Prospective Study on the Morbidity Profile of Recruits over one year in three large Regimental Training Centres.

Keeping in view the lack of prospective epidemiological data on the incidence of major causes of morbidity specifically among recruits, the present study was undertaken among recruits of three large regimental training centres in a particular cantonment. The study period extended over exactly one training year, from 01 July 2001 to 30 June 2002. Successive batches of recruits entering the training centres during this period were followed up prospectively for hospitalisation in the local military hospital, till they completed their training. The study revealed that the major causes of morbidity were chickenpox and training injuries, including stress fractures. The major causes of invalidments were injuries, pulmonary tuberculosis and mental disorders. The findings have been compared and certain recommendations for preventing / reducing the incidence of major causes of morbidity have been submitted.