A study on the prevalence of high cholesterol among aircrew members of Sri Lanka Air Force

Abstract

Flying involves a complex interaction between the aviator and a sophisticated machine in a highly challenging environment. Thus the physical fitness of aircrew should be maintained at the highest level when flying an aircraft. Physical health of the aviators can be challenged by group of diseases known as noncommunicable diseases which is highly prevalent in Sri Lanka. The focus of this research is to study the occurrence of dyslipidemia and associated risk factors among the air crew members of Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF). Data collection was carried out by selfadministered questionnaire among 100 volunteered air crew members and using the records available on their medical folders at their consent. Study finds that among the population under study, 38% having high total cholesterol, 70% having high LDL levels and 16% having low HDL levels. Prevalence of high LDL level is found to be at an alarming high level in this sample and the only statistically proven contributing risk factor (P=0.048) was deduced to be the consumption of food with high lipid content. The results of this research will be a useful for planning and implementation of relevant programs in SLAF in maintaining the proper health conditions in air crew members.