A Pilot Project on Health Assessment of PAC Jawans.

ABSTRACT

Objective: To determine if changes in the life style bring any positive changes in various physical and psychological parameters. Material & Methods: An arbitrarily selected group of Jawans (32 in number and ranging in age from 35 to 58 years) were assessed in the Department of Psychiatry and other departments like Medicine, Ophthalmology, ENT and Physiology for various baseline investigations. Following this, they were subjected to one month of life style changes including regular exercises, Yoga and dietary modifications. After seventy one days a follow through check-up was done in post- intervention period for the same parameters. Results: The reductions in number of subjects having abnormal BMI(Body Mass Index)71.87% to 46.87%, abnormal GHQ-12 (12 items General Health Questionnaire) score- 37.5% to 21.87%, VC(Vital Capacity)- 15.62% to 6.25%, ECG(Electro Cardio-Gram)- 28.12% to3.12%, S. Total Cholesterol- 50% to 18.7%, and S. Triglycerides- 81.25% to 50% were statistically significant on a repeat check post-intervention. Subjectively 25% Jawans reported a feeling of wellbeing at the base investigations whereas 87.5% reported a reduction in mental tensions and enhancement of positive thinking during the feed back. They also reported benefits in various existing health problems and an increase in the self confidence. With special dietary regimes most of the jawans reported reduction in their obesity and various Gastro-intestinal disturbances. With regular Yoga and Pranayam, most of the jawans reported a benefit in their working capacity and occupation as a whole. All in all it can be inferred that such an intervention brings a positive change in the health status of PAC Jawans and no further deterioration has been observed.