clinical Standards Advisory Group (CSAG, 1998) and the Cleft Care UK (CCUK, 2013) studies.

Setting and sample population

Two UK‐based cross‐sectional studies of 5‐year‐olds born with non‐syndromic unilateral cleft lip and palate undertaken 15 years apart. CSAG children were treated in a dispersed model of care with low‐volume operators. CCUK children were treated in a centralized, high volume operator system.

Materials and methods

Oral health data were collected using a standardized proforma. Hearing was assessed using pure tone audiometry and middle ear status by otoscopy and tympanometry. ENT and hearing history were collected from medical notes and parental report.

Results

Oral health was assessed in 264 of 268 children (98.5%). The mean dmft was 2.3, 48% were caries free, and 44.7% had untreated caries. There was no evidence this had changed since the CSAG survey. Oral hygiene was generally good, 96% were enrolled with a dentist. Audiology was assessed in 227 of 268 children (84.7%). Forty‐three per cent of children received at least one set of grommets – a 17.6% reduction compared to CSAG. Abnormal middle ear status was apparent in 50.7% of children. There was no change in hearing levels, but more children with hearing loss were managed with hearing aids.

Conclusions

Outcomes for dental caries and hearing were no better in CCUK than in CSAG, although there was reduced use of grommets and increased use of hearing aids. The service specifications and recommendations should be scrutinized and implemented.

Centre-level variation of treatment and outcome in 5-year-old children with non-syndromic unilateral cleft lip and palate: The Cleft Care UK study. Part 1: Methodology and results for dento-facial outcomes

OBJECTIVES

Outline methods used to describe centre-level variation in treatment and outcome in children in the Cleft Care UK (CCUK) study. Report centre-level variation in dento-facial outcomes.

SETTING AND SAMPLE POPULATION

Two hundred and sixty-eight five-year-old British children with non-syndromic unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between January 2011 and December 2012, data were collected on a comprehensive range of outcomes. Child facial appearance and symmetry were assessed using photographic pictures. Dental arch relationships were assessed from standardized dental study models. Hierarchical statistical models were used to predict overall means and the variance partition coefficient (VPC)-a measure of amount of variation in treatment or outcome explained by the centre.

RESULTS

Data on dento-alveolar arch relationships and facial appearance were available on 197 and 252 children, respectively. The median age of the children was 5.5 years, and 68% were boys. Variation was described across 13 centres. There was no evidence of centre-level variation in good or poor dento-alveolar arch relationships with a VPC of 4% and 3%, respectively. Similarly, there was no evidence of centre-level variation in good or poor facial appearance with a VPC of 2% and 5%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

There was no evidence of centre-level variation for dento-facial outcomes although this study only had the power to detect large variation between sites.

Centre-level variation in behaviour and the predictors of behaviour in 5-year-old children with non-syndromic unilateral cleft lip: The Cleft Care UK study. Part 5

OBJECTIVES

The aims of this study were to describe child behavioural and psychosocial outcomes associated with appearance and speech in the Cleft Care UK (CCUK) study. We also wanted to explore centre-level variation in child outcomes and investigate individual predictors of such outcomes.

SETTING AND SAMPLE POPULATION

Two hundred and sixty-eight five-year-old children with non-syndromic unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) recruited to CCUK.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Parents completed the Strengths and Difficulties questionnaire (SDQ) and reported their own perceptions of the child's self-confidence. Child facial appearance and symmetry were assessed using photographs, and intelligibility of speech was derived from audio-visual speech recordings. Centre-level variation in behavioural and psychosocial outcomes was examined using hierarchical models, and associations with clinical outcomes were examined using logit regression models.

RESULTS

Children with UCLP had a higher hyperactive difficulty score than the general population. For boys, the average score was 4.5 vs 4.1 (P=.03), and for girls, the average score was 3.8 vs 3.1 (P=.008). There was no evidence of centre-level variation for behaviour or parental perceptions of the child's self-confidence. There is no evidence of associations between self-confidence and SDQ scores and either facial appearance or behaviour.

CONCLUSIONS

Children born with UCLP have higher levels of behaviour problems than the general population.

The Cleft Care UK study. Part 4: perceptual speech outcomes

OBJECTIVES

To describe the perceptual speech outcomes from the Cleft Care UK (CCUK) study and compare them to the 1998 Clinical Standards Advisory Group (CSAG) audit.

SETTING AND SAMPLE POPULATION

A cross-sectional study of 248 children born with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate, between 1 April 2005 and 31 March 2007 who underwent speech assessment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Centre-based specialist speech and language therapists (SLT) took speech audio-video recordings according to nationally agreed guidelines. Two independent listeners undertook the perceptual analysis using the CAPS-A Audit tool. Intra- and inter-rater reliability were tested.

RESULTS

For each speech parameter of intelligibility/distinctiveness, hypernasality, palatal/palatalization, backed to velar/uvular, glottal, weak and nasalized consonants, and nasal realizations, there was strong evidence that speech outcomes were better in the CCUK children compared to CSAG children. The parameters which did not show improvement were nasal emission, nasal turbulence, hyponasality and lateral/lateralization.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that centralization of cleft care into high volume centres has resulted in improvements in UK speech outcomes in five-year-olds with unilateral cleft lip and palate. This may be associated with the development of a specialized workforce. Nevertheless, there still remains a group of children with significant difficulties at school entry.

Maternal 25-hydroxyvitamin D and its association with childhood atopic outcomes and lung function

Background

It has been suggested that maternal vitamin D status in pregnancy influences the risk of asthma and atopy in the offspring. The epidemiological evidence to support these claims is conflicting and may reflect chance findings and differences in how vitamin D was assessed.

Objective

To examine the association between blood total maternal 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations in pregnancy and offspring asthma, atopy and lung function in the largest birth cohort study to date.

Methods

Participants were largely of white European origin and resident in the South West of England. We examined the associations of maternal 25(OH)D concentrations in pregnancy with the following outcomes in the offspring: wheeze, asthma, atopy, eczema, hayfever, at mean age 7.5 years (n = 3652–4696 depending on outcome), IgE at 7 years (n = 2915) and lung function and bronchial responsiveness at mean age 8.7 years (n = 3728–3784).

Results

Sixty-eight per cent of mothers had sufficient (> 50 nmol/L) concentrations of 25(OH)D, 27% were insufficient (27.5–49.99 nmol/L) and 5% were deficient (< 27.5 nmol/L). There was no evidence to suggest that maternal 25(OH)D concentration in pregnancy was associated with any respiratory or atopic outcome in the offspring. These findings remained after adjustment for season of measurement and for potential confounders. There was also no evidence that these relationships followed a non-linear form and no evidence that either deficient or high concentrations of maternal 25(OH)D were associated with atopic or respiratory outcomes.

Conclusions

We found no evidence that maternal blood 25(OH)D concentration in pregnancy is associated with childhood atopic or respiratory outcomes.

Prediction of body-fat percentage from skinfold and bio-impedance measurements in Indian school children

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Few equations for calculating body-fat percentage (BF%) from field methods have been developed in South-Asian children. The objective of this study was to assess agreement between BF% derived from primary reference methods and that from skinfold equations and bio-impedance analysis (BIA) in Indian children.

SUBJECTS/METHODS

We measured BF% in two groups of Indian children. In Pune, 570 rural children aged 6-8 years underwent dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans. In Mysore (18)O in doubly labeled water was administered to 59 urban children aged 7-9 years. We conducted BIA at 50 kHz and anthropometry, including sub-scapular and triceps skinfold thicknesses. We used the published equations of Wickramasinghe, Shaikh, Slaughter and Dezenburg to calculate BF% from anthropometric data and the manufacturer's equation for BIA measurements. We assessed agreement with values derived from DXA and doubly labeled water using Bland-Altman analysis.

RESULTS

Children were light and thin on average compared with international standards. There was poor agreement between the reference BF% values and those from all equations. Assumptions for Bland-Altman analysis were not met for Wickramasinghe, Shaikh and Slaughter equations. The Dezenberg equations under-predicted BF% for most children (mean difference in Pune -13.4, LOA -22.7, -4.0 and in Mysore -7.9, LOA (-13.7 and -2.2). The mean bias for the BIA equation in Pune was +5.0% and in Mysore +1.95%, and the limits of agreement were wide; -5.0, 15.0 and -7.8, 11.7 respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Currently available skinfold equations do not accurately predict BF% in Indian children. We recommend development of BIA equations in this population using a four-compartment model.

Glucose tolerance and insulin resistance in Indian children: relationship to infant feeding pattern

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Our objective was to examine whether longer duration of breast-feeding and later introduction of complementary foods are associated with lower glucose concentrations and insulin resistance (IR-HOMA) in Indian children.

METHODS

Breast-feeding duration (six categories from <3 to ≥18 months) and age at introduction of complementary foods (four categories from <4 to ≥6 months) were recorded at 1, 2 and 3 year follow-up of 568 children from a birth cohort in Mysore, India. At 5 and 9.5 years of age, 518 children were assessed for glucose tolerance and IR-HOMA.

RESULTS

All the children were initially breast-fed; 90% were breast-fed for ≥6 months and 56.7% started complementary foods at or before the age of 4 months. Each category increase in breast-feeding duration was associated with lower fasting insulin concentration (β = -0.05 pmol/l [95% CI -0.10, -0.004]; p = 0.03) and IR-HOMA (β = -0.05 [95% CI -0.10, -0.001]; p = 0.046) at 5 years, adjusted for the child's sex, age, current BMI, socioeconomic status, parent's education, rural/urban residence, birthweight and maternal gestational diabetes status. Longer duration of breastfeeding was associated with higher 120-min glucose concentration at 5 years (β = 0.08 mmol/l [95% CI 0.001, 0.15; p = 0.03]) but lower 120-min glucose concentration at 9.5 years (β = -0.09 [95% CI -0.16, -0.03]; p = 0.006). Age at starting complementary foods was unrelated to the children's glucose tolerance and IR-HOMA.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Within this cohort, in which prolonged breast-feeding was the norm, there was evidence of a protective effect of longer duration of breast-feeding against glucose intolerance at 9.5 years. At 5 years longer duration of breast-feeding was associated with lower IR-HOMA.

Accelerometers for measuring physical activity behavior in Indian children

OBJECTIVE

To examine the validity of accelerometers for characterizing habitual physical activity patterns in Indian children.

DESIGN

Cohort study.

SETTING

Holdsworth Memorial Hospital, Mysore.

SUBJECTS

Children (N=103, mean age 6.6 years) selected from an ongoing birth cohort study.

METHODS

Physical activity was measured over 7 days using accelerometers (MTI Actigraph) and concurrent parent-maintained activity diaries. Actigraph counts per minute representing sedentary (<10), light (< 400), moderate (<3000) and vigorous activity were determined using a structured activity session in a separate group of 10 children. In 46 children chosen for validating accelerometers, time spent in different activity levels according to diaries was determined. Energy Expenditure (EE) was calculated from diaries using a factorial method.

RESULTS

Ninety-eight children wore the monitor for > or = 4 days. Total counts and time spent in different activity levels were similar in boys and girls (P>0.2). Among 46 children chosen for comparisons, time spent in sedentary (r =0.48, P=0.001), light (r=0.70, P<0.001) and moderate activities (r=0.29, P=0.054) according to diaries correlated with those derived from counts, and total Actigraph counts correlated with EE (r=0.42, P=0.004). Bland-Altman analysis showed systematic bias, and wide limits of agreement between these methods for time spent in different activity levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Accelerometers are a well tolerated and objective way of measuring activity behavior in free-living children. Though accelerometer counts correlate with time spent in activity of varying intensity and energy expenditure derived from parent-maintained diaries, wide limits of agreement show that the limitations of accelerometers need to be recognized in interpreting the data that they generate.

Low plasma vitamin B12 in pregnancy is associated with gestational 'diabesity' and later diabetes

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

This study was designed to test the hypothesis that low plasma vitamin B(12) concentrations combined with high folate concentrations in pregnancy are associated with a higher incidence of gestational diabetes (GDM) and later diabetes.

METHODS

Women (N = 785) attending the antenatal clinics of one hospital in Mysore, India, had their anthropometry, insulin resistance (homeostasis model assessment-2) and glucose tolerance assessed at 30 weeks' gestation (100 g oral glucose tolerance test; Carpenter-Coustan criteria) and at 5 years after delivery (75 g OGTT; WHO, 1999). Gestational vitamin B(12) and folate concentrations were measured in stored plasma samples.

RESULTS

Low vitamin B(12) concentrations (<150 pmol/l, B(12) deficiency) were observed in 43% of women and low folate concentrations (<7 nmol/l) in 4%. B(12)-deficient women had higher body mass index (p < 0.001), sum of skinfold thickness (p < 0.001), insulin resistance (p = 0.02) and a higher incidence of GDM (8.7% vs 4.6%; OR 2.1, p = 0.02; p = 0.1 after adjusting for BMI) than non-deficient women. Among B(12)-deficient women, the incidence of GDM increased with folate concentration (5.4%, 10.5%, 10.9% from lowest to highest tertile, p = 0.04; p for interaction = 0.2). Vitamin B(12) deficiency during pregnancy was positively associated with skinfold thickness, insulin resistance (p < 0.05) and diabetes prevalence at 5 year follow-up (p = 0.009; p = 0.008 after adjusting for BMI). The association with diabetes became non-significant after excluding women with previous GDM (p = 0.06).

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Maternal vitamin B(12) deficiency is associated with increased adiposity and, in turn, with insulin resistance and GDM. Vitamin B(12) deficiency may be an important factor underlying the high risk of 'diabesity' in south Asian Indians.

The Incidence And Occupational Outcome Of Overuse Anterior Knee Pain During Army Recruit Training

OBJECTIVES

To determine the incidence and occupational outcome of overuse anterior knee pain (AKP) in Army recruits undergoing basic training.

METHODS

A prospective cohort study of 1008 Army recruits. Recruits underwent the 12-week phase 1 training program. Cases of AKP were captured through self-presentation of pain at a primary care medical centre. All recruits medical records were reviewed on leaving training and any other lower limb injuries were recorded for comparison with the AKP group. Training outcomes in terms of medical discharges (MD) and discharges as of right (DAOR) i.e, voluntary discharge, were recorded along with training days lost (TDL) and whether a recruit had been held back in training (BS).

RESULTS

8.75% (95% CI: 6.93-10.57) of recruits reported to the medical centre with AKP. Of these more than half were referred to see a GP and the majority were from patients with no previous history of AKP (91%, 95% CI: 85.2-97.5). The median TDL per AKP case was 3 days (IQR: 3-5 days). The AKP group had a significantly higher (p < 0.01) MD rate (12.5%) than the lower limb injury group (3.3%; 95% CI diff: 1.1-17.2%) and the baseline rate of all other recruits (2.5%; 95% CI diff: 2.3-17.7%). The majority of AKP cases occurred by week 4 (median) of training (IQR: 2.2-64).

CONCLUSIONS

There was a high incidence of AKP, and while the short term prognosis appears relatively good in the majority of cases as reflected in the median TDL, a large minority were medically discharged and held back in training. Further work should examine methods of reducing the disease burden of AKP in the Army, addressing areas such as aetiology, prevention and treatment.