International Journal of Circumpolar Health (Feb 2013)

Reasons for medical consultation among members of the Indian Scientific Expeditions to Antarctica

  • Abhijeet Bhatia,
  • Pradip Malhotra,
  • Ashok Kumar Agarwal

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3402/ijch.v72i0.20175
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 72, no. 0
pp. 1 – 3

Abstract

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The article attempts to analyze the disease burden in a healthy, pre-screened population subjected to prolonged residence in the hostile environment of Antarctica. This retrospective epidemiological study was conducted utilizing data from medical consultation room on board the Indian Antarctic expedition vessels and at Indian Antarctic station, Maitri from seven Indian Scientific Expeditions to Antarctica (ISEA). The study group (n=327) consisted of 325 men and two women. The total number of medical room consultations was 1989. Maximum consultations were for injuries (27.25%); 14.68% were musculoskeletal and 10.31% were bruises and lacerations. Disturbances of gastrointestinal tract (19.66%) were the second most common disorders. Psychological disturbances accounted for 2.66% consultations. Cold injuries constituted 2.01% consultations and photophthalmia accounted for 1.06% consultations.

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