http://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/services/Feed ${session.getAttribute("locale")} 5 http://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/manager/Repository/uon:10353 Research Doctorate - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) 2012-03-12T07:50:31.182Z ]]> http://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/manager/Repository/uon:7393 Introduction: In Australia, four formal F-111 fuel tank deseal/reseal (DSRS) repair programs were implemented over more than two decades, each involving different processes and using a range of hazardous substances. However, health concerns were raised by a number of workers. The “Study of Health Outcomes in Aircraft Maintenance Personnel” was commissioned by the Australian Department of Defence to investigate potential adverse health outcomes as a result of being involved in the deseal/reseal processes. Aim: To compare measures of sexual function in F-111 aircraft fuel tank DSRS maintenance workers, against two appropriate comparison groups. Methods: Exposed and comparison participants completed a postal questionnaire which included general questions of health and health behavior, and two specific questions on sexual functioning. They also completed the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire. Logistic regression was used to explore exposure status and outcome while adjusting for potential confounders. Main Outcome Measures: The three outcomes of interest for this study were the proportion of participants with erectile dysfunction (ED) according to the IIEF, the proportion with self-reported loss of interest in sex, and the proportion with self-reported problems with sexual functioning. Results: Compared with each of the comparison groups, a larger proportion of the exposed group reported sexual problems and were classified as having ED according to the IIEF. In logistic regression, the odds of all three outcomes were higher for exposed participants relative to each comparison group and after adjustment for potentially confounding variables including anxiety and depression. Conclusions: There was a consistent problem with sexual functioning in the exposed group that is not explained by anxiety and depression, and it appears related to DSRS activities. 2011-03-16T03:30:06.310Z ]]> http://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/manager/Repository/uon:1064 Objective: We sought to contrast mood disorder symptoms in F-111 aircraft Deseal/Reseal maintenance personnel with appropriate comparisons. Methods: Participants completed a comprehensive health assessment, including measures of mood disorder, self-reported mood symptom questionnaire items, and review of anxiolytic and depression medication. Multiple logistic regression was conducted for each outcome using exposure group and potential confounders as explanatory variables. Results: There was high agreement between self-reported mood disturbance and objective tests. The exposed group was more likely to self-report previous diagnoses of depression/anxiety, had higher use of antidepressant medications, and had increased risk of diagnosis of depression/anxiety. Results were consistently strong against both comparison groups, with the exposed more likely to have mental distress and social dysfunction when compared with the Australian population. Conclusions: There is robust evidence for an association between F-111 Deseal/Reseal exposure and impaired mental health. 2010-04-27T06:06:35.126Z ]]> http://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/manager/Repository/uon:4616 Background: A cancer incidence and mortality study was conducted in response to health concerns raised by workers from F-III aircraft deseal/reseal fuel tank maintenance programs, to determine whether personnel exposed to deseal/reseal had an excess of cancers and mortality. Methods: Number of deaths and cancers,for individuals involved in F-111 DSRS activities were matched against two Air Force comparison groups. Analyses were weighted to adjust for differences in age, exposure period and rank. Results: Eight hundred seventy-three exposed, 7,577 comparison group one, and 9,408 comparison group two individuals were matched against death and cancer data, with 431 cancers and 431 deaths. Cancer incidence was higher in the exposed group, with marginally significant increases of 40-50% (cancer incidence rate ratio range 1.45-1.62). Exposed group mortality was significantly lower than both comparison groups, likely due to survivor bias in the exposed group (mortality rate ratio range 0.33-0.44). Conclusions: On the balance of probabilities, there is an increased risk of cancer associated with participation in F-111 deseal/reseal activities. 2010-04-27T05:10:14.779Z ]]>